“Black Metal”. “To Mega Therion”. “Obsessed by Cruelty”. These
are all albums that are generally mentioned when the discussion of the early black
metal comes up. Each album is rooted in a very filthy, raw blend of thrash
metal with elements of what would later go on to become black metal (and death
metal). However, not every band that played this style of “proto-metal” would
go on to shape worlds so to speak. One such band, would be Onslaught. The Album:
“Power from Hell”.
Hailing from the UK, Onslaught joins the list of bands that
dabbled in the mixing of early thrash and black/death elements both in sound
and imagery. The music on “Power from Hell” is typical of the proto sound;
filthy, raw, fast thrash metal with that extra ingredient of “proto”. The
guitars play with a high speed relentlessness that is thick and sinister,
creating both heading banging riffs and catchy rhythms. The bass is very murky,
creating a nice layer of sound the compliments the guitars and adds to the
overall dark and demonic atmosphere. The drumming, while nothing above and
beyond, play a very up tempo, pounding and crashing style that drive the songs
forward with non-stop force. “Thermonuclear Devastation” is a finer example of
the relentless drums and speedy guitars while the epic “Onslaught (Power from
Hell)” reflects on the it’s dark and demonic style the proto-black/death metal
sound was built upon. Skullcrusher I&II are both instrumental, but I feel
display the best of the albums production, as each instrument plays a vital
role within each song, and each instrument highlights just what they bring to
the table.
Now, Paul Mahoney is the main vocalist however, Nige Rockett
fronted the tracks “Death Metal” & “The Devil’s Legions”. Mahoney’s vocals
are very rough and have a certain grit to their sound, which reminds me a bit
of Venom’s “Black Metal”. They help define the character of this album, being
dark and primal in nature. As for Rockett, I really enjoyed “Death Metal”, but
his voice sounds a little too crisp and higher pitched, which tends to take
away from darkness from which that band dwelled. I would say his vocals would
fit the sound of a more, straight forward thrash sound.
“Power from Hell” may not be a perfect album, but it was one
of the handful of albums at time that explored new territories in metal.
Onslaught may not be mentioned as often as some of the bigger players of the
time (as their sound would change in the near future), but “Power from Hell” is
more than deserving for a nod of appreciation. Either way, for fans of a nice
primordial thrash attack or those looking to add to their early black/death
metal experience, go ahead and pick this up.
Highlights: “Onslaught (Power from Hell)” “Angels of Death”
“Skullcrusher I&II”
Rating: 3.5
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