Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Date: May 23rd, 2025
Formed in 1982 in Bristol, Onslaught have been marked as pioneers of British thrash metal. As well as America having its big four, Onslaught along with Sabbat, Xentrix and Acid Reign are signed in the history of metal as the British big four. The band was active from 1982 to 1991 and luckily, they reunited in 2005 when they started working on their fourth album, “Killing Peace”. Over the years, Onslaught had numerous line-up changes, and more or less, 20 people passed through the band.
Exactly 40 years after they released “Power from Hell”, Onslaught, signing with Reigning Phoenix Music (March 14th, 2025), marks the anniversary by releasing an album “Origins of Aggression”. An album that contains 22 songs on two CDs: one that is a collection of re-released the most notable tracks in the previous 40 years, and other as a dedication to their influences. So, the first CD has a double role: education role for all those who missed the band’s opus over the years or those who are forming their musical taste at this moment and on the other hand it is reminder, a testimony of their legacy for all those fans who were following them over the years and maybe lost vinyl, cassettes or other formats. CD2 shows us why and how Onslaught became what they are. Through the collection of 12 songs, covers, Onslaught will give a tribute to those who shaped their music.
Starting with CD1… “Thermonuclear Devastation of the Planet Earth”, “Black Horse of Famine”, “Angels of Death”, “Power from Hell”, “Metal Forces”, “Let There Be Death”, “Fight with the Beast”, “Thrash Till the Death”, “In Search of Sanity” and “Shellshock” are the songs previously released on “Power from Hell” (Children of the Revolution, 1985), “The Force” (Under One Flag, 1986) and “In Search of Sanity” (London Records, 1989) and re-recorded in 2025. Maybe the most interesting detail is the song “Black Horse of Famine”. This song appeared on several demos and compilation albums but was never professionally recorded.
Onslaught started as a hardcore punk band. CD2 is dedicated to their early influences: Motörhead, Dead Kennedys, The Exploited, Discharged, Killing Joke, GBH, Judas Priest, Sex Pistols, U.K. Subs and Black Sabbath.
As a part of promotion, Onslaught released two videos: “In Search of Sanity” and “Iron Fist”. As the song “In Search of Sanity” was originally released in 1985, 40 years later, in interpretation of David Garnett it sounds like Chuck Billy joined the band. But not only as Chuck, carefully listening to his opus with Onslaught, you will clearly conclude that he is highly influenced by the Bay Area scene (Mark Osegueda, Chuck Billy). Adding slightly growls; David leaves his seal to the band’s opus since 2020. When it comes to “Iron Fist”, I must quote the band: “What true metalhead doesn’t love Motörhead?”
From my perspective, it makes no sense reviewing song by song. If we consider the fact that most of those songs were written and recorded from the period of 1985 to 1989, it is logical that not only technology has advanced over the years. The personal development of each member of the band is also natural and evident. So, the songs sound fresh in 2025, naturally, the production is better, the album delivers a more aggressive, violent and brutal sound. What else do you need or expect from thrash metal?
“Origins of Aggression” is the perfect album title, especially when we are focusing on CD2. When the band has existed for 40 years, is there any better way to answer the typical question – what were your influences than simply do something Onslaught did here. If you want to understand where the cause of their aggression comes from, just listen to this CD.
It is perfectly clear where the roots of not just Onslaught but in general thrash metal are. Origins of aggression could be easily titled years of progression.
In the end of the review, I will quote the band again and let you enjoy this album…
Leather and metal the forces are slamming the sky
Louder than hell the thrashers are screaming to die
Thrash till the death!
