Onslaught - VI

Crimeny this is some bad ass thrash metal from across the pond. There's apparently a strong surge of thrash bands kicking ass and taking names in the merry old land of England, but fuck if I've heard of them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying they aren't any good. Case in point, Onslaught and their sixth studio album, simply titled VI. If this is the sound of the modern thrash movement across the pond, then holy shit!

Their name couldn't be more appropriate, as their music is well described as a hardcore onslaught. This is great, brutal thrash metal as you might expect from Europe: heavy and fast, but with a certain working class grittiness that makes you want to instantly down several beers and start moshing in your Doc Martens. Hard.

To their credit however, it's not all just blast beats as tracks like Children Of The Sand break up the attack with atmospheric vocals that add just the right touch of exotic sophistication to these down and dirty proceedings. And 66'Fuckin'6 begins with a suitably creepy, horror movie music box intro that quickly gives way to an anthemic chorus that should play huge in a club show. With any luck they'll make a US tour soon.

The Bottom Line: If you like headbanging and moshing like there's no fucking tomorrow, this is the album for you, hands down. The energy Onslaught puts out on this brutal thrash masterpiece could fuel a fucking rocket to Mars. 'Nuff said.

Tracks That Present A High Risk Of Neck Damage: Chaos Is King, Slaughterize, 66'Fuckin'6, Dead Man Walking, and Enemy Of My Enemy

- Genghis wonders if these guys play guitar all classy with their pinkies extended...