ONSLAUGHT

So you missed out on ONSLAUGHT's 2007's post-reunion release "Killing Peace" and are still wondering whether the reigniting of a flame that burned out in 1991 was worth it, eh? Take the opportunity to make that assessment with new album "Sounds of Violence". The odds are in favor of an answer in the affirmative. But hey, it's solid, muscle bound thrash that may fall well short of reinvention, but is long on headbang-worthiness and features a handful of tunes that'll you'll be shouting about at random, no matter the appropriateness of the setting in which you find yourself.

An obvious disdain for the control-basis of the institution called religion and a fascination with man's dead-end predilection for war go hand in hand with a big balls approach to thrash that finds company with the likes of SLAYER, SACRIFICE, and DEW-SCENTED. Something about that special kind of vicious UK thrash metal edge is apparent as well, on occasion somewhat reminiscent of what we heard on STAMPIN' GROUND's excellent 2003 banger "A New Darkness Upon Us". Really a vibe more than anything though, so don't get all comparison nuts about it. Lots of bloody knuckle brawling and the jackhammering of concrete going on here, as tunes like "Born for War", "Code Black", and the title track demonstrate. Jacob Hansen's perfect-fit production and vocalist Sy Keeler's beefed up rasp guarantees that the blades are sharp and used only for killing.

Several songs, such as "Hatebox" (dig that title) and "Rest in Pieces", fall squarely into the meat-and-potatoes-thrash category, while the clear standout and one likely to end up one of the thrash anthems of 2011 is "Godhead". SLAYER sized and with a chorus guaranteed to incite rioting in any gathering, it just plain rules. You'll appreciate a cover of MOTÖRHEAD's "Bomber" that features guest appearances by Phil Campbell and SODOM's Tom Angelripper as well. Not sure about its inclusion on any year-end lists, but "Sounds of Violence" is a no-brainer recommendation for fans of no-bullshit thrash.