Onslaught
Formed: 1982
From:
Bristol,
United Kingdom
Last Known Status: Active
Background
Onslaught was formed in 1982 by Nige Rockett (guitar) and Steve Grice (drums). The band began life under the influence of the second generation of hard-core punk bands like Discharge, G.B.H, & The Exploited and the more metal influence of Motorhead. After 2 years of writing and hard gigging a deal was secured with underground label Children of the Revolution, and the band released its first album, Power From Hell, in 1985 with the lineup of Nige Rockett (Guitars), Steve Grice (Drums), Paul Mahoney (Vocals) and Jason Stellard on bass. The album was fervently received by the nascent thrash underground and contained a number of tracks that were to grow to become considered as thrash metal anthems, including the eponymous Onslaught (Power From Hell), Angels of Death and Death Metal (itself the subject of some conjecture – was this tune the first usage of the term ’Death Metal’ anywhere?) In 1986, Onslaught with the addition of new vocalist Sy Keeler signed to the mighty ’Music for Nations’ records which saw the release of the highly acclaimed ’The Force’ album, for many this is the definitive Onslaught record, containing more thrash classics like ’Let There Be Death, Metal Forces and Fight with the Beast’, the album received rave reviews across the world and catapulted Onslaught in to the higher circles of thrash metal and were seen by many as Europes hopefuls to end the American domination of the metal scene.. Touring with Motorhead, a legendary appearance at the 1st Dynamo Festival and shows with Anthrax and Nuclear Assault, simply added more firepower to Onslaughts evergrowing arsenal.. The huge success of ‘The Force’ album saw a wealth of major labels chasing Onslaughts signatures for the release of the 3rd album ‘In Search Of Sanity’. Onslaught eventually signed with ‘London records’ before releasing ISOS in 1989, but this was not to be without controversy.. Sy Keeler was unceremoniously sacked by the record company and Steve Grimmett was brought in as his replacement. The album was the bands biggest selling album to date, containing blistering thrashers like ‘Lightning War’ ‘Powerplay’ and the epic ‘Welcome To Dying’.. but die-hard Onslaught fans found the album too much of a departure from previous releases, due to the over-polished production and the replacement of Sy Keeler… Was this Onslaughts ’Final Moment’….? No, 15 years pass, Power From Hell & The Force are re-released on cd through the ’Blackened’ label, the interest in Onslaught is still strong, little did people know the band had reformed and had been secretly writing / rehearsing for 6 months at a hideaway outside Bristol.. Onslaught are returned with Sy Keeler once again at the mic. They then signed a worldwide deal with the impressive ’Candlelight’ label and the band entered ‘Backstage Studios’ Derbyshire, with long time friend Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Arch Enemy, Exodus) at the production / mixing helm..to record their 4th studio album ’Killing Peace’ The album was released to much critical acclaim in March 2007.
Latest Onslaught News
Below is our complete Onslaught news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
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Brutal Assault Adds Another Quartet Of Bands
The thrash metal blast is here – 4 bands from around the world, 4 different approaches, one shared love for furious riffs and endless energy! Armored Saint, Nevermore, Onslaught and Angelus Apatrida will don the stages at Brutal Assault in 2026. More...
Headline News
Onslaught Reunites With Vocalist Sy Keeler
Bristol thrash metal stalwarts Onslaught has announced Sy Keeler, who sang on their seminal album, "The Force" in 1986 and fronted the band from their 2005 return until 2020, has rejoined the band. A message from the group reads as follows:
"Onslaught are super stoked to announce the return of their legendary vocalist Sy Keeler!
"After a 6-year hiatus Keeler will hit the ground running at the BEC Arena in Manchester on November 9th for an explosive show at the UK’s Damnation Festival! Following this Onslaught will be heading down under for the band's long-awaited Australian debut, before kicking off their freshly announced 2026 'The Force From Hell' European run!"
Guitarist Nige Rockett comments: "Wow, this is truly incredible having Sy back in the Onslaught camp. He has always been seen as ‘The’ Onslaught vocalist and we know the fans are gonna’ be blown away for sure. The band are in a truly great place right now after the success of the “Origins Of Aggression” release and this will be seen as amazing news, I’m sure."
Sy states: "Well, that came out of nowhere! ‘Sy, would you consider rejoining the band?’ ‘Ugh! Yes, of course, I’ve really missed it.’ So almost 6 years on from my last gig, I’m very excited to be embarking on the 3rd chapter, looking forward to meeting old friends and of course making new ones, and of course having a few beers with my band mates. See you on the road very soon metalheads!"
Continuing the explosive success of their ongoing "Power From Hell" tour and their career-defining double-album "Origins Of Aggression" (released on May 22, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music), the band are ready to turn the pit into chaos once more with their "The Force From Hell" tour. In early 2026, they’ll be bringing the ultimate thrash assault to 22 cities all over the continent - a full-on fusion of their iconic debut “Power From Hell” and the 40th anniversary celebration of "The Force."
Onslaught comments on their upcoming tour: "So looking forward to this one following on from the great success of the “Power From Hell” tour earlier this year: it’s gonna be a full on combination of the best of 'Power From Hell' with 'The Force' [40th anniversary] to create a totally monstrous set for those who we missed out last time... Let there be thrash - see you in the pit!"
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Onslaught Drop New Version Of In Search Of Sanity
After turning heads with their crushing rendition of Motorhead’s "Iron Fist," UK thrash legends Onslaught return with the second single from their upcoming double-album "Origins Of Aggression", which is due out on May 23, 2025.
This time it’s personal. "In Search of Sanity," a re-recorded version of the band's 1989 title track, explodes back to life in 2025 with a vengeance. Packed with towering riffs, mind-blowing solos, and vocal lines sharper than ever, this modern take breathes new fire into a thrash anthem - while keeping its roots raw and intact.
Guitarist and founding member Nige Rockett opens up about the song’s return: “This new recording of the title track from the album of the same name has completely blown me away... It’s like night and day compared to the original version. It’s common knowledge that I’ve never been a huge fan of the album overall. Don’t get me wrong - I love the songs, but at the time it just wasn’t an ONSLAUGHT album in terms of the production, vibe, and everything else that surrounded this particular release. It’s always been my dream to re-record the whole album and to finally make it sound like a real ONSLAUGHT record - the way it should have sounded the first time around. Here it is...! Tons of aggression and anger, a real heavy thrash song with all the necessary components. I hope you dig the new lease of life this track now has, as much as we do!” More...
Onslaught To Be Inducted Into Metal Hall Of Fame
British Thrash Metal pioneers Onslaught will be Inducted into the 2022 Metal Hall of Fame, during their on-stage performance at Maryland Deathfest, May 28, 2022.
"We are excited to Induct British thrash metal pioneers Onslaught into the 2022 Metal Hall of Fame during their performance on stage at Deathfest Maryland," says Metal Hall of Fame President/CEO Pat Gesualdo. "Thrash Metal is a crucial part of the entire spectrum of Heavy Metal, and also a huge foundation for the Metal Hall of Fame. We are very proud to have Onslaught represent this genre that we all love so much."
Nige Rockett - Onslaught guitarist / founding member comments:
"Wow, What can we say, this has come completely out of the blue!
"We are truly honoured to receive this extremely prestigious recognition and join a list of so many awesome and respected names from the world of metal music.
"This has to be right up there with the best of accolades that this band has ever received in our in our long and illustrious career, it’s a great day for ‘Thrash Metal’ and a great day for the ‘UK Metal scene’. This award could not have arrived at a more perfect time as we celebrate ’40 years of raising hell’, it really is a true validation of ‘Onslaught’ past and present.. This one is for the fans..! Thank you all!" More...
Onslaught Shares New Lyric Video
British thrash metal stalwarts Onslaught has released a new lyric video for the song, "Strike Fast Strike Hard." You can check it out below. The song comes from the band's latest album, "Generation Antichrist," which was released this past August through AFM Records and is their first to feature new vocalist Dave Garnett.
Damnation Festival 2020 Officially Cancelled
The organisers of Britain's Damnation Festival has made the unfortunate announcement the 2020 edition of the event has had to be cancelled. A statement issued by the festival page reads as followss:
"We gave it every chance we could but in the end, there was no hope we could host even a scaled-down event in eight weeks' time.
"It's a sore one, but with the likes Pig Destroyer, Onslaught and Pallbearer all but tied up for next year, and an incredible package of black, death and doom being confirmed as we speak, 2021 is going to be a line-up worth the two-year wait. We guarantee it.
Tickets can be refunded or rolled over and we're going to organise some merch to mark this giant hole in our calendar.
"Last night Paul and I recorded a podcast to get properly into the cancellation; what it means for us, what it means for you, the future of the event, bands we want to (will!) see booked etc.
We also took the opportunity to look back over the years, regrets and highlights, including missing out on Ghost, Gojira and Bring Me The Horizon, Turisas' tour manager being less than complimentary about our fine festival and that bloody fire alarm!
"Thanks for the incredible support down the years, with your backing we'll be back punching well above our weight in 2021."
Onslaught Posts New Music Video Online
British thrash metal favourites Onslaught has posted a new music video online for the song, "Bow Down To The Clowns." You can check it out below. The song comes from the band's forthcoming seventh album, "Generation Antichrist," which will be released through AFM Records on August 7th and marks the band's first release since the 2013 album, "VI." The record also marks the debut of new vocalist Dave Garnett, who replaced longtime frontman Sy Keeler earlier this year.
Track Listing:
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 Perfect Day To Die More...
Onslaught Reveals New Album Details
UK Thrashers Onslaught will release their long awaited new album 'Generation Antichrist' through AFM Records on 7th August. The album was mixed by Grammy Award winning producer Daniel Bergstrand (Behemoth / In Flames / Meshuggah) at Dugout Studios - Uppsala, Sweden and is the follow up to the critically acclaimed "VI."
"Generation Antichrist" will be the ?rst album to feature new Onslaught vocalist Dave Garnett who has recently replaced long term frontman Sy Keeler.
Guitarist Nige Rockett comments:
"Wow, we’re stoked to ?nally get this new album ready to go, It’s been a huge challenge to get everything ?nalised in light of recent events around the the world. We’ve had to bend a few rules and do things in very unconventional ways to make it work, but we got it done.
"I gotta say this is one brutal fucking record and could be a real game-changer for the future of Onslaught, It’s a very earthy and extremely raw sounding album, we held back on the technology, with natural drums all round and i think Daniel Bergstrand did an unbelievable job on the mix.
"Everyone really stepped up to the plate massively on ‘Generation Antichrist’ but I have to single out our new vocalist Dave Garnett for smashing the vocals out of the park. It’s an unenviable task to follow in the big shoes of Sy Keeler but he’s made this album his own and in his own very cool style, iI’m sure he’s gonna be hugely popular with the fans!".
Track Listing:
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 Perfect Day To Die
Onslaught Reveals New Vocalist
British thrash metal legends Onslaught has announced that, following the news of the departure of their vocalist Sy Keeler, Dave Garnett has been recruited as the new singer.
Dave Garnett comments:
"Naturally like everyone I was gutted to hear about the departure of Sy Keeler. Onslaughts’ music and Sy's vocal style has been an influence of mine for many years, so it was a great honour for me to be asked by the band to fill these very BIG shoes.
"As the new voice of Onslaught I want to honour Sy for his amazing performances over the years, while at the same time as bringing a new sound and energy to the band. With a new album set for release and so many live shows / festivals in the works, I will be extremely excited to step out on to the stage with great anticipation and give the fans what they deserve!"
Onslaught Parts Ways With Vocalist
British thrash metal legends Onslaught has announced that they have parted company with vocalist Sy Keeler. A statement from the band reads as follows:
"It is with great sadness to announce that Sy Keeler will be leaving his role as vocalist of Onslaught. Due to the nature of the modern day music industry some things simply aren't sustainable year after year and Sy has now taken a different full time career path.
"We would like to wish Sy and his family all the very best on this new journey through life and give him huge thanks for his immense vocal performances in the band over the years.
We've shared so many great experiences, made some very cool records and played some really amazing shows across the globe, unfortunately nothing lasts forever and for us as a band what doesn't kill us will once again make us stronger.
"Lets hope that Sy will come and make a few surprise guest appearances now and again in the future!"
Keeler originally joined the band in 1986 and featured on the band's most recognised album, "The Force" later that year. At the behest of the record label, he was replaced by Grim Reaper vocalist Steve Grimmett soon after, but would return to the band when they reunited in 2005, recording three more albums, "Killing Peace," "The Sound Of Violence" and "VI."
MDF Announces First Bands For 2020 Festival
The organisers of the Maryland Deathfest has confirmed the first batch of bands which will perform at the 2020 edition of the event. Among those announced include Swedish death metal veterans Dismember, Florida death metal favourites Monstrosity and British thrash metal legends Onslaught. The festival is set to take place at Rams Head Live and Baltimore Soundstage on May 21-24 2020.
The confirmed bands are as follows:
Dismember (Sweden)
Monstrosity
Onslaught (UK)
Frizzi 2 Fulci (Italy)
Necrophobic (Sweden)
Demilich (Finland)
Nocturnus AD
Death Strike
Prostitute Disfigurement (Netherlands)
Butcher ABC (Japan)
Acid Witch
Grave Desecrator (Brazil)
Blood Feast
At War
Flesh Parade
Phlebotomized (Netherlands)
Cadaveric Incubator (Finland)
Cerebral Rot
Galvanizer (Finland)
Fistula
Holy Cost (Canada)
Vircolac (Ireland)
Sacrilegia (Ireland)
Backslider
Impure
Spite
Onslaught Posts New Music Video Online
British thrash metal legends Onslaught has posted a new music video online for the single, "A Perfect Day To Die." You can check it out below. The song was premiered at last year's Bloodstock Open Air festival and is expected to be included on their upcoming seventh album, the title of which has not yet been revealed. Guitarist Nige Rockett comments:
"We are super stoked to finally get some new material out to the fans, the first single to come from the new album is entitled 'A Perfect Day to Die' and is a little nod to our sadly departed friends from 'Motorhead' who were a major influence for Onslaught from the very beginning. The track has been mixed by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Udo, Evergrey) and produced by ourselves and Pete Hinton (Saxon) it sounds so heavy with a super aggressive vibe, it really has a ton of potential!" More...
Obituary Posts 70k Tons Short; Napalm Death Added
Florida death metal legends Obituary has posted a new animated short online promoting their upcoming appearance at the 70000 Tons cruise. You can check it out below. In addition to this, British grindcore masters Napalm Death has been added to the lineup. The ship will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 31 and dock in Labadee, Haiti, before returning on February 4.
The lineup is now as follows:
Accept
Arkona
Atrocity
Bodyfarm
Carnation
Chontaraz
Convulse
Coroner
Cyhra
Dark Funeral
Delain
Dragony
Eluveitie
Ensiferum
Exmortus
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Gloryhammer
Heidevolk
In Vain
Kalmah
Kamelot
Krisiun
Max & Iggor: Return To Roots
Mayan
Mors Principium Est
Napalm Death
Ne Obliviscaris
Night Demon
Nile
Obituary
Onslaught
Paradise Lost
Perpetual Warefare
Persefone
Pestilence
Rage
Raven
Riot V
Sodom
Soulfly
Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper
Subway To Sally
Svartsot
The Black Dahlia Murder
Tiamat
Tristania
Twilight Force
Tyr
Unleash The Archers
Van Canto
Vicious Rumors
Visions Of Atlantis
Vomitory
Warbringer More...
Three More Added To 70000 Tons Of Metal
The organisers of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise has announced a further three bands for this year's edition of the floating festival. Joining the lineup is Belgian death metal outfit Carnation, while Colombian thrashers Perpetual Warfare and Austrian power metal band Dragony have also been added to the bill. The ship will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 31 and dock in Labadee, Haiti, before returning on February 4.
The lineup is now as follows:
Accept
Arkona
Atrocity
Bodyfarm
Carnation
Chontaraz
Convulse
Coroner
Cyhra
Dark Funeral
Delain
Dragony
Eluveitie
Ensiferum
Exmortus
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Gloryhammer
Heidevolk
In Vain
Kalmah
Kamelot
Krisiun
Max & Iggor: Return To Roots
Mayan
Mors Principium Est
Ne Obliviscaris
Night Demon
Nile
Obituary
Onslaught
Paradise Lost
Perpetual Warefare
Persefone
Pestilence
Rage
Raven
Riot V
Sodom
Soulfly
Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper
Subway To Sally
Svartsot
The Black Dahlia Murder
Tiamat
Tristania
Twilight Force
Tyr
Unleash The Archers
Van Canto
Vicious Rumors
Visions Of Atlantis
Vomitory
Warbringer
Tyr Confirmed For 70000 Tons Of Metal
Faroe Islands metal outfit Tyr are the latest band to be confirmed for this year's edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise. The ship will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 31 and dock in Labadee, Haiti, before returning on February 4.
The lineup is now as follows:
Accept
Arkona
Atrocity
Bodyfarm
Chontaraz
Convulse
Coroner
Cyhra
Dark Funeral
Delain
Eluveitie
Ensiferum
Exmortus
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Gloryhammer
Heidevolk
In Vain
Kalmah
Kamelot
Krisiun
Max & Iggor: Return To Roots
Mayan
Mors Principium Est
Ne Obliviscaris
Night Demon
Nile
Obituary
Onslaught
Paradise Lost
Persefone
Pestilence
Rage
Raven
Riot V
Sodom
Soulfly
Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper
Subway To Sally
Svartsot
The Black Dahlia Murder
Tiamat
Tristania
Twilight Force
Tyr
Unleash The Archers
Van Canto
Vicious Rumors
Visions Of Atlantis
Vomitory
Warbringer
Three More Bands Added To 70000 Tons Of Metal 2019
The organisers of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise has announced a further three bands for this year's edition of the floating festival. Joining the bill are Brazilian death metal legends Krisiun, American heavy metal outfit Night Demon and Norwegian progressive metal group Chontaraz. The ship will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 31 and dock in Labadee, Haiti, before returning on February 4.
The lineup is now as follows:
Accept
Arkona
Atrocity
Bodyfarm
Chontaraz
Convulse
Coroner
Cyhra
Dark Funeral
Delain
Eluveitie
Ensiferum
Exmortus
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Gloryhammer
Heidevolk
In Vain
Kalmah
Kamelot
Krisiun
Max & Iggor: Return To Roots
Mayan
Mors Principium Est
Ne Obliviscaris
Night Demon
Nile
Obituary
Onslaught
Paradise Lost
Persefone
Pestilence
Rage
Raven
Riot V
Sodom
Soulfly
Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper
Subway To Sally
Svartsot
The Black Dahlia Murder
Tiamat
Tristania
Twilight Force
Unleash The Archers
Van Canto
Vicious Rumors
Visions Of Atlantis
Vomitory
Warbringer
Onslaught: 70K Tons "Set List By Request" Poll
As previously announced, UK Thrash Legends ONSLAUGHT will play 70000 Tons Of Metal 2019, The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise, taking place on January 31 – February 4, in Florida – Haiti – Florida! The band launched the "70000 Tons of Metal ONSLAUGHT set list by Request" poll via FB, HERE. More...
Sodom Confirmed For 70000 Tons 2019
German thrash metal legends Sodom are the latest band to be confirmed for next year's edition of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise. The ship will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 31 and dock in Labadee, Haiti, before returning on February 4.
The lineup is now as follows:
Accept
Arkona
Bodyfarm
Coroner
Dark Funeral
Delain
Eluveitie
Ensiferum
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Gloryhammer
Heidevolk
In Vain
Kalmah
Max & Iggor: Return To Roots
Mayan
Mors Principium Est
Ne Obliviscaris
Nile
Obituary
Onslaught
Paradise Lost
Persefone
Pestilence
Rage
Riot V
Sodom
Soulfly
Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper
Subway To Sally
The Black Dahlia Murder
Tiamat
Tristania
Twilight Force
Unleash The Archers
Visions Of Atlantis
Vomitory
Warbringer
Bodyfarm Added To 70000 Tons Of Metal
The organisers of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise has announced that Dutch death metal outfit Bodyfarm is the latest band to be added to the lineup for next year's edition of the floating festival. The ship will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 31 and dock in Labadee, Haiti, before returning on February 4.
The lineup is now as follows:
Accept
Arkona
Bodyfarm
Coroner
Dark Funeral
Delain
Eluveitie
Ensiferum
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Gloryhammer
Heidevolk
In Vain
Kalmah
Max & Iggor: Return To Roots
Mayan
Ne Obliviscaris
Nile
Obituary
Onslaught
Paradise Lost
Persefone
Pestilence
Rage
Riot V
Soulfly
Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper
Subway To Sally
The Black Dahlia Murder
Tiamat
Tristania
Twilight Force
Unleash The Archers
Visions Of Atlantis
Vomitory
Warbringer
Bloodbath And Rage Added To 70000 Tons 2019
The organisers of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise has announced a further two bands for the 2019 edition of the event. Joining the lineup will be Swedish death metal supergroup Bloodbath, whose frontman Nick Holmes will also be performing with his main band, Paradise Lost on the ship, as well as German metal veterans Rage, who will be accompanied during both of their sets by the Lingua Mortis Orchestra. The floating festival will set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on January 31 and dock in Labadee, Haiti, before returning on February 4.
The lineup is now as follows:
Accept
Arkona
Coroner
Dark Funeral
Delain
Eluveitie
Ensiferum
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Gloryhammer
Heidevolk
In Vain
Max & Iggor: Return To Roots
Mayan
Ne Obliviscaris
Nile
Obituary
Onslaught
Paradise Lost
Persefone
Pestilence
Riot V
Soulfly
Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper
Subway To Sally
The Black Dahlia Murder
Tiamat
Tristania
Twilight Force
Unleash The Archers
Visions Of Atlantis
Vomitory
Warbringer