Onslaught – Generation Antichrist

UK thrash legends Onslaught are back with their 7 full length album after a 7 year gap. Of course it’s not like the band haven’t been busy. Releasing a live album in 2016 and a lengthy world tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of “The Force”. The band are back this time around with 3 new members! Newly initiated are guitarist Wayne Doorman, drummer James Perry and most notably new vocalist David Garnett.

It goes without saying that a new vocalist is tricky at the best of times and has made and broken many a band but David steps up to the challenge and balances perfectly honouring the past while putting his own stamp on things. He sounds similar enough to Sy Keeler but distinct enough in his own right. He has a harsher tone, not afraid to apply screams and grunts when needed while maintain a clean soaring voice to keep the spirit of Onslaught intact.

As for the album? It’s a fucking masterpiece!

With the gap between releases I’d guess the new material got more refined as the writing went on because the songs just fly out of the speaker. Each track is a shredder and there’s an urgency to the songs. There’s no slow doomy track and Onslaught where never ones for ballads but they had gone into lengthy numbers from time to time but this is the shortest album they have ever released and only two of the tracks go over the 5 minute mark. It’s their "Reign In Blood" in the sense of there not being an ounce of fat on it. Don’t get me wrong it’s not all speed the songs are well paced but no moment is wasted.

Every song has a great infectious chorus that makes it instantly recognizable. 'Bow Down To The Clowns' and 'All seeing Eye' for example or 'Addicted To The Smell Of Death' makes good use of chants giving a nod to the bands hardcore punk roots. It’s funny because to two singles are left to close the album and bringing things to an abrupt end.

Not that it was needed but the new blood have definitely given Onslaught a shot in the arm and the band feel very fresh and revitalised on this album. An exciting new era for the band has begun and I can’t wait to see what the band come with after this and I especially can’t wait to see these songs done live.

With the intro song aside each of the 8 songs could open the band’s live set and/or could be released as a single. It plays like a greatest hits. It’s absolutely fantastic.

Dedicated to Dave Ingram. You should be reviewing this my friend, I know you would love it. 66’Fucking’6

5 / 5 STARS 

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1. Rise To Power
2. Strike Fast Strike Hard
3. Bow Down To The Clowns
4. Generation Antichrist
5. All Seeing Eye
6. Addicted To The Smell Of Death
7. Empires Fall
8. Religiousuicide
9. A Perfect Day To Die (2020 version)