Onslaught - Destroy the Islington Academy!!!

July 20th 2014

London, Islington o2 Academy, UK

*****
Onslaught lay waste to London!

Onslaught ***** should be a massive band and up their with the likes of Anthrax Megadeth and the giants of Thrash and now Metal, Metallica. They were one of the small amount of British bands that could have challenged the American band's back in the Thrash's 80's heyday and the three albums they have released since their reunion not only challenge anything released recently by The Big Four, but also Thrash's premier league Testament, Kreator, Exodus, Slayer etc... but also they stand up to any of Metal's current elite 'VI' easily challenges Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, Devildriver and any other band you care to think of currently doing the rounds.

With tonight being filmed for a DVD all is on the table production wise. A big stage set, banners, big lighting and all the trims. The band explode on to the stage with 'Sounds of Violence' the band look so comfortable and at ease. Just hope that this brilliant show actually does come out on DVD, I have seen so many shows being filmed that don't ever see the light of day but I am sure this one will. The added extras make the show look really good and help to set the scene nicely and will be good to see if I can spot myself in it when I watch it back.

Front man Sy Keeler smiles from ear to ear throughout pacing himself and attacking with perfect balance. The set plays like a greatest hits. The first half concentrates on post reunion material with 'Let there be Death' from their classic album 'The Force' thrown in. This is a track that really hit home with me and visions of what I was doing at the time flash across my mind and I realise that I am really enjoying the bands set today.

I always really liked the back to form album 'Sounds of Violence' and as I said earlier the title track is great, but also with songs like 'Rest in Pieces' it really stood out. So when they explode into this number you can see the fists flying in the air and the mosh pit is getting really busy. 'Destroyer of Worlds' is also one of my favourites in the bands set, with it's Megadeth feel to it and the way it almost verges on Death Metal, it is really impressive and a World class track that should be heard by everyone. It get's very anthem Esq. as it goes on all and has some greatest chanting bits just before it speeds up with it's pace and killer drums. "Kill in Peace, Kill in War, Kill in Peace, Kill in Awe!!!" these words hit hard and really stand out like the album that this song is taken from 'Killing Peace'.

'66 F**King 6' off the new album 'VI' really blasts at you like a metronome of guitar riffs and set's the carnage of singing around the venue. I think this song took some influence from Black Metal and is as good as any of the Slayer classics like 'Reign in Blood' and 'Angel of Death' so I have no idea why it isn't up their with them yet, I think sometimes people look to much into when it was recorded and not how good the track is. It is brutal and it has a great rythem to it and works really well on the live stage and I can't wait to watch it back on the DVD.

You get a real treat in tonight's set, because you hear Sy singing 'In search of Sanity' for the first time, this is unusual because it is from the album that he actually didn't sing on. It sounds great and like it always should have been him on it... he has really made the song his own. They then throw in a couple of tracks from their first album 'Power from Hell' which was released way back in 1985 almost thirsty years ago. The two tracks you get to enjoy from this record tonight are the title track and 'Thermonuclear Devastation'.

You couldn't have asked for a more professional and more importantly passionate performance. A perfect setlist and all round great atmosphere. A perfect Metal night that really could not be missed. You so have to listen to the bands new album 'VI' because it is an awesome Thrash Metal album and one you must have in your collection. So I advise you if your into this genre to check out Onslaught because their one of the best.

Onslaught - Setlist

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Sounds of Violence
Killing Peace
Chaos is King
Let there be Death
Children of the Sand
Rest in Pieces
Destroyer of Worlds
66 F**king 6
In search of Sanity
Fight with the Beast
Metal Forces
Power from Hell
Thermonuclear Devastation

Review and Photo's by Joe Denby