Years Active: 1980–present
Records to Date: 17
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast/eOne Music
The Band:
- Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth | Lead
vocals
- Dave Linsk | Lead guitar, backing vocals
- Derek "The Skull" Tailer | Rhythm
guitar, backing vocals
- D.D. Verni | Bass, backing vocals
- Ron Lipnicki | Drums
Review:
I have to admit, ‘Ironbound’
was the first album of Overkill’s that I heard. I had read a couple of reviews
and though... of all the thrash bands, why have I never checked them out? Sure,
Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Testament, Anthrax and Exodus were part of my
musical DNA with regards to US thrash, but for some reason I had just never
thought to give Overkill a listen. These prolific thrash warriors are churning
out one album every two years and touring constantly- they are very much their
own cottage industry, working away at a level above cult status but by no means
a household name.
‘Ironbound’ was a
superb place to start- with so many albums it is hard to know what to go for. I
started right with this- it is, to my ears, their best record and also their
best produced. The sound is pro-tools-y and state of the art in terms of punch
and dynamics. As soon as the opener ‘The
Green and Black’ gets going, you know what to expect: pure thrash,
metallic bass and Blitz’s searing screech over the top. Songs are long and
complex in structure with riffs to die for courtesy of Dave Linsk.
Overkill’s lineup
has been steady for some time now- Tim Mallare is not missed at all behind the
kit as Ron Lipnicki double kicks and thrashes his way into the listener’s
consciousness- via the use of triggers on some parts of the kit, though, I
suspect. A quirk is that Derek “The Skull” Tailer does not play rhythm on the
record. He contributes backing vocals but leaves Linsk to handle the guitars
exclusively. Odd, but it allows for the lock-tight precision on display across
the album as DD Verni brings the low end.
The title track
cements the early indication that album will be a ripper and the adrenaline
rush of ‘Bring Me The Night’ recalls
everything that is good about “Kill ‘Em All”- but with better playing and
production. Pure, joyous thrash of a distinctly American variety. ‘The Goal Is Your Soul’ is a very
strong track indeed- great hooks, great head nodding rhythms. ‘Give A Little’ continues the strong
refrains- anthemic in places with a great positive vibe lyric to boot. The
latter half of the album is perhaps darker than the first. ‘Endless War’ is a total thrash fest
while ‘The Head and Heart’ is a
little more measured (but still rampant). ‘In Vain’ is another strong rocker, while ‘Killing for a Living’ is dark in
theme and delivery. ‘The SRC’ closes
the record in strong style.
There is not a bad
track here- astonishing considering the album’s playing time- and the vibe is
also consistent. The record is dark and heavy but with enough light and shade
to keep things interesting. Overkill have never made a bad album- some have
been better than others and some have been classics (like Motorhead). For me, ‘Ironbound’
is the very best of their latter day output- the songwriting, musicianship and
production all coalesce to produce a truly classic thrash record. I love
Exodus’ latter day stuff, but this record is even better than that in my view.
It certainly blows
away anything by the big four (Endgame is superb, though) and Testament from
the last twenty years- and some of those bands have released some damn good
records in that time (no, not Reload!). Overkill are a true street level band-
uncompromising, resolutely blue collar with a strong work ethic and killer on a
live stage. While their contemporaries get the plaudits and the money, Overkill
plough onwards- staying lean, mean and hungry in the process. Try out this
album: Overkill could be your new favourite band... and then you get to work
your way through the back catalogue too!
Words by: Richard Maw
You can pick out a copy at the usual outlets
Album Details:
‘Ironbound’ is the fifteenth
full length studio album by Overkill, which was released on January 29, 2010 in
Europe on Nuclear Blast and in the U.S. on February 9, 2010 on eOne Music. It
was their follow up to the 2007 album ‘Immortalis’, and their first release on their current labels Nuclear
Blast and E1 Music. This was Overkill's first album to chart on the Billboard 200 in 17 years. ‘Ironbound’ sold
over 4,100 copies in its first week in the U.S..
‘Ironbound’
track listing:
All music composed by D.D. Verni and Bobby 'Blitz'
Ellsworth
1). The Green And Black 08:11
2). Ironbound 06:33
3). Bring Me The Night 04:15
4). The Goal Is Your Soul 06:40
5). Give A Little 04:41
6). Endless War 05:40
7). The Head And Heart 05:10
8). In Vain 05:12
9). Killing For A Living 06:14
10). The SRC 05:07
2). Ironbound 06:33
3). Bring Me The Night 04:15
4). The Goal Is Your Soul 06:40
5). Give A Little 04:41
6). Endless War 05:40
7). The Head And Heart 05:10
8). In Vain 05:12
9). Killing For A Living 06:14
10). The SRC 05:07
Available
editions:
• Jewelcase CD
• Digipak
• DLP version. Released in different colours:
- 150 dusk blue (Nuclear Blast exclusive)
- 250 green (Nuclear Blast exclusive)
- 250 red
- 345 orange
- Clear vinyl
- Silver vinyl
- Regular black vinyl
A music video was made for the song "Bring Me the Night".
• Jewelcase CD
• Digipak
• DLP version. Released in different colours:
- 150 dusk blue (Nuclear Blast exclusive)
- 250 green (Nuclear Blast exclusive)
- 250 red
- 345 orange
- Clear vinyl
- Silver vinyl
- Regular black vinyl
A music video was made for the song "Bring Me the Night".
For
more information:
