This year already has been a significant failure in the shortage of metal bands traveling through Cleveland. Even 2018 left to bring the noise with a sprinkle worthy of mentioning. It’s as if detours are pointing anywhere but The Rock and Roll Capital of the World. When a city like this goes quiet for too long, one band is bound to emerge from the shadows. Revealing themselves as crude descendant 80 thrashers, Assault awoke and reunited the fire that thrash is NOT dead and metal still prevails!

It’s time to wipe away the saliva from your face because Assault is right up in your space. Most of the band members, still in high school, have already made a name for the city of Cleveland. Their big break happened last month at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as they took second place in the “High School Rock Off”. I will admit, I shortchanged myself. Did not think this event was worth paying much attention to until I heard these guys made it as finalists. When I first got wind of Assault back in December playing the famous Metal Food Drive from a good friend, I deliberately opened my schedule to attend their recent show on March 21st at The Grog Shop. It’s funny how small the world can really be. Lead guitarists/vocalist, Dylan Andras and I briefly met in July ‘17 at the House of Blues when Metallica tribute band, The Four Horsemen played that night. The kid was right up front by the barricade screaming at me for a photo. This was all before I even knew he was a musician, let alone in Assault.

Ten o’clock rolled around on a Thursday night. A decent local crowd scattered throughout the venue leaving empty pockets around the stage. Before any cymbal was struck or string was touched, Dylan alerted the crowd to bring it into the stage. Every last soul needed to come together. Immediately, I was taken back with the leadership already shown! The whole band was a unit throughout the evening with Dylan showcasing the most power and charisma. The best way to describe Assault’s demeanor would be to hop onto Youtube and watch Metallica’s performance from the Metal Hammer Festival in ‘85. They played so damn fast, so loud, they immediately brought back the nostalgia of watching my favorite band. Not only did they include covers of Metallica’s “Seek & Destroy”, and Slayer’s “Raining Blood”, their original material beautifully blended into that signature 80’s thrash sound. Considering it was a school night, their performance lasted little over half an hour with an encore that officially slammed the book shut for the night. I’m sure if they can keep bashing down the door with the adrenaline and creativity, we’re bound to witness something truly special in the near future. Assault...I’m on board!

**Expanded Photo Gallery