Search - Lazarus A.D. :: Onslaught

Incredibly promising and a great discovery

Seth R | MA | 03/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Onslaught has gone through some changes. This very album was recorded a few years ago in January of 2007 with Chris Djuricic (it's OK, I don't know who he is either). But why release it twice, you ask? Now under the label Metal Blade Records, the album is being remixed by James Murphy to be released worldwide. If you're a metal fan, you might recall Murphy was a member of legendary thrash act Testament. Hailing from the surprising location of Wisconsin, Lazarus A.D. have a solid foundation for production and exposure this time around.



Why is their Wisconsin heritage surprising? Because these guys sound like they're from southern California or even Europe, two historical locales for the genre. And everyone is aware the Swedes are metal aficionados, let's not forget. But can four badger gentlemen make it in the scene? If The Onslaught is any representation, absolutely they can.



The first two tracks are a great start to the debut (let's not argue technicalities and just agree this is the debut). "Last Breath" kicks off blistering and then becomes a Metallica-like song in the chug-chugging of guitars. The vocals don't even kick in until a minute and a half in, and they don't need to because the riffing does all the work. "Thou Shalt Not Fear" just screams Testament and that's all that needs to be said. It's hard to consider what the metal world would be like without those two monumental influences. The remainder of the album continues to remain powerfully aggressive with plenty of solos throughout. The pace of every song is intense; there's no time to stop to rest the ears.



Lazarus A.D. are incredibly promising and are a great discovery for someone looking for fresh, innovative stuff. These guys sound like they've been at it for years. If The Onslaught is just the tip of the iceberg for what's to come, there truly will be an onslaught to come."

Great signing by Metal Blade!

Zachary C. Mcmurray | Louisville,KY USA | 04/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard a little of this on the internet and gave it a shot. the little 30 second samples do not do this cd justice it is amazing! lead guitarist Dan Gapen and drummer Ryan Shutle standout on this cd with Dan ripping it up and Ryan pounding you into oblivion! bassist Jeff Paulick also does lead vocals which takes a little to get use to but fits the attack of this band. Alex Lackner is the other guitarist keeping up the onslaught and has a few lead moments where he holds his own! this is the second launch of this cd the first was by the band but Metal Blade and James Murphy send this cd into the stratosphere! this cd will be up there for album of the year!"

Best Thrash album in the last 10 years

Chris A. Lieberman | South Jersey, USA | 11/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw a video for a song off of this album and I was really impressed, so I ordered the album. When I got it, I gave a listen through and I have never been more impressed. This is by far the finest thrash album in the last 10 years, bar none. If you didn't know any better you would swear that you were listening to the thrash metal of the late 80's, early 90's. The guitars work is incredibly fast and tight. The drummer is an absolute machine. Some of the fastest, tightest drumming I have heard in ages (and I am a metal drummer). I won't bore you to death with the worlds longest review, I will just say BUY IT. If you dug the thrash metal of days gone past with the tighter production values and clean sound of modern technology, this is for you. You won't be disappointed."