INSULT - Reside Infernus

Labels: Metal on Metal Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 25 Apr 2025

Tracklist:

1. Reside Infernus

2. Bloodthirsty

3. 0-60, Death or Glory

4. Holy War (Sea of Tears)

5. This Life We Despise

6. Berserker

7. Broken Mind

8. Power From Hell

When I spotted an e-mail in my inbox about a band that featured two of the original members of UK thrash institution Onslaught, I couldn't believe it. I also didn't realise that said band INSULT actually formed way back in the mid 80's. The duo of drummer Steve Grice and bassist Jase Stallard reformed the band in 2022 and began to write new songs, before being joined by Onslaught's roadie Jase Howell on vocals, as well as guitarists Robbie Harris and Jonny Fifield. Their debut album Reside Infernus was released in April via Metal on Metal Records.

As much as the UK metal scene needs young blood, it also needs metal legends, especially those who laid the bedrock for what we know and love today. Enter INSULT and their debut album Reside infernus. Crafting music through their collective love of thrash and heavy metal, they open with the title-track ‘Reside Infernus’. It’s haunting intro leading into anthemic guitars/bass, sharp drumming and classic thrash vocals. Catchy as hell and paying homage to the early masters, INSULT’s delivery is classy but also layered with raw passion. 

You’ll hear some familiar influences flowing through this record and on ‘Bloodthirsty’ the quintet don’t try to hide from them. Nor should you but remember that there’s much more to this album. When INSULT hit their stride, they’re unstoppable. The rousing title ‘0-60, Death or Glory’ says all that needs to be said about the attitude here, as the band rips through a song that owes as much to Motorhead as it does to Onslaught. 

‘Holy War (Sea of Tears)’ contains Eastern samples during it’s intro and proceeds to be a commentary on current global hostilities, in a way that only thrash metal can. Just like the days when Slayer criticised religion on God Hates Us All, INSULT have done so in a similar vein and that criticism is needed now more than ever. 

The album’s second half kicks off with the raging ‘This Life We Despise’, which is filled with wicked riffs, percussion and vocals that both compete against/complement each other. The chugging guitars that drag you into that lovely solo toward the end add to the ferocity as well. The aptly titled ‘Berserker’ does literally what it says and berserk’s through over four minutes of epic thrash madness. It’s brilliant! 

Penultimate song ‘Broken Mind’ starts in brooding fashion, leading to precision thrash that pulls absolutely no punches. It’s easy to see how a band that originally formed in the 80’s has been able to write and execute such incredible songs. Form is temporary, class in permanent. 

INSULT close out with a re-recorded/cover version of Onslaught classic ‘Power From Hell’ and they’re joined by a very special guest, in Onslaught’s Sy Keeler. Both Jase Howell and Sy together make for a powerful vocal duo as INSULT bring an early thrash anthem to new ears.

Honestly, it’s been way too hot this evening to be headbanging but needs must. It also seems like UK bands of old (no matter what genre) are slowly coming back to life. That can only be a good thing and if you miss the halcyon days of UK thrash, INSULT are here to remind you that it’s alive and well. 

You can stream and purchase the album digitally via bandcamp below:-

To caveat the above; I understand that bandcamp are making some changes to the way bands/labels receive payments. If you're a band/label who're concerned about this change and have read up on it already, I would recommend you look at Ampwall, which is an artist-centric alternative platform that's growing all the time.

Physical CD copies can be purchased from Metal on Metal Records here:-

https://metalonmetalrecords.com/shop/

INSULT - https://www.facebook.com/insultofficial

Metal on Metal Records - https://www.facebook.com/MetalOnMetalRecords