Review Summary: The Onslaught goes non-stop
Disclaimer: This is my first review ever on Sputnik and so, I'd greatly appreciate it if I could get some constructive criticism on the writing style and the review itself. Thank you.
Lazarus A.D. has been on the scene for 7 odd years with two releases. Their debut album, "The Onslaught" is a great 10 song ice breaker into the world of groove/thrash metal. For those who like Revocation, Havok, and those closely related, they will surely enjoy this album. Being a drummer, this is what I tend to look for the most when listening to any kind of metal. Ryan Shutler does an excellent job of keeping the audience's attention and never going stale. His use of blasts, double-kick, and fills are tight and concise with each hit. The first track, "Last Breath" is an explosive, old school speed thrash song that kicks off how the rest of the album. The guitars are another huge variable I'd like to touch on. The guitars, played by Dan Gapen and Alex Lackner show their skills by keeping riveting riffs and hooks that could crush skulls. The solos on this album are unique and catchy. Those notable are the one's in "Thou Shall Not Fear" and their flagship song "Revolution". Jeff Paulick, who is lead vocals and bassist is very competent and does his job excellently on both. The vocals on this record range from growls, shouts and old school, Slayer-ish style vocal backing done by lead guitarist, Dan Gapen. I am a fan of this style of all vocal styles used because it fits in the style musically and lyrically.
The lyric content range from inner struggles, government, domination (not in a sexual way mind you), and chaos. For one, I like to read the lyrics and learn the message and all of the songs are just full of rage and great for singing (screaming) along in the car down the highway. The brutality of the lyrical composition is also filled with emotion you can feel as Jeff screams his lungs out like in the last track, "Who I really Am" : ..."I can feel the hatred in my eyes, Piercing through your soul, Foolish man don't you know, You can never get control, I will crush you, Tear you apart, Show you who I really am..." really just hits home for me. The Onslaught is very well written musically and lyrically never getting old or monotonous.
The Onslaught is a great introduction for a band like this to carve its way into the thrash/groove metal scene and I look forward to hearing more of their stuff as they mature. This album seriously is non-stop thrash from beginning to end, leaving you gasping for you last breath. A fun, explosive, groovy album every metal should enjoy :)
Notable songs... all of them.
