Dragonslayer was an English heavy metal band from Lancashire, formed in 1978 as Heavy Thunder. They are a respected band from the new wave of British heavy metal period who settled on the name Slayer in 1980, meaning (as with S.A Slayer) they had to change their title to Dragonslayer to avoid confusion with the thrash band Slayer from Los Angeles, who released their debut album Show No Mercy worldwide on 3 December 1983. They can be described as early Power Metal, sharing classic rock influences with and fantasy-themed lyrics with other N.W.O.B.H.M. bands from the West Midlands such as Tyrant, Cynic, Grim Reaper and Arc.