Album Review: Onslaught – Origins of Aggression (RPM)

Legendary thrashers Onslaught’s first release on RPM is a very special double album. One that celebrates the inception of the band and the consequent 40th anniversary of their debut album, ‘Power from Hell’. Called ‘Origins of Aggression’, the new record contains 22 tracks on a double album format. The first disc featuring re-recordings of the most important Onslaught tracks from the early years, while the second disc consists of punk and metal cover versions that shaped Onslaught into the band they are today. ‘Origins of Aggression’ is out on May 23rd, 2025.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, absolutely no-one can deny the impact this band has had on the metal scene in general, let alone the thrash metal scene. They are pioneers and not only is it incredible that they’ve been around in some form or another since 1982, but it is incredible that they’re still going so strong today, led by the incomparable guitarist Nige Rockett.

Now, the thing about recordings of classic tracks is that rarely are they necessary. Of course, technology has advanced significantly, but sometimes a track’s charm can come from its raw and rough sound. Cleaned up, particularly with thrash, can often just highlight flaws in the writing, which can be further compounded by a band not quite able to match the energy and style of their youth.

I mention this because none of it applies to Onslaught and the slew of re-recordings here. Origins of Aggression’s first disc is ten great examples of re-recordings done right. They’re not replacing the original, and in some cases aren’t better, but they perfectly compliment and pay tribute to the glorious past. Especially as these are ten iconic Onslaught hits taken from the iconic trio of 80’s albums, Power from Hell (1985), The Force (1986) and In Search of Sanity (1989).

My favourites? The blistering Thermonuclear Devastation of the Planet Earth and the anthemic head banger that is Power from Hell. Tracks you can give you whiplash!

These ten tracks would be strong enough to be an album on their own, but Onslaught have sought to go further. Delivering a double album that all fans should desire as the second disc is filled with exciting, unique, and fun covers. Some aren’t too much of a surprise, such as Discharge, Exploited, and GBH, but even then, the choice of covers is exciting. I love that their Judas Priest cover is not an obvious one, and instead it’s Freewheel Burning, a banger track that doesn’t get enough love.

How about Killing Joke’s Wardance? Sex Pistols’ Holidays in the Sun? Or UK Subs’ Emotional Blackmail? It’s fascinating to see what sort of bands have been influential for Onslaught and to hear them, today, pay loving tribute in their inimitable style. This second disc makes this a must listen, especially for long term fans, but when coupled with the re-recordings on the first disc? It’s a no-brainer that all fans of heavy head banging metal should be checking this out.

Onslaught – Origins of Aggression Track Listing:

CD1:

1. Thermonuclear Devastation of the Planet Earth (Re-recorded 2025)
2. Black Horse of Famine (Re-recorded 2025)
3. Angels of Death (Re-recorded 2025)
4. Power from Hell (Re-recorded 2025)
5. Metal Forces (Re-recorded 2025)
6. Let There be Death (Re-recorded 2025)
7. Fight With the Beast (Re-recorded 2025)
8. Thrash Till the Death (Re-recorded 2025)
9. In Search of Sanity (Re-recorded 2025)
10. Shellshock (Re-recorded 2025)

CD2:

1. Iron Fist (Motörhead Cover)
2. Holiday In Cambodia (Dead Kennedy’s Cover)
3. A Look at Tomorrow (Discharge Cover)
4. U.K. 82 (Exploited Cover)
5. Freewheel Burning (Judas Priest Cover)
6. Wardance (Killing Joke Cover)
7. Give Me Fire (GBH Cover)
8. State Violence State Control (Discharge Cover)
9. Holidays in the Sun (Sex Pistols Cover)
10. Emotional Blackmail (UK Subs Cover)
11. War Pigs (Black Sabbath Cover)
12. Drunk With Power (Discharge Cover)

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