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Rating: 1986 was undoubtedly the most significant year concerning the verb Thrash Metal. Master of Puppets/Reign In Blood/Peace Sells... are material for a petition aimed at the promulgation of the sixth star on Debaser, they are so indispensable. Not to forget gems like Energetic Dissassembly and Pleasure To Kill by Watchtower and Kreator. Amidst all this chaos of brutality and class, the English band Onslaught can calmly claim a worthy spot thanks to "The Force", a shining example of sonic destruction Made in Europe. Having archived - but never completely - the splendid and wild Venom-style charges of their debut "Power From Hell", the Bristol-based band decided it was time for devastation and fed their masterpiece to the ravenous fans of the time. What I've always loved about this album is its damn old school sound; a relentless assault with no frills, which is in every respect the ideal meeting point between "Show No Mercy" and "Hell Awaits".
The recruitment of the talented Sy Keeler (and the consequent rerouting of Paul Mahoney to bass and Jesse Stallard to the second guitar) undoubtedly benefited the destructive economy of the platter, allowing Nige Rockett and his companions to indulge in very long and tortuous tracks; "Let There Be Death", "Metal Forces", "Fight With The Beast" - the first three outbursts, besides having become anthems for hundreds of fans, share a common denominator: exciting starts, pounding rhythm punctuated by tireless drumwork (Steve Grice), lightning-fast solos, and an indomitable voice that explodes like a wild splinter (a magazine from the period literally defined it as 'it's as if Cronos made a single bite of Araya, spitting him out immediately afterward...'). The gloomy piano openings of "Demoniac" and especially the elephantine bell tolls that introduce "Flame Of The Antichrist" - for the writer, the gem of the album with its dizzying riffs and daunting themes - prove how the combo had reached a compositional maturity never again found to this day. The only downside - besides the horrible cover - remains the pathetic and childish anti-Christian lyrics ("...satans force rains from the throne to slay the priest of lies..." "...satans awaiting to regain the crown return it to hell's dark domain...") which wouldn't even make a baby lost in the Black Forest shudder.
"The Force" is a marble block that cannot be scratched. You will find yourself falling into an infernal pit of headbanging with no way out, realizing only at the end of the impetuous "Thrash 'Till The Death" that you have a slight pain in your cervical vertebrae that will affect listening for 4/5 days. After which, you won't be able to do without it anymore.
The ultimate album from Onslaught. Essential for any self-respecting thrasher.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
05 Flame of the Antichrist (07:50)
Church of christ breeding hate the flame of hell shall rise Satans force rains from the throne to slay the priest of lies 1,000 years was bound by chain Satanus seeks revenge Burning flame the antichrist no mercy no repent [Chorus:] Lightning strikes the knell of death panic runs below Holy priest he prays in vain the winds of death now blow Flame of the antichrist Satans troops they march from hell the ressurected dead Church of christ lay under siege the flame of death burns red Demons slay the king of kings destroy this holy shrine Bow to me the antichrist the house of god is mine [Chorus] Cast upon the wings of death drowned in seas of blood Damned the church to solitude holy ones are slain Fallen from the lap of god satan claims revenge Thunder flame the mighty force burn the cross In sacred tongue they try to fight satan holds the force Wind and flame exerting death destruction of the cross Spirits scream with chants of doom lucifer has come Distant hopes the heavens fall in hell thy will be done [Chorus]
06 Contract in Blood (06:13)
Hear the call I beckon
Harlot come to me
Lay your trust in satan
Fall unto your knees
Ride with me through fire
The eternal pits of hell
Grant to me your body
I will take your soul
Tormented soul eternity
Satanic slave you will bear my son
The evil force from the frosty skies
I possess your mind
Bound by chain
The immortal slave
Mystic chants round the holy grave
Lust for blood a sacrifice
Deadly sin contract in blood
Contract in blood!!!
Renounce me all religion
Smite the wrath of god
Pledge to me a sacrifice
Sign the pact with blood
Mount the steed of satan
You can ride the air
Accomplish your desire
Scorn the cross they bear
Tormented soul eternity
Satanic slave you will bear my son
The evil force from the frosty skies
I possess your mind
Bound by chain
The immortal slave
Mystic chants round the holy grave
Lust for blood a sacrifice
Deadly sin contract in blood
Contract in blood!!!
Ride down to the depths of hell
Come to be my slave
Desecrate your virgin soul
I take you upon a grave
I feel the lust rip through your soul
As I implant you with my seed
I leave my mark upon your flesh
And thrash you till you bleed
Sacrifice to me your heart and soul
You are ever damned to rot in hell
Possessed by the evil child
The harlot died in pain
Feed the corpse to the hounds of hell
Deliver me her soul
Bursting from the tomb of life
The banshees born in flame
Rise my son you live through me
You are born to ride again
Hail and thunder raging from the skies
Satans child bloodlust in his eyes
Contract in blood!!!
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