David Halbe 
Overkill has set a higher standard for themselves musically and they always manage to reach or exceed it. Twenty full-length albums into their career, consistency has earned them the right to end their unfathomable run on their own terms.
My recent review of Testament’s Para Bellum got me thinking about ‘80s thrash bands, not among The Big Four, I still consider relevant.
I decided to let the music do the talking, filtering out bands who I only jam for their classic tracks, this quickly led me to the legendary thrash act Overkill.
Sure, I’ll start out to listening to “Deny The Cross” (Taking Over – 1987) or “I Hate” (Years Of Decay – 1989) but I’ll inevitably jam the songs “Electric Rattlesnake” (The Electric Age – 2012) and “Pig” (White Devil Armory – 2014) summing thigs up with “Goin’ Home” (Scorched – 2023). It got me thinking, I might play some ‘old songs’ by Metallica every now and then, but I still listen to Overkill.
Overkill, a New Jersey band established back in 1980, has existed longer than San Francisco’s Metallica (1981) and they’ve remained relevant without compromising their integrity. Overkill will never be Metallica, but at this point in their career, I don’t think they care.
Scorched is the most recent effort by Overkill and I already consider it a classic. Featuring a thrash metal vibe that’s so abrasive it’s the aural equivalent of the scorched earth battlefield during wartime. It’s the ingredient metal is made of.
Scorched is a brutal record and an excellent follow up the equally hard-hitting Wings Of War (2019). The album opens with some fiery licks from now long-time lead guitarist James Lipinski and rhythm guitar of James Tailor. The wall of sound has been enhanced with the drumming attack of Jason Bittner and bassist extraordinaire D.D. Verni. The audio table is now set for the vocals of Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, his ripping voice and intelligent commentary on the ills of modern society. Highlight tracks for me are: “Scorched”, “Goin’ Home”, “The Surgeon”, and “Twist of the Wick”.
Overkill has set a higher standard for themselves musically and they always manage to reach or exceed it. Twenty full-length albums into their career, consistency has earned them the right to end their unfathomable run on their own terms. Considering how successful their career has been, I hope it’s not for a long time. \m/
OVERKILL Scorched lineup:
- Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth – Vocals
- D.D. Verni – Bass
- Dave Linsk – Guitars
- Derek Tailer – Guitars
- Jason Bittner – Drums
