| From the heart of Cleveland’s underground metal scene comes A Blind Eye, the blistering full-length debut from thrash warriors Assault. This eight-track rampage is a relentless, high-energy offering that fuses classic thrash aggression with a modern, razor-sharp intensity. If there’s any doubt about the band’s hunger, it’s obliterated within seconds of opener Death Solution—a track that throws you headfirst into a whirlwind of savage riffing, precise yet chaotic drumming, and Dylan Andras’ ferocious vocal assault.
The record doesn’t just rely on breakneck speed; The Second Head of the Snake slows things down just enough to flex a menacing, groove-laden riff, while Leech takes an unexpected turn, easing in with an eerie melodic passage before diving into a mid-tempo chug that carries the weight of old-school Metallica and Megadeth. The band’s dual guitar attack—courtesy of Andras and Dom Velioniskis—keeps things sharp and engaging, crafting a storm of vicious solos and precision-cut rhythms that never lose their edge.
A highlight comes with Antebellum, an all-out sonic blitz that channels the raw energy of Nuclear Assault with a gang-shouted chorus that feels like a riot in motion. Meanwhile, Obliviate plunges into darker, heavier territory, evoking the pummeling force of Slayer and even a touch of Pantera’s groove-laden muscle. And let’s not forget Let It Burn, where bassist David McJunkins takes center stage, locking in with Owen Pooley’s relentless drum work to create a thunderous backbone for the band’s fiery closer.
What makes A Blind Eye stand out isn’t just its speed or aggression—it’s the tight musicianship, the refusal to take shortcuts, and the sheer conviction that seeps into every riff, every snarl, every moment of controlled chaos. Assault might be part of the New Wave of Thrash, but they aren’t just following the formula—they’re taking the reins and riding it straight into battle.
Simply put, A Blind Eye is a force to be reckoned with. It’s thrash metal with teeth, delivered with a modern edge but rooted in the unrelenting spirit of the genre’s golden age. Keep an eye on Assault—if this debut is anything to go by, they’re only getting started.
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