The Force cover

Released 40 years ago

The Force

Onslaught · 1986

44 min · 7 tracks · thrash metal

Relentless thrash metal riffs collide with aggressive vocals, encapsulating the raw energy of mid-80s heavy music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Let There Be Death — This opening track sets the tone with blistering riffs and anthemic choruses, embodying the relentless spirit of thrash metal.
  • →
    Metal Forces — An ode to the power of metal music itself, this track combines ferocious speed with sharp lyrics celebrating the genre's community.
  • →
    Thrash Till the Death — The title track captures the essence of the album's theme, urging listeners to embrace thrash culture with unyielding passion and energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid thrash metal elements but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, maintaining high energy through the first half.
  • Each song features aggressive guitar riffs layered with rapid drumming, creating a dense sound characteristic of thrash metal.
  • Vocals are delivered in a harsh style that complements the instrumentation, often overlapping with the guitar lines rather than standing apart.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • relentless intensity and aggression

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1986, The Force was Onslaught's second album, following their debut, Power from Hell. At this point, the band was gaining momentum within the burgeoning thrash metal scene, establishing themselves as key players alongside contemporaries like Slayer and Metallica.
Stylistic neighbors
Exodus· Testament· Kreator

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Let There Be Death 6:42
  • 2 Metal Forces 6:37
  • 3 Fight With the Beast 6:02
  • 4 Demoniac 6:50
  • 5 Flame of the Antichrist 7:50
  • 6 Contract in Blood 6:13
  • 7 Thrash Till the Death 4:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata