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Onslaught - Killing Peace

Published Feb. 02 2007


*
=Staff's pick

Burn*
Killing Peace*
Destroyer Of Worlds
Pain*
Prayer For The Dead
Tested To Destruction
Twisted Jesus
Planting Seeds Of Hate
Shock 'N' Awe*


Genre Thrash Metal
Sy Keeler
Vocals
Tracks 9
Nige Rockett
Guitar
Runningtime 44 Min.
Alan Jordan
Guitar
Label Candlelight Music
James Hinder
Bass
Release 05 March 2007
Steve Grice
Drums
Country England
-
Keyboard
Similar artists Pantera, Exodus, Slayer, Testament

Almost a year ago, when I discovered that the metal forces of death meant to re-unite with their original line-up in tact, I was overcome with shellshock and awe. Just thinking that the demoniac had cajoled the deathmongers to re-sign their contract in blood, while planting seeds of hate, had me anxious for the onslaught of thermonuclear devastation. Knowing that Nige Rockett and Steve Grice had re-recruited the Lord of Evil himself, Sy Keeler to front The Force and shatter the mirror, merely meant my mettle heart would burn. So my deranged prayer for the dead had been heard, as the flame of the anti crisis was rekindled. In 2007 the power from Hell would reap damnation as new destroyer of worlds.

The Force is my favourite Onslaught speed metal power play. I even recently acquired a new T-shirt with the album artwork illustrated. One fact about Onslaught, who have only released four full lengths in over 20 years, is that they always mimic their peers. In 1985, when Power From Hell arrived, one could easily taste the Venom meets Motorhead - "Let there be rock!" references, tinged with British punk: Warfare, Discharge, Exploited, G.B.H. angst. One year later, when they would fight with the beast, Sy sang shrill like Tom Araya when he was showing no mercy, or Blitz when he was ready to feel the fire. The sly beast Keeler, also exhibited a certain violence and forceful range similar to Dan Beehler from Exciter. After Sy's thematic exodus, the Grim Reaper - Steve Grimmett escaped from the asylum, and instantly was In Search Of Sanity. By 1989, when Onslaught was given a major label enterprise, Metallica were masters of profits. This meant that Sanity would ride the lightning war into mirrored imitation, and lack of originality. By 1991 the onslaught had subsided.

Enter early 2007, the Devil's legion return Killing Peace, and welcoming death and pain. With production by Andy Sneap, they have modernized their thrash till death potential. This may appeal to a younger audience raised on Pantera, and 90's Sepultura, as well as newer Exodus and Slayer; but this does little for old school skullcrushers. Sy has chosen a gruff growl like Zetro Sousa and Rob Dukes, forsaking the high pitch, altogether. The Force - Book II, this is not! The music is still thrashing, and quite heavy, nonetheless. The CD will satiate all aggressive appetites.

There are definitely some killing pieces of scrap and shrapnel firings, which will keep your headbanging, and your heart racing. The opener, Burn with its anti christian fame finds Sy imitating Ozzy and Steve Grimmett simultaneously, "See you in Hell!". The title track and Tested To Destruction pleasure the flesh with tempos of the damned, given their Exodus flavour. Destroyer Of Worlds, with it's irritating rant, Pain, and Twisted Jesus are pure Slayer. In fact, the breakdown melody for Twisted Jesus is resurrected from and identical to Seasons In The Abyss. The closer Shock 'N' Awe is balls out belligerence.

I can understand Onslaught's need to appeal to a younger generation; but what about their original fanbase? I'm confused, why not take lessons in violence from Destruction or Kreator who manage to balance both worlds beyond with their eternal devastation! I understand that Onslaught have re-recorded the song Power From Hell, which I long to hear. I sure hope this upholds its primitive allegiance, and evil essence. I yearn to witness them live, soon; let's just hope the Metal Forces have what it takes to still thrash till the death!

See also review of: Sounds Of Violence

Performance
Originality
Production
Vocals
Songwriting

6

5

7,5

6

6

 
Summary



6,5 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel

One of my reviewing colleagues (not the author of this review, obviously) recently said about this album: "This is just about how good thrash metal gets". I do not want to go that far but this is definitely very good. I heard Onslught on a few occasions in my youth but since then they have fallen into oblivion and before hearing this I could hardly remember how they sounded back then, so my opinions here are based entirely without previous efforts in mind. Instead of the listed similar bands above, I would personally like to mention (especially) modern Kreator and Overkill. A steady rhythm section, solid and catchy riffs and a good sense for song writing. The production signed Andy Sneap is of course good as always. His productions can tend to get a bit sterile and dry and very clinically perfect without much feeling, but here it works better than usual.//Tommy (8 of 10)

Related links:

www.onslaughtfromhell.com
www.myspace.com/onslaughtuk