ONSLAUGHT
"Generation Antichrist" (AFM
Records; 2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
It's been thirteen years since we reviewed an Onslaught album. That's okay, though, because it's been thirteen years since Onslaught released a studio album (2007's "VI"). A lot has happened in thirteen years: Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 went missing; the Ice Bucket Challenge came and went; same sex marriage was legalized in the U.S.; Pokémon Go became the biggest game in the world and a little thing called COVID-19 fucked up every single one of our lives. A lot of things have come and go and a lot of things have changed. But the good news is that, although the line-up has probably changed dramatically since then (Onslaught always were a band of changing personnel) Onslaught's latest album, "Generation Antichrist," is just as full of piss, vinegar and thrash as the band has ever been.
There are about 25 seconds of the sound of a radio being tuned at the very beginning of "Generation Antichrist" and then "Rise to Power" kicks in, with some towering power chords and a slower pace that bring to mind the beginning of a Ronnie James Dio record. That track runs just over two minutes long and then Onslaught hits the thrash button with "Strike Fast, Strike Hard," and keeps their finger on that button for the rest of the entire running time. Every track from here on is filled with speed, fury and attitude, the songs blistering the canal from your ears to your brain. If you're a fan of the thrash genre, you won't find anything better to listen to than "Generation Antichrist."
Lyrically, the band is fearless, unblinkingly throwing in social concepts and politics with pure, unforgiving boldness.
My favorite tracks are "Bow Down to the Clowns," the raging "Addicted to the Smell of Death" and the frantic "Religiouscide." Why? Because they kick ass. No other reason is necessary.
As I said above, a lot has changed in the thirteen years since Onslaught's last studio album was released. What hasn't changed is that Onslaught is still making fast and furious heavy metal thrash.
For more information, check out http://www.onslaughtfromhell.com.
"Killing
Peace" (Candlelight; 2007)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
After being on the shelf for nearly fifteen years, British thrash titans Onslaught have returned with full force on "Killing Peace."
This nine track release is a thrash-tastic throwback, harkening the days when Testament and Overkill ruled the roost. Sharing similarities with acts like Kreator and Destruction, this quintet dusts off the old tricks and polishes up the old machinery for another neck-snapping go-round on cuts like "Shock 'n Awe" and the Lamb of God-sounding "Burn."
Sure to satisfy those that feel the need for speed, Onslaught's righteous thrash metal demonstrates these Brits still have some gas left in the tank.
For more information, check out http://www.onslaughtfromhell.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2020 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
