ONSLAUGHT – Generation Antichrist

The Backstory

UK trash metal legends Onslaught return with their seventh album Generation Antichrist.  The album is a long time coming after the band toured for five years on their last release VI (2013), then another 2 years for the 30th anniversary of their landmark album The Force.  Generation Antichrist sees the departure of longtime Onslaught vocalist Sy Keeler, with David Garnet stepping in.

The Album

To say the songs contained within Generation Antichrist are intense, extreme, fast, and loud would be an understatement.  Well contained within its lyrics are lead songwriter and guitarist Nige Rockett’s views on war, politics, religion, and society.  “Rise to Power” is an intro track that gives you a glimpse into what to expect from the album.  In that respect and without warning, “Strike Fast Strike Hard” hits you with manic drum fury and rapid fire guitar riffs.  It’s a rallying cry for victory within a war.

”Bow Down to the Clowns” has a fitting ‘chant with us and obey’ chorus. It delves into how we are controlled by the government and media.  “Generation Antichrist” takes on a society that no longer believes in the existence of a higher power, while “All Seeing Eye” calls out the large media companies and governments that record our every move through our devices and consumption.

“Empires Fall” is the only track where Onslaught slows things down a bit. Not so much that the intensity of the album is lost.  “Religiousuicide” denounces the hypocracy of the Catholic church.  “A Perfect Day to Die (2020)” is a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister .  It’s just as bass heavy and thunderous as any Motörhead track.

The Verdict

Overall the lyrical content of Generation Antichrist should seem very familiar, because we are living them.  While the songs are different enough musically that they can be distinguished apart from each other, there’s a certain familiarity among them. Not just the drum, bass, and guitar work, but the way the lyrics are delivered as well.  However, production and sound quality are top notch.

If you just want to bang your head and throw your fist in the air, then Generation Antichrist is 40 minutes well spent.

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Tracklist

1. Rise to Power
2. Strike Fast Strike Hard
3. Bow Down to the Clowns
4. Generation Antichrist
5. All Seeing Eye
6. Addicted to the Smell of Death
7. Empires Fall
8. Religiousuicide
9. A Prefect Day to Die (2020)