Known as one of “The Big Four” thrash metal acts of Europe, Onslaught (Bristol, England) is releasing an intense, packed, double album featuring modern re-recordings of many of the quentet’s classic songs since forming in 1982 as well as homage cover songs of bands that have influenced Onslaught—the two-disc record, releasing tomorrow, is appropriately titled: Origins Of Aggression (Reigning Phoenix Music).
In this extensive interview with Onslaught, the band goes in-depth about the new album and discusses adapting to music streaming, their notoriety, longevity and maintaining motivation.
With the release of Origins Of Aggression—the band’s 8th studio release since 1985–how did you decide on which songs to pick and re-record for Disc 1, and would you say you also re-interpreted the songs or changed some of them for this record?
The decision was kinda easy for us really.
Disc 1 is basically the story of the band’s conception and journey from 1982 to 1989.
We chose the first two songs ever written for the band and then a kind of ‘Best Of’ from the first three albums, so that you have a very cool variation of early tracks.
We didn’t need to re-interpret the songs; there’s a few slight variations here and there, but nothing dramatic at all.
We’ve lived with those songs for so long now, playing them live regularly for many years, so they’re that much tighter and sharper now.
Disc 2 features cover songs of bands that have influenced Onslaught within the same general genre.
If there was a current or old pop music genre song you’d want to cover, what song would that be and why that one?
Hmmmmmm, good question… that’s a tough one…
Maybe Janet Jackson, “Rhythm Nation,” its a kinda heavy track anyway, so I’m sure we could take it to another level and add a little brutality along the way.
Through the years, what’s been the biggest change you’ve noticed in the music industry and how did you or how have you adapted to that change?
The most obvious and biggest change over recent years is the arrival of streaming in music.
That has had an extremely negative effect on our income from recorded music, it’s basically taken our livelihood away completely.
While streaming does have its advantages of exposing the band to a much bigger audience, it doesn’t compensate in any way for the loss of earnings from writing and recording music.
The only way we can adapt to the change is by touring a lot more; touring is the only real revenue stream available to bands in 2025.
Your band has been noted as being one of the Big Four British thrash metal acts. Overall, what do you think propelled the band to receiving such notoriety?
We were the very first thrash band in the UK, so that kinda gives you pioneer status from the very start.
We’ve always tried to do groundbreaking things all through our career, we never play safe, so that always gives you an edge over other bands.
And we work real hard!
What keeps you inspired and motivated after 40 years?
Making cool music and travelling the world, meeting so many cool people—you could never buy the experiences that Onslaught have had over the years, even if you were a multi-billionaire.
We have been very fortunate to be in this position, so we make the most of every moment.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’d just like to thank all our fans, old and new, for their undying and loyal support over the years. The Origins Of Aggression album is for you, so we hope you enjoy hearing it as much as we did recording it.
It’s a cool story about the history of Onslaught, please check it out!
Pre-Order Album
Origins Of Aggression can be pre-ordered (formats: 2CD-digipak, coloured vinyl, digital) or pre-saved on your favourite digital service provider (DSP) worldwide:
https://onslaught.rpm.link/originsPR
Tracklisting
Disc 1
01. Thermonuclear Devastation Of The
02. Black Horse Of Famine
03. Angels Of Death
04. Power From Hell
05. Metal Forces
06. Let There Be Death
07. Fight With The Beast
08. Thrash Till The Death
09. In Search Of Sanity
10. Shellshock
Disc 2
01. Iron Fist [by MOTÖRHEAD]
02. Holiday In Cambodia [by DEAD KENNEDYS]
03. A Look At Tomorrow [by DISCHARGE]
04. U.K. 82 [by THE EXPLOITED]
05. Freewheel Burning [by JUDAS PRIEST]
06. Wardance [by KILLING JOKE]
07. Give Me Fire [by GBH]
08. State Violence State Control [by DISCHARGE]
09. Holidays In The Sun [by SEX PISTOLS]
10. Emotional Blackmail [by UK SUBS]
11. War Pigs [by BLACK SABBATH]
12. Drunk With Power [by DISCHARGE]
Onslaught are:
David Garnett-vocals, guitars
Nige Rockett-guitars
Wayne Dorman-guitars
Jeff Williams-bass
James Perry-drums
Tour Dates
https://www.powerfromhell.com/site/pfh-live
Follow Onslaught
powerfromhell.com | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM
Photos: Korey Rockett, Karen George
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