Onslaught (band)

Onslaught are a British thrash metal band from Bristol, England, active from 1982 to 1991 and again since 2005. The band initially drew influences from US and British hardcore punk bands such as Discharge and the Exploited, as well as the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), and eventually adopted a straightforward thrash metal sound. They have been recognised as pioneers of the British thrash metal scene, and have also been referred to as one of the country's so-called "Big Four", along with Sabbat, Xentrix and Acid Reign. To date, Onslaught have released eight studio albums, one compilation, four singles and two live recordings: a live album and a live DVD.

History

Origins and ''Power from Hell'' (1982–1985)

Onslaught were formed in 1982 in Bristol, England by guitarist Nige Rockett and drummer Steve Grice. The two musicians were working to forge an ultra-aggressive, speed metal sound that was becoming more popular in the days of early Slayer and Metallica. In 1985, the duo were joined by bassist Jase Stallard and vocalist Paul Mahoney. The quartet quickly worked up enough material for a record and later that year, the debut album, '' Power from Hell'', was recorded and released on the British independent record label, Cor.

The band started to write more heavy metal–oriented songs, rather than their original punk sound. This was mainly influenced by the early releases of thrash metal bands, albeit with a darker sound. The band signed to Children of the Revolution Records, and released ''Power from Hell'' in 1985 as a result. As with other metal bands of the time, the lyrics were often Satanic, and the cover showed a demon emerging from a pentagram.

''The Force'', ''In Search of Sanity'' and breakup (1985–1991)

Sy Keeler joined the band as their new singer. Paul Mahoney (who had joined Onslaught in 1984) retained his place in the band, but took over bass duties from bassist, Jase Stallard who in turn assumed the role of rhythm guitarist, giving the band a second guitarist.Anderson, Jason: ''Onslaught'' AllMusic, accessed on 2 May 2013. By the first months of 1986, the new line-up was ready to record their second album, ''The Force'', in a recording studio in London. The album was released in May of that year through the label Under One Flag, and Onslaught toured for about two-and-a-half years in support of it, playing with bands such as Motörhead, Exciter, Girlschool, Kreator, Nuclear Assault, Agent Steel, the Crumbsuckers, Angel Dust, Exumer, Messiah, Sabbat and a then-still unknown Anthrax. The album was much more successful than ''Power from Hell'', and is considered a classic by many critics and fanzines. Chris Dahlkvist left the band later in 1986 and was replaced by James Hinder.

In 1987, Jase Stallard's guitar playing came into question, so Rockett dismissed him and replaced him with Rob Trotman. Using this line-up, they set out to write material for a third studio album. Having drawn the attention of London Records, the label signed the band. In mid-1988, the band began to start recording their third album, '' In Search of Sanity''. Upon hearing the album, the record label felt that a more versatile vocalist was needed, to do the music more justice. Although the band felt that Sy Keeler's vocals on the demo recording had the right sound, the production had a more polished sound – hence the need for a more polished vocalist. Steve Grimmett (formerly of the NWOBHM band Grim Reaper

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