Review ONSLAUGHT “Origins of Aggression”

Thrash metal is often associated with the Bay Area, and for good reason. However, the East Coast metal scene, featuring bands like Anthrax and Overkill, should not be forgotten while thrash metal also began to grow in popularity in Europe and the UK. One of the first UK bands in this genre is Onslaught.

The band was founded in 1982, and after releasing a few demos, they launched their debut album in 1985. “Power from Hell” is the title of an album that paved the way for two more longplayers during the ’80s. The titles of these excellent thrash metal albums are “The Force” and “In Search of Sanity.” The debut album showcases the band’s passion for metal, with punk rock influences embedded in this furious first album. In contrast, “The Force” leans more towards metal. Both albums are connected by the sheer energy that Onslaught generate with their music. Tracks like “Metal Forces” and the galloping “Thrash ‘Til the Death” are among the best thrash metal songs to come out of the UK.

Sy Keeler was the vocalist on the first two records, and Steve Grimmett (R.I.P.) sang on the third. “In Search of Sanity” is certainly the real thrash metal gem of this first era of Onslaught. It is also Onslaught’s most technically advanced album, with excellent headbangers like the title track. Onslaught’s sound shifted slightly towards Bay Area thrash metal, prompting comparisons with Metallica.

Onslaught disbanded in 1991, bringing an end to the band’s first era. Their 2004 reunion marked the beginning of a second phase, which is still ongoing.

This week, Onslaught will release an album entitled “Origins of Aggression”. The album is a retrospective focusing on songs from the first three albums. The tracks have been re-recorded, and the contemporary production adds an extra punch to these metal classics. Since the album is a double album, there is a second disc as well. This one pays homage to the bands that influenced Onslaught and ignited the flame of metal. The band launches twelve cover versions, and the previously mentioned punk influences are clearly present. Onslaught recorded songs from bands like Dead Kennedys, Discharge, GBH, and Sex Pistols as well as metal highlights from bands that helped define the Onslaught sound. Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Black Sabbath also inspired the UK thrashers, making this part of the release exciting as well.

Onslaught has released an interesting compilation of their early work and each song is a great piece of music. Their own songs blast out of the speakers, sounding even more dynamic than in the ’80s, and the cover versions provide nonstop excitement. Good stuff.