Onslaught

On Friday 9 October, Het Podium will host the heaviest thrash metal on the European continent: Onslaught are going all-in this time with *Power From Hell* and the 40th anniversary of *The Force*, combined into one monster set. The Prophecy 23 bring their ‘Fresh Metal’ chaos from Germany, whilst Toranaga UK prove that UK thrash is still very much alive and kicking.

ONSLAUGHT from Bristol are pioneers. Formed in 1982, they are responsible for *Power From Hell* (1985) and the legendary *The Force* (1986), and, alongside Sabbat, Xentrix and Acid Reign, are recognised as one of the ‘big four’ of British thrash metal. Following a split in 1991 and a comeback in 2005, Onslaught are going full throttle in 2026 to mark the 40th anniversary of *The Force* – a set that combines the iconic albums into a devastating evening. Guitarist Nige Rockett, who has survived cancer and two back operations over the past three years, is back on stage. Vocalist Sy Keeler returned in August 2025. *Origins Of Aggression* (2025), featuring re-recordings of classics and covers of songs by the Dead Kennedys, Judas Priest and Motörhead, proves that, after more than 40 years, Onslaught still knows how to do it.

THE PROPHECY 23 from Germany play ‘Fresh Metal’ – because when you say ‘thrash metal’ with a German accent, it just sounds like ‘Fresh Metal’, and that pretty much says it all about the band. An unapologetic mix of thrash, death and heavy metal, laced with humour and a carefree attitude. Their album *Mosh O’Clock* reached number 41 in the official German album charts and number 12 in the rock and metal charts – a milestone for a band that has been proving for years that you don’t have to take yourself seriously to be seriously good. At times, it’s reminiscent of the German answer to S.O.D., but a few decades later: pounding thrash riffs interspersed with melodic lines and death growls that make you grin and headbang at the same time.

TORANAGA UK made their debut in 1988 with *Bastard Ballads* via Peaceville, toured with Manowar, Venom and Saxon, were signed by Chrysalis Records and released *God’s Gift* (1990) – an album that *Terrorizer* described as “so ominous it would make Slayer cry.” After decades of absence, they returned in 2024 with vocalist Mark Duffy and the EP *A New Order* (Chuffing Hell Records, 2025).