Onslaught-Generation Antichrist

British thrash veterans Onslaught have now been around for almost four decades, but not without disruptive line-up changes and numerous hiatus announcements getting in the way. Yet still the band seem to be flying the flag for the UK thrash metal scene, not so much because their initial peers who were around in the 80s have seemingly disappeared (with the exception of Xentrix, Acid Reign and Lawnmower Deth), rather the steadily solid output Onslaught have conjured ever since reforming in 2007.

2020 however sees a refreshing change, a different but no less gruff vocalist in newcomer David Garnett, who on this year’s Generation Antichrist certainly unleashes his inner Chuck Billy and pulls it off effortlessly. This alone seems to be a great catalyst for the band’s overall refreshing performance, one which sees the rhythm section at its sharpest point and the delivery at its most aggressive. Indeed, from first song proper “Strike Fast Strike Hard” the bar is set relatively high and there are fewer missteps than you’d expect, despite the album’s relatively short running time. Much of the album is filled to the brim with bug-eyed intensity, the likes of “Bow Down to the Clowns” and “Addicted to the Smell of Death” (song titles aren’t exactly a strongpoint, not that it really matters in this instance) offering some of the most powerful and memorable riffs Onslaught have performed. Even the longer, groovier likes of the title track and “Empires Fall” allow the listener to clench their fist in defiance of such a frustrating year, the shout of the latter’s chorus inviting a bit of youthful exuberance to burst at the seams. It’s an enjoyable moment which reminds you that whilst Onslaught are still very serious about their output, you can still have fun listening to their output.

It’s a sweet collection of songs here which, whilst not exactly offering anything new, has a positive boon in its wake thanks to Garnett’s gruff albeit convincing vocal delivery. Firing on all cylinders and elaborating on that Chuck Billy-influenced roar, most songs feel intoxicating and really get shoved in your face, blasting other distractions out of the proverbial window. The title track is full of spittle and really feels at its most menacing when emphasis is placed on “antichrist” during the chorus, meaning the song certainly goes full throttle in defiance of religious control. “Strike Fast Strike Hard” features a similar effect, embracing Garnett’s rough-hewn voice and allowing him to carry that seemingly youthful energy through to the chorus, certainly a towering highlight of the song.

Whilst nothing seems to have changed in Onslaught’s musical vision since regrouping in 2007 (the obvious difference being a new vocalist), everything in Generation Antichrist seems a tad more efficient and powerful than in previous albums, making for one of the band’s strongest albums to date. On that note, it’s great to see Onsalught delivering the goods as if aging was never a thing. Nor should they feel that is the case; this is solid, convincing stuff.

Released: August 7th, 2020

3.7/5

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

Official Bandpage: https://www.powerfromhell.com/