U.K. thrash veterans Onslaught have returned with another ear-ripping endeavor christening the youth of the nation as Generation Antichrist. Though, in today’s hot-bed climate of unrest, anger and protests, the children of the beast may have a new broader definition.
The records a harsh, menacing, mud stomp to the face and ears. Like the guitar and drum version of Fight Club except everyone knows about it. They’ve channeled late ‘90s thrash alongside some Dukes era Exodus, giving their classic sound a new edge with mean, nasty, nail spitting delivery with 2020 commentary.
The next generation features vocalist Dave Garnett, stepping into the onslaught full-time giving voice to the new rapid, intense chaos. They’ve toured virtually non-stop for the past five years, answering veracious fan demand and appetite for live material, touring on last album VI and anniversary of classic album The Force.
They’re getting stronger, louder and faster with age with frantic, frenetic guitar riffs and Garnett’s fresh vocal sneer.
First single “Religiousuicide” viciously targets the worst, darkest and most hypocritical parts of religion, with violence done in the name and word of God or a sick, twisted view of it.
First video “Bow Down to the Clowns,” is a loud lyrical cynical bitch-slap to the broken reigns of the system and flagrant abuse of political power. Something wicked always comes out of heavy guitars, harsh vocals and fast drums. Grease painted Avatar style the creepiest parts of the old-school sideshow are brought out of the closet on screen. The modern day Carnival of Sin continues with daily updates.
No masks worn or flags flown with hourly social media unrest. It’s loud political deception with a car full of suits and yes men running from the public’s boos.
Radio stations change as guitars riff into action on “Rise to Power.” A slow building dance ready to slam, stations broadcast static as the opening razor riffs hit splitting skin.
“Strike Fast Strike Hard” is a Gatling gun paced flesh ripper, thrash thriller and proverbial heart pounder with rapid drums beating hands and ears and the first pit maker.
“Bow Down to the Clowns” gnaws through the backstage curtain of political chicanery, lies and deception with secrets of the side show used to symbolically expose the political arena. Garnett plays the Avatar ringmaster guiding the show. Political puppets doing what the strings allow. A straight hard carnival kiss, crunching like acidic candy and demented near death rides.
Distressing guitars vibrate the preacher’s contorted words on “Generation Antichrist” in an Exodus style new waltz. Drums hit springing forward, with speed like sprinting legs.
“All Seeing Eye” is the modern age electronic eye screening digital pixels and white noise. Big brother’s got implanted dibs on your life and schedule from above with paranoia and conspiracy theories shooting through the strings, with metal flair and foil hats flying around.
“Empires Fall” is a slow deliberate chugger with mallet, bat and sledgehammer in hand ready to slam heads off in red. “Religiousuicide” says the pit is church; the circle is ceremony and metal is god.
It’s a good day to die or flat line as a movie once said, but it’s a perfect day to die according to the Antichrist’s closing curtain call.
Whether you’re a long time fan to the slaughter or a newbie ready to dedicate some hearing to the bands decibels, Generation Antichrist is a current statement on incompetent politics and a world turning against itself, with tough cynical music to match. So, clear out the furniture in the biggest room and get to steppin.
