Description
Label Review.
2017 album with 1 bonus track. Nuclear Blast Records.
Our Overview.
New Jersey thrash quartet Overkill were formed in 1980 by vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and guitarist Bobby Gustafson, and also included bassist D.D. Verni and drummer Rat Skates (later replaced by Sid Falck). The band garnered a reputation for brutal, pounding speed and technique, but lacked the musical diversity to compete with heavy hitters like Metallica; still, Overkill built up a strong following in the metal underground with albums like 1985's Taking Over and 1988's Under the Influence.
As their official website describes them; “A heavy metal institution established at the forefront of the burgeoning American thrash movement, with one boot in the gutter and one fist railing against the polish of lesser pretenders."
The massive contribution of heavy metal partners in crime Bobby “Blitz” and bassist D.D. Verni, who cofounded Overkill the same year Ronald Reagan was elected President, is undeniable and remains unchallenged by those in the know. Overkill got going about a year before Slayer and Anthrax and a couple of years ahead of Metallica, and all of them pushed forward a new style of music drawing from NWOBHM, hard rock and punk. Dave Linsk (lead guitar) has dedicated the last 15 years to Overkill. Derek Tailer (guitar) came in just a couple years later. Ron Lipnicki (drums) followed in 2005.
Now more than 30 years into a formidable career filled with international acclaim and fueled by the unrelenting passion of a diehard fanbase, Overkill has not only stood the test of time – their modern creative output continues to shine.”
Now Legendary New Jersey thrashers Overkill will release their new studio album, titled "The Grinding Wheel", on February 19, 2017 via Nuclear Blast.
Ellsworth recently told Patch.com about Overkill’s decision to title its forthcoming album "The Grinding Wheel": "When we were looking for a title, when you think in terms of the word 'grind,' you think of something that is relentless and doesn't wear down, whether it be an old stone mill or something metallic where sparks are flying through it. It's about an all-purpose tool through all time. It's a good, quality Overkill record."
Regarding the musical direction of the follow-up to 2014's "White Devil Armory", Ellsworth told Alternative Nation: "At the end of the day, Overkill is Overkill. Our trademark is that we are always recognizable on every release. For the three decades we have been around, we were always Overkill. So, sure, it is a metal record, and like always, it will have sort of a thrash vibe to it with some melody in it."