Onslaught - The Force - Under One Flag FLAG1 12" Vinyl LP Album

Onslaught's "The Force," released under the inaugural "Under One Flag" label with the catalog number FLAG1, is a seminal thrash metal masterpiece. The album, featuring aggressive vocals by Sy Keeler and relentless guitar work by Nige Rockett, marks a historic moment in metal history. With iconic tracks like "Let There Be Death," it remains a cornerstone of the genre, unleashing a sonic force on its 12" vinyl LP.

 

High Resolution #1 Photo Onslaught The Force London Press FLAG1

"The Force" Album Description:

In the realm of heavy metal, certain albums stand out not just for their sonic intensity but also for their historical significance. Onslaught's "The Force" is one such landmark release, not only for its blistering thrash metal sound but also for being the inaugural album under the "Under One Flag" label. Released on 12" vinyl LP with the catalog number "FLAG 1," this album marks the beginning of a new era in the metal scene.

A Formidable Introduction

Onslaught, hailing from Bristol, England, burst onto the thrash metal scene in the mid-1980s with a sound that was both ferocious and technically impressive. "The Force," their second studio album, showcased a band at the height of its creative powers. With relentless riffs, thunderous drumming, and aggressive vocals, Onslaught earned their place among the pioneers of the thrash metal movement.

Under One Flag – A New Chapter

The release of "The Force" was not only significant for Onslaught but also for the birth of "Under One Flag." This label, a subsidiary of Music for Nations, was specifically created to cater to the burgeoning thrash and extreme metal genres. "Under One Flag" quickly became a home for some of the most influential bands in the metal scene, and "The Force" was the inaugural offering under its distinctive banner.

"Under One Flag" aimed to unify the diverse sounds emerging from the metal underground. The label's commitment to providing a platform for bands with uncompromising and aggressive musical styles aligned perfectly with Onslaught's sonic onslaught on "The Force."

Album Artwork and Packaging

Beyond its musical content, "The Force" is memorable for its striking album artwork. The vinyl LP packaging, with its large format, allowed fans to immerse themselves fully in the visual and auditory experience of Onslaught's sonic assault.

Music Genre:

Hardcore Punk Crossover Speed Death Thrash Metal Music

Album Production: 

Produced by David "Death" Pine

David "Death" Pine - Producer

Roy "Macaroni" Rowland - Sound Engineer

Mez - Album artwork

  Roy Rowland aka "Roy Macaroni" Rowland is a sound engineer, who during the 1980s engineered a dozen important heavy metal albums. Some of the bands he has worked for are: Kreator, Lääz Rockit, Onslaught, Rogue Male, Sabbat, Satan and Testament.

Someone famous in

MEZ Full-name "Mez Meredith" has done the album artwork for half a dozen Heavy Metal album covers. Heavy Metal albums mainy in the period 1983-1986. Some of the bands include Battleaxe, Rogue Male, Virgin Steel, Exciter.

Record Label Information:

  Under One Flag FLAG 1 / Published by Take Out Music

Packaging:

  This album includes the original thick paper/light cardboard custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Onslaught and photos. 

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

  1986 Made in Gt Britain
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: ONSLAUGHT - The Force
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Sy Keeler (Vocals): Sy Keeler provided the intense and aggressive vocals that became a hallmark of Onslaught's sound.
  • Nige Rockett (Lead Guitar): Nige Rockett, a founding member, contributed to the band's sonic assault with his fast and precise guitar work.
  • Jase Stallard (Guitars, Bass): Jase Stallard played a crucial role as the guitarist and bass player during the period of "The Force." His basslines provided a solid foundation for Onslaught's thrash metal onslaught.
  • Paul Mo" Mahoney (Bass): Paul Mahoney handled the bass duties during the recording of "The Force."
  • Steve Grice (Drums): Steve Grice, as the drummer, delivered powerful and precise rhythms that added to the overall intensity of the album.
Track Listing of: Onslaught The Force
    Side One:
  1. Let There be Death
  2. Metal Forces
  3. Fight With the Beast
    Side Two:
  1. Demoniac
  2. Flame of the Antichrist
  3. Contract in Blood
  4. Thrash Till the Death
Album cover photos of : Onslaught The Force
High Resolution #1 Photo Onslaught The Force London Press FLAG1  
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution #2 Photo Onslaught The Force London Press FLAG1  
Photos of Onslaught on the inner sleeve

High Resolution #3 Photo Onslaught The Force London Press FLAG1

High Resolution #4 Photo Onslaught The Force London Press FLAG1  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

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Thumbnail Of  ONSLAUGHT - The Force 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

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Onslaught's "The Force," released under the inaugural "Under One Flag" label with the catalog number FLAG1, is a seminal thrash metal masterpiece. The album, featuring aggressive vocals by Sy Keeler and relentless guitar work by Nige Rockett, marks a historic moment in metal history. With iconic tracks like "Let There Be Death," it remains a cornerstone of the genre, unleashing a sonic force on its 12" vinyl LP.

Learn more