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For the most part the new album, Sounds of Violence, from Onslaught is a sharp album of early Exodus/Testament-style Thrash with a modern production that ramps up the aggression to an almost insane level. The riffs on "Born for War" and the title track are like chainsaws that seek to separate any and all limbs from any and all bodies they can find. The band's playing is tight and controlled, even when the tempos approach what would normally be considered escape velocity. Everything is superbly played and the songwriting is above average, as a whole, with the two aforementioned tracks standing out over the rest.

Singer Sy Keeler's voice is going to be the deciding factor for many. His sandpaper screams are somewhat one-dimensional and, to my ears, have more that a bit of a "nu" quality to them. Angry, pissed, ready to hit someone; those are the emotions of Thrash. Keeler's delivery sounds almost whiny at times, a trait that has no place in my Thrash Metal. Some may not find this a problem, but I can't get around it.

What could have been a superb Thrash album, Sounds of Violence rates out above average, considering the modern quality to the vocals. Thrash fans will still get a charge out of the music, as it is as good stuff indeed. If the vocals work for you, all the better.