Overkill

Overkill

Overkill

Track Listings
 
1. Overkill
2. Stay Clean
3. (I Won't) Pay Your Price
4. I'll Be Your Sister
5. Capricorn
6. No Class
7. Damage Case
8. Tear Ya Down
9. Metropolis
10. Limb from Limb
11. Too Late, Too Late [*]
12. Like a Nightmare [*]
13. Louie, Louie [*]
14. Tear Ya Down [Instrumental Version][*][Instrumental]
15. Louie, Louie [Instrumental Version][*]

Overkill,Motörhead,Roadrunner Records,British Metal,Hard Rock,Heavy Metal,New Wave of British Heavy Metal,Popular Music,Speed Metal,Thrash
The Years of Decay
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome CD!!!!!!!!!!
  • Yes, this is a Thrash Metal Classic
  • Time to Thrash!!!
  • QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST THRASH ALBUM EVER!
  • Amazing
 The Years of Decay
Overkill
Manufacturer: Megaforce / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Under the Influence
  2. Horrorscope
  3. Taking Over
  4. Feel the Fire
  5. The New Order

ASIN: B000002IOY
Release Date: 1989-10-13

Tracks:

  1. Time to Kill
  2. Elimination
  3. I Hate
  4. Nothing to Die for
  5. Playing with Spiders / Skullkrusher
  6. Birth of Tension
  7. Who Tends the Fire
  8. The Years of Decay
  9. E.vil N.ever D.ies

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Awesome CD!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-02-17

All the tracks for this cd are awesome the tempo of that and all the songs (except for SkullKrusher) are insane. SkullKrusher is awesome dont get me wrong.A must own Overkill Album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Yes, this is a Thrash Metal Classic.......2006-02-11

When the Years of Decay was first released, I approached it with caution, since I wasn't happy with "Under the Influence" "Under the Influence" Seemed like a far cry from "Feel the Fire", "Taking Over", and the EP "F**K You". I had no idea that "The Years of Decay" would not only completly wipe out "Under the Influence" it became their best out of the bunch (Horroscope didn't exist yet, so I am just comparing it to the first 4 albums) SO here were are 14yrs later since its release, and it deserves to be called a classic. Even though its not quite as good as it was 14yrs ago, I still think it is a really solid album and defines the days of Thrash Metal. I believe every Nu Metal fan should have this in thier collection, as most of the younger artist today probely grew up listening to the likes of Overkill and great 80's Thrash. It is a Metal Masterpiece, and it existed in a time that the only place metal heads could get thier daily dose of Metal was LP's, CD's (if you have the 300Bucks for a player and the 25bucks a pop for the disc), and of course our cassetes. Not to mention the fact we only had Saturday Nights of MTV's Headbangers Ball, or some College Radio stations that spun Metal on weekends late night (anyone from Jersey Remember 89.5 WSOU, in Newark?????) SO I urge all Metal fans to add this to thier collection and own a piece of history!!

5 out of 5 stars Time to Thrash!!!.......2005-10-28

A stellar album, after the underrated "Under The Influence, killer production, Bobby's vocals really started to form on this one, but, I always liked his voice, definetly different and cool sounding, they started exploring epic/old MetallicaESQUE songs here, great variety on this album, theres fast paced, mid-paced and a few slower-Sabbath-Like-Songs, lots of tempo changes as well, it blends well, heavy as hell, thrashes as well!, even funny at times!...sort of like Exodus, in the comical sense that is, the bands sound nothing alike, the first time I saw the video for "Elimination" when I was like 17, it had me thrashing about, I was already into old Metallica/Megadeth and stuff, and wanted to expand, my first Overkill was "Horrorscope" though, the one after this, but the song "Elimination" found on here was the song that got me into them, killer riffs, very heavy/fast, Bobby's very unique aggressive vocal style, it all fits, you may not like his voice at first, but give it time, Bobby is a really good vocalist, and definetly very different from the rest, kind of reminds you of Bon Scott and Bruce Dickinson in a way.

Time to Kill 5/6, A VERY NICE OPENER, changes around, fast..then midpaced..then slow and sludgy, very nice

Elimination 5/6, Here it is, a very killer song, ONE of the best on the album for sure, it's destructive, mostly fast paced here

I Hate 5/5, LOVE IT, this is what you play to your ex-girlfriend, "But most of all...I HATE YOU"-great lyrics!

Nothing to Die For 5/4, Not much to say, doesn't stand up to the first 3, but still a good song

Playing With Spiders/Skullkrusher 5/5, A very nice Sabbath-Like-Song, very sludgy, with heavy riffs, be warned though, it's VERY slow, could be a bit overlonged, but still killer

Birth of Tension 5/6, Killer song here, listen to that bass solo!

Who Tends The Fire 5/5, Another SabbathESQUE song, but a little faster in spots than Playing With Spiders, pretty much midpaced, slows down for the chorus

The Years of Decay 5/5, A ballad-like song, very nice though, adds variety, very melodic intro

E.vil N.ever D.ies 5/6, RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE FIRST 2, GREAT WAY TO CLOSE OFF A GREAT ALBUM, it's thrashy, heavy, and quite great, DO NOT SKIP THIS!!!

A great album overall, not a bit overrated either, it stands up to the hype it got...which wasn't TOO much, deserved more actually, as far as I'm concerned, Overkill should have been part of "The Big Four" instead of Anthrax...but you could also say Exodus, and Testament belonged in there as well...oh well, not going to get into that, all bands are great, and so was Overkill, they should have gotten A LITTLE more known, but no, due to Anthrax (BAH, one good album...), but I guess, seeing that Overkill wasn't part of the Bay Area, that could be why, but if you like old school Thrash, which if you do, you should already have this album, but if you don't, get it also check out "Taking Over" "Under The Influence" and "Horrorscope" if you ended up liking this, LATER!!

5 out of 5 stars QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST THRASH ALBUM EVER!.......2005-10-26

All i have to say is WOW!!!!! Anyone who does not own this album has got to buy it, and its so cheap everywhere you find it! Overkill are the kings of crunch riff thrash metal, this album has so many stomp riffs in it you have to watch your neck because OVERKILL WILL WRECK YOUR NECK!!! ENJOY!

5 out of 5 stars Amazing.......2005-09-04

Overkill always has awesome lyrics.Trust me, if you like metal(speed metal) you will like this album.
Time To Kill(awesome song),Elimination is my favorite song on the album,it just rules,here is the lyrics to the second chorus,
Eliminate the right
Eliminate the wrong
Eliminate the weak
Eliminate the strong
Eliminate your feelings
Eliminate too late
Eliminate the hope
Eliminate,Eliminate.
I Hate, unbelievalbe song, here are the lyrics to the chorus,
I hate people that make ya feel small
I hate havin' my back against the wall
I hate bein' talked down to
I hate your rules
I hate 'em all
Hate bein' marked to take the fall
Planet's not big enough for me and you. (Awesome lyrics).
Every song is amazing, BUY THIS ALBUM!
Overkill
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Motorhead Masterpiece
  • Best European metal album ever
  • GREAT STUFF
  • favorite motorhead
  • Motorhead's first classic
 Overkill
Motörhead
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
British MetalBritish Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Ace of Spades
  2. Bomber
  3. Iron Fist
  4. Another Perfect Day
  5. Orgasmatron

ASIN: B00005NQIG
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

  1. Overkill
  2. Stay Clean
  3. (I Won't) Pay Your Price
  4. I'll Be Your Sister
  5. Capricorn
  6. No Class
  7. Damage Case
  8. Tear Ya Down
  9. Metropolis
  10. Limb from Limb
  11. Too Late Too Late
  12. Like a Nightmare
  13. Louie Louie
  14. Tear Ya Down
  15. Louie Louie

Album Description

This 1979 studio album established MotC6rhead as one of the all-time great Metal bands and a cornerstone of the new British Heavy Metal movement. Features such MotC6rhead standards as the title cut, "Stay Clean," "No Class," and "Louie Louie" remixed into surround sound from the original recording tapes.

Special Features - A variety of special features on these DVD-Audio titles may include: 24 bit/96 kHz DVD-Audio and 24 bit/48kHz Dolby Digital 5.1 options Stunning 5.1 surround sound Plays on All DVD players

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Motorhead Masterpiece.......2007-07-31

Over Kill is my personal favorite Motorhead album. It's rough and raw compared to the more polished megaseller Ace of Spades, and it's packed with better songs compared to Bomber. The multiple "false" endings of the title track into the beginning of Stay Clean is one of my favorite segue ways ever. This is a must have CD for anyone interested in Motorhead, heavy metal, punk, thrash, or any other genre of "fast and loud" music. Philthy opens the album with thunderous drums, and the energy doesn't let up until the CD is done. Fast Eddie is on fire throughout, and some of Lemmy's best lyrics (and even a bass solo during Stay Clean) are featured as well. If you are a new fan this is a great CD to start with; if you've been into Motorhead for a while and don't have this one you're missing the most important piece of the band's history.

Four of my all-time favorite Motorhead songs are on here: Over Kill, Stay Clean, No Class, and Damage Case. Other highlights include I'll Be Your Sister, Capricorn, Too Late Too Late, and Like A Nightmare. The Louie Louie bonus tracks are a great piece of Motorhistory to have included on this disc too.

5 out of 5 stars Best European metal album ever.......2007-04-12

For all you American metalheads raised on Metallica and Guns N' Roses, better buy this album and start a whole new life. If you're looking for the quintessential heavy metal album, want to know what metal was like at the height of its glory, well you finally found it.

No metal band ever did any better than Motorhead on this dark, grinding, and super-cool killer album. Overkill, Stay Clean, Metropolis, Capricorn and No Class are the top classics but the whole album will blow you away start to finish.

The most groundbreaking thing about this record was that it was at the same time aggressive, melancholic and cool. It has the energy of metal, the dark, post-industrial sound of space rock, the no-future feel of punk, and the basic, but very effective, song schemes of rock 'n roll. Thanks to the great guitar work and drumming by Fast Eddie and Philty Animal Taylor, the music is never too dense or plodding along. But it is mainly the emphasis on Lemmy's bass lines that makes it achieve the most difficult thing in hard music: to combine a raw edge with a soulful groove.

A testament to its greatness and originality, this album has had an enduring influence on just about any hard and guitar-driven music genre since the end of the seventies: heavy metal, black metal, hardcore punk, Oi!, D-beat, groove metal, stoner rock, post-grunge etc. Metallica, Venom, Slayer, Discharge, GBH, Sodom, Sepultura, Monster Magnet, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, none of those bands would exist without Motorhead's Overkill. Just get it, it's the best European metal album ever.

If you're starting your 70's/80's European metal collection from scratch, the other classic-but-often-neglected albums to buy are Unleashed in the East (Judas Priest), In Trance (Scorpions), Killers (Iron Maiden), Restless and Wild (Accept), Melissa (Mercyful Fate), Welcome to Hell (Venom), Infernal Overkill (Destruction), and Morbid Tales (Celtic Frost).

5 out of 5 stars GREAT STUFF.......2006-06-05

If you want some good ol' fashion raw speed metal, this is your album. Fast, loud, and raw. This is one Motorhead album, ofcourse Motorhead is one great band. So yea, if you want some good speed metal this is for you.

5 out of 5 stars favorite motorhead.......2006-06-04

Motorhead is one of the most influential bands - they made speed metal rock n roll and influenced a lot of metal and rock bands who like to play it fast. late 70s saw the release of Overkill which is a killer of a record and saw speed metal bring a popular early start. motorhead is still strong today too!!

5 out of 5 stars Motorhead's first classic.......2006-05-07

"Overkill" was a big step forward from Motorhead's eponymous debut, it cemented the group's famous sound, and it features the classics "Metropolis," "Stay Clean," "No Class," and the title track. But nearly every song on here is a hit, and these songs will tattoo themselves to your brain after only one listen. The beats are ultra infectious and rhythmic, and are laden with irresistable hooks, and the songs are composed of fast, memorable, groovey riffs, bouncy drum patterns, grumbling bass notes, and gruff vocals.

The album begins with one of the best. "Overkill" (the title track) is driven by a propulsive, fast, thumping, speed-punk drum beat, and is complimented with a very catchy guitar line and a wailing guitar solo. The album continues with "Stay Clean," which features wah-wah guitars and a chorus you'll have bouncing around your head for days. Later on, "No Class," which has a toe-tapping rhythm, is a concert and fan favorite, and "Damage Case" boasts a pair of fairly long solos and another unforgettable chorus. Track eight, "Tear Ya Down," has some almost breathtakingly awesome guitar work, and, likewise, "Metropolis" has five wailing solos; and "Limb From Limb" is highlighted by humming riffs, crashing drums, and three speaker-shredding solos.

If you get the remastered edition of this album (which you should and most likely will), five extra tracks are included, including two b-sides ("Too Late, Too Late" and "Like A Nightmare"), as well as an instrumental version of "Tear Ya Down," and two covers of "Louie Louie" (both of which are as catchy--maybe even catchier--than the original).

So, 1980's "Ace of Spades" may have catapulted Motorhead into superstardom and the mainstream, but their second album, 1979's "Overkill," was their first classic (which is arguably as great as "Ace of Spades"). If you consider yourself any kind of Motorhead, speed metal, or heavy metal fan, this disc is a must.
Horrorscope
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Overkills Best
  • My all time favorite!
  • Nice Day For A Funeral
  • More Grade A Thrash from Overkill
  • Overkill's best....and that is saying something
 Horrorscope
Overkill
Manufacturer: Megaforce / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Years of Decay
  2. Under the Influence
  3. Taking Over
  4. W.F.O.
  5. Necroshine

ASIN: B000002IRL
Release Date: 1991-09-03

Tracks:

  1. Coma
  2. Infectious
  3. Blood Money
  4. Thanx For Nothin'
  5. Bare Bones
  6. Horrorscope
  7. New Machine
  8. Frankenstein
  9. Live Young, Die Free
  10. Nice Day...For A Funeral
  11. Soulitude

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Overkills Best.......2006-01-31

Horrorscope continues to be a great metal record, even since its release in 1991. This was the best Overkill line-up as far as I am concerned, with Sid Falack on Drums (the best drummer that they have had) Horrorscope is a very heavy album, and the Stand out track on this has to be Nice day for A Funeral. Overkill has never really broke into the mainstream, and they arent that well known by newer metal heads, considering their heyday was in the late 1980's. This is a must to have for all fans of Metal, even NU-Metal. Enjoy this one..It smokes

5 out of 5 stars My all time favorite!.......2005-09-29

I love this cd so much I had it tattooed on my left arm. Thats the logo and not the actuall cd. This is not only the best line up Overkill ever had it was also the best sounding. Production God Terry Date once again proves why he is one of if not the best in the biz. Opening up with fast head pounding Coma, non stop driving drums and mind blowing guitars each song has as much aggression as the next. Blood money, Thanx for nothin, and bare bones don't stop. Not until we get to the self title song do we get a break from the lightning speed of this band. Again it takes off at the bands unbelievable cover of the Edgar Winter groups "Frankenstein". Live young die free then have a nice funeral all in one day? After one hell of an headbangin cd they end it all with "Soulitude". A chance to regain your energy to start it all over again!

5 out of 5 stars Nice Day For A Funeral.......2005-01-06

When Overkill ditched their guitarist Bobby Gustafson in 1990, many predicted the end for Thrash's most enduring band. Few guitarists in the genre have ever been able to match his chops and technique, and for many fans, his playing provided much of the band's personality. Fans were concerned Overkill without Gustafson would have been like Black Sabbath without Tony Iommi.

They needn't have worried. `Horrorscope' turned out to be Overkill's most mature and most consistent release of their career to that point. The new guitar duo of Merritt Gant and Rob Cannavino proved to be a match even for a guitarist as good as Gustafson, and helped revitalise the band.

"Coma" starts with a haunting acoustic intro, before letting loose with a full on double kick drum and power chord typhoon. Immediately obvious- two guitars are heavier than one. Where DD Verni had often had to sacrifice a little of the bottom end to fill the vacant mid ranges now sat a second guitar. While studio trickery meant the rhythm guitar never dropped out during solos on previous Overkill albums, two guitars proved to be far more versatile, flexible and heavier.

Overkill's unique character remained intact through the vocals of Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth. While Blitz is not the best vocalist ever, he's one of the most distinctive, and probably the most versatile to ever front a Thrash Metal band. From soaring pseudo-Operatics on "Coma" to the pessimistic wailing of "Soulitude", Blitz covers a whole range of emotions, from rage to frustration, to bare faced aggression, sometimes within the space of a few lines.

Gustafson was hardly missed in the song writing department either. The band wrote riffs by the bucketload, with songs like "Blood Money" and "Thanx For Nothin'" featuring some of the best ever. There are a few slower, brooding songs with a feel similar to "Playing With Spiders/Skullcrusher" from previous album `The Years Of Decay', although the focus is more on an atmosphere of despair and hopelessness than just playing slow to hit low frequencies. The grinding bass-led intro to the title track is an unstoppable juggernaut, creating a theme the rest of the song to build off without ever lifting the tempo above lumbering. "New Machine" features a closing passage which creates robotic, automaton imagery like a scene from the movie "Metropolis".

While Overkill had always dealt with dark themes, the lyrics here had none of the camp silliness of older songs like "Hello From The Gutter", "Brainfade" and "Hammerhead". Instead, the lyrics on `Horrorscope' pertain to living with a sense of hopelessness or helplessness, and the inevitability and finality of death. The closing couplet of "Nice Day... For A Funeral" and "Soulitude" reach the depths of sombre introspection. The songs deal in turn with death ("Yeah, the last of sunshine/Oh, ya know, for what it's worth/Nice day for a funeral") and it's aftermath ("I remember here/Thought it was a dream/I never thought I'd come to this). While it may seem like a depressing way to finish an album, it is highly thought provoking.

Showing a maturity which only comes through self-confidence, `Horrorscope' wasn't exactly what fans were expecting, but few were disappointed by it. Overkill showed up more famous peers like Metallica, Megadeth and even Exodus, by shifting their focus without compromising their principles.

5 out of 5 stars More Grade A Thrash from Overkill.......2004-10-01

Overkill have got to be the most underrated thrash band ever, and this is probably the best album I've heard from them.(though it's pretty close between this and Years of Decay) They've got greater variety than just about any other thrash band, a way above average singer and some of the most consistent riff-writing around. Plus, they have some of the better lyrics in the genre, and lack the stupid posturing lots of metal bands tend to disply. Simply put, no thrash fan should be without this album.

This album is noteworthy partially because it is one of the few straight-up old school thrash albums to actually have good production. The guitars are thick and clear, the drums thud nicely and it's all balanced out very well. Fortunately, it has superior songwriting to go along with the excellent production. Each of the conventional, driving thrash songs works well, and it's got a number of true classics. Coma is about everything you want from a thrash opener, although the intro is perhaps a bit too long. It's got some of the best riffs on the album, and lotsa nice double bass too. Blood Money is probably the best straight ahead thrash song here. I absolutely love the chorus, and it's got memorable vocals throughout. Definitely the most energetic song here too. Live Young, Die Free is an absolute clinic in thrash riff writing.(best riffs on the album for sure) All the riffs rule and they do a particularly good job of mutating the riffs.(Like how the main riff comes in has 2 main variants, one using triplets, the other alternate picking) It's got another good chorus too. The title track is a masterpiece of grooving, atmospheric metal. Overkill does slow material better than any other thrash band, and this is about as good as it gets. The riffs are absolutely crushingly heavy and the drumming is agonizingly slow and powerful. It's also got some really great vocals from Ellsworth.(As is typical of their slower songs.) The pair Nice Day For A Funeral and Soulitude close out the album as a single, 10 minute+ epic. Not as heavy as Horrorscope, but even more atmospheric, with more melody and some very nice lead work. The 2 choruses are great, once again. The chorus to Soulitude is pretty affecting, and it brings the album to a great close. The cover of Frankenstein is really cool too. It brings in a bit more melodicism and light-heartedness to the album, but it still thrashes pretty good.

That's it. This is pretty much mandatory for thrash fans.

5 out of 5 stars Overkill's best....and that is saying something.......2004-07-17

Horrorscope is the crowning achievement from Overkill. They have consistently put out quality album after quality album and you rarely, if ever, hear an Overkill fan that feels like any Overkill album ripped him off (try saying that about many other 80's metal bands with a straight face).

Horrorscope seemed to put it all together correctly. Every song is a classic and today, 13 years later, this album still doesn't sound dated. It is a true classic and is a must have for any metal fan.
ReliXIV
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • On par with the classics (4.5 stars)
  • Overkill are going nowhere fast. Barely average tracks with weak production.
  • Return to form 4 1/2
  • Rushed were we?
  • Hope the next one is better
 ReliXIV
Overkill
Manufacturer: Spitfire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Kill Box 13
  2. Necroshine
  3. Bloodletting
  4. From the Underground and Below
  5. W.F.O.

ASIN: B0007OY3MA
Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

  1. Within Your Eyes
  2. Love
  3. Loaded Rack
  4. Bats In the Belfry
  5. A Pound Of Flesh
  6. Keeper
  7. Wheelz
  8. The Mark
  9. Play The Ace
  10. Old School

Amazon.com

Never having the fame of the giants of metal--Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer--Over Kill nevertheless have been making some of the most consistently driving thrash since their inception. There is a renewed invigoration on this record--a sense of dynamic and focus that other classic thrash bands have lost over the years. Also, like their east-coast cohorts Anthrax, there is a sense of humor not evident on a lot of metal (just listen to the chugging and snickering "Bats in the Bellfry"). The flanged guitar on the opener "Within Your Eyes" belies what's coming up and, once it starts, it doesn't let up. The punch of "A Pound of Flesh" and "Wheelz" right in the middle are anchored by groovers like "Love" and "The Mark". Closing with the Motorhead-like anthem "Old School", Over Kill give a list of their achievements and state their allegiance in no uncertain terms, and they definitely deliver. --Robert Arambel

Album Description

2005 marks the twenty-year anniversary of OVERKILL's debut, Feel the Fire. This year offers metal heads their fourteenth disc, RELIXIV on Spitfire Records, a ten-song collection that explores and explodes through their twenty-year history of metal, thrash, groove and the like. RELIXIV is an aggressive standout through their metal journey.

The writing for RELIXIV was done during the touring for KILLBOX 13 and during the spring and summer of 2004. The disc was recorded at GEAR RECORDING in Shrewsbury, NJ, in October and November of `04. Recorded, mixed and produced by the band, RELIXIV takes the "hands on" focus and approach. A project envisioned and brought to fruition by the band, from the first notes of "Within Your Eyes" to the last HEY of "Old School".

The lineup for RELIXIV remains the same, DD Verni (Bass), Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (Vox), Dave Linsk and Derek Tailor (Guitars) and long time drummer, Tim Mallere. "The band has gelled" according to Linsk, "we're playing as if we have been together forever". "We know what we are", states Blitz; "a metal band, and we make metal records". RELIXIV is the pounding proof of that, while revisiting their past and moving into their future.

OVERKILL plans extensive touring in support of the new disc. US shows are booked as well as a headlining European tour and festivals.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars On par with the classics (4.5 stars).......2006-06-06

Twenty years and fourteen albums into their career, Overkill are still going as strong as ever. Following up 2003's somewhat experimental "Killbox 13," "ReliXIV" is more-or-less a return to form for this New Jersey-based five piece. It is ten tracks of no-frills, no-surprises attacks of vintage, classic, old-school, unabashed, headbanging thrash metal. And in an age where 99% of all thrash bands have abandoned their speedy roots, listening to this album is like chugging a glass of cold water on a hot summer's day.

Guitarists Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer offer more than a passing glimpse of skillful, crushing leads and big, chunky riffs, while drummer Tim Mallare pounds away at his trapkit, creating very muscular, pounding rhythms. Lastly, D.D. Verni serves up a fair share of thick bass lines, and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth aggressively snarls his way through every song. The band experimented with self-production this time around, and the results were a success, as these songs sound crisp, but also have a rough edge.

Most of "ReliXIV" (e.g. songs like "The Mark") opts for mid-paced crunch, so most of these songs are melodic, catchy, and groovey enough to be memorable. But, even though there could stand to be another fast song or two, tracks like "A Pound Of Flesh," which is an ultra-fast song propelled by a blistering, buzzsaw guitar lead and quick, nimble drumming, prove that Overkill can still bring the speed (and the noise) like the best thrash bands.

Some songs, like "Keeper," are driven by pounding drum blasts, but the guitars are usually the center of attention. Opener "Within Your Eyes" is one of several tracks here to feature heavy, churning riffs, deft, thumping drums, Strapping Young Lad-esque vocals, and a tasty guitar solo. Other highlights include "Love," which features a catchy, punching rhythm bolstered by a fast double bass drum, the crunchy, stutter-stepping riffs and long, mazey guitar solo on "Bats In The Belfry," and the excellent, very melodic solo which sprouts up on "Loaded Rack."

Overkill may never reach the popularity level of their thrash contemporaries, like Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, or even their East Coast speed metal brothers (Anthrax), but this is one of many albums which proves that they are definitely as talented as those bands, and deserve to be in their same league. "ReliXIV" will surely bring a smile to any old-school fan's face, and it will get any metalhead's neck snapping, so it is definitely an essential inclusion in every thrasher's collection. It doesn't get this reviewer's vote for the best speed metal album of 2005, but it's a very enjoyable listen all the same.

2 out of 5 stars Overkill are going nowhere fast. Barely average tracks with weak production........2006-05-21

14th album! Now that's an awesome effort in itself. Overkill have been laying down thrash albums since the early 80s and don't seem to be slowing down one little bit. I can't say I've ever been a huge fan of their work, but I did very much enjoy Horrorscope in 1991 and there are a number of the 14 releases that I've never heard.

So let's take a look at "ReliXIV". Well, nothing has changed for Overkill. This is still thrash without any bells or whistles, but I can definitely hear more of a Machine Head like groove to certain tracks such as "Love" than was prevalent back in the earlier days. But I must say, there really isn't anything here that you won't find on their other albums, let alone the rest of the thrash market.

One aspect that can turn a few listeners off is Bobby's screechy vocal style. Although I still find it takes some getting used to, I don't mind it at all and it gives them a unique sound if nothing else. The problems with this album lie with a fairly weak production, a lack of decent hooks and a couple of really ordinary tracks. The guys are just playing by the numbers here, with the end result being quite boring and lacking the energy that is prevalent in most of Overkill's work. I never find myself feeling like I want to tear the house down and run rampant which is kind of how a good thrash album makes me feel.

Some very simple riffs are made worse by some pretty ordinary solos and the last couple of tracks are truly atrocious. I know these guys have a sense of humour and don't take things too seriously, but if they truly wish to remain relevant in the scene, they should make more of an effort to excite the listener and create a hard hitting album that puts all the wannabe thrashers in their place. As it is, one of the true metal veterans has released a lacklustre release that has a few decent moments, overshadowed by an utter sense of been there done that.

4 out of 5 stars Return to form 4 1/2.......2006-02-17

I havent heard an album this good from Overkill since "Horrorscope" I mean this is like a flashback and Overkill went back in time about 15yrs. I had said that Overkill was only average musicians, but this current line-up is the best since "Horroscope" and I do believe that they added 2 new guitarist, but I am not sure since I dont have the booklet in front of me. Tim Mallore has never sounded so good, as he seems to have went from an average drummer to a good drummer. This is a treat for Overkill fans of old, I s**t you not that you will be taking back in time to the "Horrorscope" days, its like all the albums after "Horroscope" didnt happen, Forget what the other bad reviewers said, they must have the wrong CD in or something, cause I cant see how any true Overkill fan doesnt think this kicks the living crap outta anything they have done since "Horrorscope" ENJOY

2 out of 5 stars Rushed were we?.......2005-10-16

Anything Overkill is an obligation as far as I'm concerned. However, I can't help but be overly disappointed with this latest effort from these metal pioneers. Sadly, upon first listen, I found myself jumping from one track to the next, not finding anything close to what I was expecting. It was like listening to a dry cough with each passing song. The attitude was there, but the iron clad meaty core was not. The guitar sound is thinned out so much it's almost stripped completely down to bare bones sound. The base is there but it's not standing beside the riffs. The guitar is front and center but we have base lines that are seemingly being played by someone in the next room if you will. Nothing comes together. Relixiv rages on unrelenting but it's not going anywhere and the choruses fall flat as pancakes. Blitz has no place to go with any of it, so it's as if all direction was lost and he's left to doing his thing over a mess of riffs that run into one wall, and then the next.

I love these guys. I own all their works and I choose to deny the cross with the rest of you but can you help but notice here that this HAD to be a rush job? It's so disheartening to see this, ney, hear this, happen to an Overkill record. I doubt that they will ever out do Horrorscope, but listen to Killbox 13 and then spin Relixiv. What happened here guys? It's with a heavy, metal heart, that I have to slap 2 stars on this awesome band. What's even more hard to realize is that Testament did Souls Of Black in two weeks so they could tour with Ozzy and they still hit the mark. We all know Overkill lives for their fans and life on the road (watch their interviews on the Wrecking DVD), but you've got to give it everything you've got with each new release to keep us feeling the fire.

3 out of 5 stars Hope the next one is better.......2005-10-15

Well, just for background, I've been an overkill fan as long as I can remember. I really liked Bloodletting and Killbox 13. Overkill is one of the only bands where I can buy their cd without hearing any of the songs first because I know what I'm getting.

I think if you are an overkill fan, you will enjoy this album. However, you'll agree it could have been better. The first time through, I was really disappointed. Thinking to myself, is this all? This is it? I'm on my fourth listen now, and some of the songs are growing on me. But it was never like that with any of their other albums. I loved them the first play through.

I was also never albe to listen to any of their albums all the way through the first time either because I would have to replay so many of the songs over and over because I liked them that much. Not here. I just let it play beginning to end, just waiting to hear something worth repeating.

Is this album any good? Yes. Is it disappointing? Kind of. Will I buy the next one? Definitely.

On a related note, I'm not sure why all the complaints about the guitarist. I don't think there was anything wrong with any of that in general. I mean, the song may not have been my favorite, but it wasn't just because the guitars sucked. Even the best guitars in the world couldn't rescue some of the songs. Can't polish a turd no matter how hard you try.
Feel the Fire
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Classic early thrash set
  • Raw, Unpolished, but Amazing
  • A necessary for the quintenssential thrash fan...at least in my opinion
  • "higher ,higher feel the fire,she burns at the stake like a witch!!"
  • Pure Original
 Feel the Fire
Overkill
Manufacturer: Megaforce
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
MetalMetal | Hard Rock & Metal | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Taking Over
  2. Under the Influence
  3. The Years of Decay
  4. Horrorscope
  5. Necroshine

ASIN: B000003T9B
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

  1. raise the dead
  2. rotten to the core
  3. there's no tomorrow
  4. second son
  5. hammerhead
  6. feel the fire
  7. blood and iron
  8. kill at command
  9. overkill
  10. sonic reducer

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Classic early thrash set.......2006-11-05

I don't know how well the inspirational crescendos translate to today's modern, younger metal set. It certainly doesn't approach the thrash of today's standards; but this is not only valid as a history lesson, it's a good album and the best of Overkill's first four or five efforts (I don't know what they did after that). It's got great mood swings and it actually does thrash at times. And the whole damn thing is just so catchy.

Usually the "catchy" phrase is a bad thing. When I think of "catchy" and early 80s metal, I think of bands like RATT, who managed catchy hooks that seemed to make them sound heavier than they really were... and somewhere along the line, if you truly cared for the music, or at least the thrash, you realized that bands like RATT sucked. Not the case here. This album has most of the requisite early 80s metal references - violence, satan, and literally "Blood and Iron"- but they're delivered in a great package of galloping rhythms and hard-driven catchiness that still make me want to jump up and play air guitar. Or hit my real guitars until I remember that I'll never really be able to do solos like Bobby Gustafson. It still makes me want to scowl, though. In public.

And it all happened before that self-conscious period inspired by the early successes of "The Headbangers Ball." In following albums, Overkill managed to still write some good songs and get a little heavier -tho not really harder. Yet nothing that I know that they've done, not even that decent second album, compares in my mind to this one. The way I'm portraying it here, "Feel the Fire" is very similar stylistically and obviously chronologically, but in a relative sense, to "Kill `em All," although: 1) this is actually a more polished work than Kill `em All; and 2) Overkill would never approach the things that Metallica was going to do.

So, Yep, it's a different musical vehicle than Pantera, Napalm Death, Slipknot, or even Overkill's comtemporaries, like Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. But it's good, clean, early metal fun and in my mind, an early peak in a vast, metal/thrash genre.

If you've got your head set on straight and don't take yourself too seriously, but like decent music and a good time -and/or if you've got any kind of curiosity of the history behind music you might be listening to today- I highly recommend you get this unfortunately oft-overlooked disc that might just be an early masterpiece of metal. Those of you getting the CD will benefit from a cover of "Sonic Reducer" that wasn't on the original album, but you'll be missing the backward message that comes at/after the end of the last track.

If this is a vague article, I apologize, but I didn't come in to this expecting to review an album. I checked my email, had this review request from amazon and thought that if no one's written anything about this great old album, it's a sin and someone's got to. If you're curious enough to be checking it out and also reading all of this, just get it. You'll probably thank me.

5 out of 5 stars Raw, Unpolished, but Amazing.......2006-08-22

"Feel the Fire" is Overkill's debut album, and even though it was released on an independent label, it still remains one of their heaviest albums of all time. Even though much different then Horrorscope and The Years of Decay, which are much more polished, this is a raw and in your face debut from the band. The songs are pure thrash, and extremley well done. If you are a fan of the band, even their newer material, which is still solid, this is a must for your overkill collection. Sometimes debut albums can be weak or sloppy, and production usually sucks, espically in the extreme music genere, but this one is a treat. Even though there isnt much polish on this, and more crunching guitars and blast beats, the rawness is what makes this album. Bobbys vocals are so high pitched, that his range then was amazing. Even though more screaming then actually singing, like Bobby does now, its still great, and did I mention that its so damn heavy. Pick it up, you will be happy that you did

5 out of 5 stars A necessary for the quintenssential thrash fan...at least in my opinion.......2006-01-04

Overkill is one of those underrated thrash bands who never got to see the spotlight of stardom as such acts as Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and even Exodus. In my opinion, this is a good album. However, I wouldn't go as far as saying that it is one of the best. The metal they played was no different than that of Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. The songs are mostly good. I would, nevertheless, recommend this album to any metalhead.

5 out of 5 stars "higher ,higher feel the fire,she burns at the stake like a witch!!".......2005-09-18

i've been wrecking my neck to over kill for i guess about 17 years now & had never heard their debut. i finaly picked it up back in march of this year & damn is it good! its my new favorite over kill.i can't say its technicaly the best of their catalog .i do think its the most entertaining. the original lineup fresh from the underground,loaded w/great songs & its remastered.a MUST for over kill freaks or headbangers for that matter.

5 out of 5 stars Pure Original.......2005-08-19

I have been listening to Over Kill for ten years and I never get tired of listening to them even though I never get tired of listening to any of my bands.
This album is pure original it just rules and it's also my favorite Over Kill album.Every song rules on the album,of course nothing beats the song Over Kill.
Sonic Reducer is a cover song, much better by Over Kill.Bobby Blitz' voice is amazing,every Over Kill fan will agree.Bobby Gustafson does an awesome job on the guitar,D.D. Verni,awesome on the bass,'Rat' Skates awesome on the drums.Buy Over Kill's first five albums.
Over Kill has some thrash in them,but mostly they are speed metal".
Taking Over
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Just as good as "Horrorscope"
  • pure metal fun
  • Taking Over My Stereo
  • Another solid effort from Overkill
  • greatttttttt
 Taking Over
Overkill
Manufacturer: Megaforce / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Under the Influence
  2. Feel the Fire
  3. The Years of Decay
  4. Horrorscope
  5. Necroshine

ASIN: B000002IKP
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Deny The Cross
  2. Wrecking Crew
  3. Fear His Name
  4. Use Your Head
  5. Fatal If Swallowed
  6. Powersurge
  7. In Union We Stand
  8. Electro-Violence
  9. Overkill II (The Nightmare Continues)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Just as good as "Horrorscope".......2007-04-20

Every single track on "Overkill's" sophmore release is outstanding, and shame shame if you dont have this in your collection if you are an Overkill Fan. Even though "Horrorscope" and "The Years of Decay" rank up there with fans as being the "best" Overkill album, "Taking Over" deserves to be up there as well. "Taking Over" contains some brutal thrash, and in my mind was the best thrash band of the 1980's. I even liked "Overkill's" material better then Metallica's. This is a great Metal album for fans of all types of the genere, as it deserves to be called a classic.

5 out of 5 stars pure metal fun.......2006-04-15

Lets face it metal is fun and this one my friends takes the cake.This overkill album for me ranks up there with years of decay and horrorscope.The album has a nice fast pace that i loved to party with 15yrs ago and still today.To all the younger kids out there trust me this is a true classic that has stood the test of time and needs to be suported forever.

5 out of 5 stars Taking Over My Stereo.......2006-02-11

A classic Overkill album is at hand, This is THE BEST Overkill album in my opinion, All the first 5 are great, but this one I think stands alone. Released in 1987, and one of the best of the year, Including Exodus' Pleasures of the Flesh and Testament's The Legacy, and others. Overkill got overlooked by many, due to them not being part of the "big four", Anthrax should have never been part of it, Overkill should have, but you could also say Exodus and Testament should have too.

This is basically the same style as their previous release album, being their debate "Feel The Fire", but the production is much better, everything is heard, but it's still got a raw feel to it.

Deny The Cross...prepare to be drawn in, a great opener, nice and fast but catchy at the same time, Wrecking Crew, one of my favorite Overkill songs, this ones REALLY catchy, and a great chorus, and love the solo!, Fear His Name, while not as strong as the first 2, is also great, a nice catchy chorus. Use Your Head just has a cool chorus, all in all, a pretty good song. Fatal if Swallowed is just a cool song, nothing to really say about it. Powersurge is another classic from Overkill, Blitz actually does a different kind of thing with his voice on this one, pretty cool, and catchy as hell. In Union We Stand, the song that made me buy the album, no double bass, but still seems to be fast!, it's like an anthem, killer! Electro-Violence is yet another, classic from Overkill, extremely catchy and cool, with cool riffs, and a wicked solo, even a small acoustic part which lasts like a whole 2 seconds! Overkill ll (The Nightmare Continues), the second of the Overkill trilogy, and to me...the best!, great riffs, great everything, check this album out at all costs!

4 out of 5 stars Another solid effort from Overkill.......2005-11-06

I'll keep it short. This is Overkill's second album. It's not quite as strong as the first, though it does have some improved production. It's a bit more purely thrashy, though it's got a definite power/classic metal flavoring much of the time. Heavy, fast, catchy stuff, nothing truly remarkable but a lot of fun. Blitz's vox still have a long way to come, but he's still alright, and they use the gang vox quite nicely. 'Powersurge' is definitely the best thing here. Great gang vox in the chorus. 'Deny the Cross' is the next best thing, the thrashiest thing here, but again with a very catchy chorus. 'Wrecking Crew' is similar, if not quite as strong, and 'Fear His Name' is an interesting, somewhat more powerish piece. Some good melody in that one, and some of Blitz's better vox. 'The Nightmare Continues' is a nice continuation, but not as strong as the original 'Overkill'. Has some fine atmosphere, at times.

I'm done. Definitely not one of their very best ones, but still worth owning.

5 out of 5 stars greatttttttt.......2005-07-12

THIS IS PROBABLY OVERKILLS SECOND BEST ALBUM,,,THE FIRST BEING FEEL THE FIRE, BUT A MUST HAVE FOR A TRUE METAL HEAD. LIKE ME...LOL...PICK IT UP YOU WONT BE DISSAPOINTED....
From the Underground and Below
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Overkill's Darkest and Most Innovative "Post-Falack"Material! 4 1/2 Stars
  • This is what heavy metal is supposed to be!!
  • Overkill is a constant
  • Middleaged Metal
  • A 1 ton anvil of real heavy metal
From the Underground and Below
Overkill
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Necroshine
  2. The Killing Kind
  3. Bloodletting
  4. Kill Box 13
  5. W.F.O.

ASIN: B000001YAF
Release Date: 1997-09-30

Tracks:

  1. It Lives
  2. Save Me
  3. Long Time Dyin'
  4. Genocya
  5. Half Past Dead
  6. F.U.C.T.
  7. I'm Alright
  8. Rip N Tear
  9. Promises
  10. Little Bit O' Murder

Amazon.com

More than 10 years and three labels after its crusade began, New York's Overkill is still churning out solid slabs of molten metal. Perhaps the band has been thrashing away too single-mindedly to notice how little ground it has gained, but instead of whining about the collapse of its industry or the fickle nature of its former fans, Overkill has kept on keeping on. From the Underground and Below is a thundering sludge-fest that features enough rhythm changes and diverse mood shifts to keep the songs surging even when they lack solid vocal hooks. --Jon Wiederhorn

Album Details

The Trash Act from Ny Present their Countless Fans Ten New Tracks, Each of which Demonstrates"Overkill's"Raw, Unpolished Energy.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Overkill's Darkest and Most Innovative "Post-Falack"Material! 4 1/2 Stars.......2007-07-09

When you talk about Overkill albums, and try to compare them, where do you start? I would like to start from the end of the Sid Falack Era, which would end with I Hear Black. Mind you that from the first release to "Horrorscope" all outstanding albums.NOTE: (Under the Influence and I hear Black were OK, just above average)BUT.. I never thought Overkill would release a stinkbomb until I heard "The Killing Kind" Mind you that "WFO" was barley passable, but it seemed like Overkill was slipping. This is where I got off board for awhile.About a yr or so ago, I got back on board with the band when I heard Relix and was impressed, so I went beack into their catalog of albums that I hadnt had. "Necroshine and Bloodletting" were my start back into the band. They were OK, some good stuff, but still not a 4 or 5 star effort. I wasnt impressed until KillBox 13 (4 Stars). Buried in between these releases was a gem that I somehow missed. 1997's "From the Underground and Below" is by far the best of the releases from 1994 to 2000. AND I mean its damn good. Its Overkill, but much darker, almost as dark as "Feel the Fire" If you have been building up your Overkill collection, and have shyed away from some the material from 94-2000, then this is the one to get. You have to hear it to believe it, its that different, but in such a good way, and it even has an edge on coming in close to being some of the best material since "Horrorscope" (I mentioned that Relix was "Horrorscope" Matrial like, but that was before I got my hands on this)A Must have for the Old and New Overkill fan. Judging by only 13 reviews, this album seems to get missed. Please, pick it up, and you have a great experience waiting. I almost gave it a perfect 5, but there are one or two tracks that are kinda filler. ENJOY

5 out of 5 stars This is what heavy metal is supposed to be!!.......2006-01-25

This is what metal is supposed to be. One of the best metal albums released in the last 10 years and I'm certain that this album was over-loked, under-rated and under-appreciated. It is catchy, blistering fast and represents the best speed metal/thrash metal in years. Overkill has created a masterpiece and it is one of the best albums and probably ranks up there with Metallica's the Black Album. I know one thing- TOP 40 radio won't touch Overkill and that there isn't a place for them in the mainstream. Overkill's album deserves 5 stars and is one of the heaviest albums in years and they were influenced by Black Sabbath and Metallica.

3 out of 5 stars Overkill is a constant.......2005-08-06

To start off, my overall impression of this album is that it is average to above average. It had been ten years since I last listened to Overkill. In 1995 I was in my speed/death metal phase (pre-black album Metallica, Megedeth, Slayer, Testament, Overkill, Carcass, Entombed, Exodus, Death, etc.). However, college came along and I got swept up into different types of music. Nowadays I don't listen to metal anymore.
A month ago, I was ticked off about my living situation and my landlord, and I went back to my past and popped in my Overkill tapes for my rides in my car to and from work. Let me tell you, it was such a rush, pounding the steering wheel listening to "Elimination", "Who Tends the Fire", "Never Say Never", "Use Your Head", "Thanx for Nothin'", "SupersonicHate" "Infectious", etc. etc. etc. - and even the last album I bought from Overkill - "The Killing Kind - which I found a new appreciation of.
So, I decided to pick up where I left off and start reliving the Overkill experience. I resumed with From the Underground and Below. It's been about a month since I got this album, and it is just now starting to grow on me, sort of like a lot of Overkill's albums (Horrorscope comes to mine and that one turned out to be a classic!). Really digging "Long Time Dyin'", "The Rip 'n Tear", "Genocya", and for some reason, I like "I'm Alright". "Long Time Dyin'" is such a classic Overkill tune - has great lyrics and a great speed-metal bluesy vibe if you will. I don't even want to talk about "Promises". That tune is a total misstep if you ask me. Ballad territory is not where Blitz should enter into. And I don't consider "The Years of Decay" or "Soulitude" ballads. "Promises" for lack of a better term, lacks balls. There are two other upsetting aspects of this album. One is the fact that there's not a lot of D.D. Verni in the mix. Turn that bass up! Oh, don't get me wrong, you can still hear him, but compared to past albums, I'm disappointed. Secondly, I don't really think most of the background vocals add anything good to any song. "The Rip 'n Tear" comes to mind. However, a good overall effort from the band. Joe Comeau and Sebastian Marino don't really set the world on fire, but they sound alright to me. I love the little minute-long dirge or whatever you call that comes before "I'm Alright" - I might be mistaken on that. As for Blitz' vocals: As good as ever (and were talking 10 years since Taking Over came out!) It sounds like he has definitely tweaked his voice a little bit to hit some of the more trouble-spots, but he can still get that classic caterwaul going when he needs to. If you're like me and have been a long-time fan of this band, get this album. If you're new to the band, I suggest you start with The Years of Decay, Horrorscope, and W.F.O.

5 out of 5 stars Middleaged Metal.......2005-03-06

Would you like to hear some music that'll slap you straight in the puss then kick you square in the ass? Overkill's music basically does that in general, but this album is a fantastic example of this, especially if you aren't too familiar with the group. Unlike many of the thrash bands of the good ole days, Overkill have never forgotten who they are. Granted, Underground sounds quite a bit different from Taking Over, but then again Kill Em All sounded different from Puppets, didn't it? Overkill don't seem to be playing as fast as they used to, but they sure are playing heavier. I mean frickin HEAVY! Like speed in your car, start a fight with a stranger on the street heavy. Maybe it's the advances in recording technology, I'm not sure, but I think this is as heavy as music is able to get. Listen to this stuff(or any of their recent output for that matter) and tell me if you really think Linkin Park is "heavy". Unfortuntely, the younger folks won't have the time of day for an older group of fortysomethings who don't try to clone Phil Anselmo's vocal style. But us twenty/thirtysomethings who were around when the whole thrash thing started know what the score is, don't we? These old bands are like Corn Flakes-The Original and Best. Get From The Underground and see what I'm talking about. It's heavy, it's catchy and it's fun......and you can take that to the bank!

4 out of 5 stars A 1 ton anvil of real heavy metal .......2005-02-26

Overkill is what I remember heavy metal used to be. Loud, loud, edgy guitars, booming drums and screaming but understandable vocals. The guitar work on this CD is excellent and the riffs are some of the best Overkill has done over the years. Easy to slide right into and start head-banging. The singer's voice has lost a little power but still does the job. The only misstep to me is the attempted power balled "Promises" The song isn't necessarily bad, but the singer doesn't have the voice to pull it off.
W.F.O.
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • watch your step! this album is open!
  • UNBELIEVEABLE SHRED RIFFS ON THIS ONE!!!!
 W.F.O.
Overkill
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Necroshine
  2. I Hear Black
  3. The Killing Kind
  4. From the Underground and Below
  5. Kill Box 13

ASIN: B0009RQRI8
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

  1. Where It Hurts
  2. Fast Junkie
  3. Wait/New High in Lows
  4. They Eat Their Young
  5. What's Your Problem?
  6. Under One
  7. Supersonic Hate
  8. R.I.P. (Undone)
  9. Up to Zero
  10. Bastard Nation
  11. Gasoline Dream
  12. [Silence]
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  86. [Silence]
  87. [Silence]
  88. [Silence]
  89. [Silence]
  90. [Silence]
  91. [Silence]
  92. [Silence]
  93. [Silence]
  94. [Silence]
  95. [Silence]
  96. [Silence]
  97. [Silence]
  98. Heaven And Hell
  99. [Silence]

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars watch your step! this album is open!.......2006-06-22

Overkill is definitely the bomb. thrash metal couldn't do with out this band. this album is a must for any and all thrash fans.
although the cd registers 99 tracks, there are twelve altogether. if you like Slayer, Forbidden, Flotsam & Jetsam, Exodus, Megadeth, Kreator, Sodom, Sepultura, Destruction, and Pantera, put some Overkill in your collection.

5 out of 5 stars UNBELIEVEABLE SHRED RIFFS ON THIS ONE!!!!.......2005-09-28

Ok first off i have to say it really drives me nuts how OVERKILL gets absolutely no credit or media attention???? Metal Edge mag. will profile all kinds of groups who have been around forever, foreign groups that nobody has heard of but lol absolutely no OVERKILL ever?????? One listen to this album by any thrash fan and its an automatic favorite....If you like crunchy ass stomp riff metal this is an ultimate crunch/stomp riff album!!!! Along with every other OVERKILL album i give this 5 stars!!!!
Exit the Dragon
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • One of my alltime favorites
  • The Rolling Stones of the '90s
  • Worth way more than $1.00!!!
  • 4 1/2 stars for a lost classic of 90's alt rock
  • UO had "it" with this one
 Exit the Dragon
Urge Overkill
Manufacturer: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Saturation
  2. Debutante
  3. Stull EP
  4. Too High to Die
  5. Temple of the Dog

ASIN: B000000P1O
Release Date: 1997-11-04

Tracks:

  1. Jaywalkin'
  2. The Break
  3. Need Some Air
  4. Somebody Else's Body
  5. Honesty Files
  6. This Is No Place
  7. The Mistake
  8. Take Me
  9. View Of The Rain
  10. Last Night/Tomorrow
  11. Tin Foil
  12. Monopoly
  13. And You'll Say
  14. Digital Black Epilogue

Amazon.com

Exit the Dragon is a somber, brooding effort fueled by more than a touch of "woe is me." There is no larger-than-life FM-rock anthem on this album; no Paul Shaffer favorite like Saturation's "Sister Havana." Produced once again by Philadelphia's Butcher Brothers, Joe and Phil Nicolo, the 15 songs are almost all mid-tempo groovers. In place of the last album's shimmering guitars and thunderous drums are groaning synthesizers, heavy Hammond organs, distant horns, and clattering congas. Over this late-night juke-joint backdrop, singers Nash Kato and Ed Roeser ruminate about how they hate walking in sunshine, can't get a break, never learned anything in school, made more than their share of mistakes, and don't pray anymore "because too many of God's children die." Such whining sentimentality would be unbearable coming from, say, sanctimonious folkies Soul Asylum or generic grungemeisters Bush. But the members of Urge Overkill are post-modern pranksters who are well versed in every aspect of rock history and '70s pop culture. They're having the time of their lives being this miserable, and the dark night of their souls is illuminated by sign posts pointing out the connections to legendary end-of-the-line classics such as Big Star III, the Rolling Stones' Exile On Main St., and Sly and the Family Stone's There's A Riot Goin' On. --Jim DeRogatis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of my alltime favorites.......2007-06-08

I love how "Exit the Dragon" is always referred to as a colossal F-up. It is one of my personal favorite albums EVER. The jacket and interior pictures are awesome [especially the LP]. The story behind it and the fact that it got no promotion is interesting. And most importantly, the music is beautiful. It is one of the few albums I enjoy listening to front-to-back, side a-side b all the way through. They hit every mood, which is something very few albums accomplish. In fact, I think I'll go listen to it right now . . .

5 out of 5 stars The Rolling Stones of the '90s.......2007-04-03

Maybe it was because the members of Urge Overkill chose to sing about the perils of a hard-partying lifestyle instead of reveling in it that music publications like Rolling Stone ineptly panned this CD upon its arrival in stores in 1995. Whatever the reason this album wasn't properly celebrated as a growing of Urge Overkill, the fact remains that "Exit the Dragon" remains the band's best, most mature release in an impressive canon of albums. If you love rock and roll, it's simply pointless to complain about the juicy guitar crunch on such great songs as the opener, "Jaywalkin,'" and "Need Some Air." Along the same lines, just as UO did on the great Saturation album from 1993, the band flavored many of the songs on "Exit the Dragon" with an irresistable barroom swagger, topped off with a wide array of despondent lyrics. Though sonically and lyrically this album is great, it would be a disservice not to mention the bleakness of such darker-tinged songs as "The Break," "Honesty Files," "This is No Place" and "View of the Rain." Clearly, UO were a road-weary band during the making of this record.

Still, despite whatever problems they may have been going through during the mid '90s, there's a real chemistry and sense of soul on "Exit the Dragon," an album miles above the murk of UO's first two non-major-label efforts. As always, there's a great trade off between the vocals of Nash Kato and Eddie "King" Roesser, and some of the best UO songs seem to feature a subtle musical tension that makes for exciting music. One such song on "Exit the Dragon" is the severely radio-ready "Take Me," which, in a perfect world, would have been this band's biggest hit. Sadly enough, I don't recall any of these songs getting radio airplay, but if any song from this album deserved it, "Take Me" was the one.

Other cool tracks include the one-two-three punch of "Last Night" (mid-tempo swaggering song with hopeless lyrics)/"Tomorrow" (confident punk tune complete with hand claps) and "Tin Foil" (just a great, sorrowful love song). Like other albums from Urge Overkill, "Exit the Dragon" might slightly overstay its welcome by two or three songs, but considering the band has been on a (permanent?) hiatus for so long, at least in terms of putting out new material, this transgression actually turns out to be a welcome turn of events.

Bands like Urge Overkill don't come along every day. Pick this one up if you want some great music at a great price.

4 out of 5 stars Worth way more than $1.00!!!.......2006-07-28

Hey folks--I've noticed that a lot of great music like "Exit the Dragon" is in ending up in the old dollar bin because the used merchants have too much and nobody cares anymore (uh, supply & demand I think). Well let me tell you--this is one great rock and roll album that, as I write this, can be had at a bargain.

These guys were a great band and they released their best when they were at the end of the rope they eventually hung themselves with. The tension and desperation are palpable, particularly on the Eddie Roeser tracks like "This Is No Place" and "Tin Foil." "The Mistake" is a regret-filled dirge about a drug suicide written by the drummer Blackie, who subsequently quit/was fired, allegedly for reasons including his own substance abuse problems. The Nash "Girl, You are a Woman Now" Kato tracks are generally more upbeat and help lift the gloom momentarily, but this one is a delightful downer(think Big Star's "Third/Sisters Lovers" or Sly's "Riot" but not as good).

I saw these guys in Athens, GA at the 40 Watt on the "Saturation" tour and I can attest that they were the real deal. They hit the stage barechested and wearing giant "UO" gold medallions around their necks. Too bad they had their chance when it was becoming uncool to act like rock stars.

So buy a copy now because I think its out of print and it will probably be worth BIG BUCKS someday...or maybe not, but you can still listen to it and think about how little you paid for so much listening pleasure.

4 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 stars for a lost classic of 90's alt rock.......2005-03-23

I got in to Urge Overkill thanks to "Sister Havanna" which had heavy rotation on MTV's "Alternative Nation" (back when MTV was OK to watch, now it's just horrifying). I bought Saturation and thought it was such a brilliant rock album. I remember buying "Exit The Dragon" when it first came out in '95. It was much darker then "Saturation" but I really thought it rocked harder then that album did. Little did I realize that the band were about to break up after that.

10 years later, listening to ETD, it's even better then it was when I first bought it. "The Break", "The Mistake", "Monopoly" are just as great as when I first heard them. Though they have been pretty much forgotten by todays music lovers I will always love this little piece of musical heaven. I have heard they are launching a comeback. If they are I would be extremely excited to pick up anything new from UO.

5 out of 5 stars UO had "it" with this one.......2005-01-03

God. They had that special quality. Urge had soul. Exit the Dragon is Urge Overkill's best album, but even if Geffen had done their job and had given the record a fair amount of promotion (yeah, they didn't), it probably still wouldn't have sold very well, I'm very sorry to say. Most people don't "get" UO, but all they need to do is listen with the ability to recognize what makes great art and what makes art great! It's all about "the touch", as Dirk Diggler once sang(although I think he was talking about a different sort of "touch"). UO truly had "it" on this record, but Geffen had just about "had it" with UO. I was 14 when this came out (I was even more of a fan then), and I don't remember knowing anyone who was into them at the time besides myself and some friends I had personally influenced. Sad stuff. It's okay, though, UO will be "Big Star"'s someday...It's the same old story; an inventive, ridiculously good band is misunderstood and frustratingly commercially unsucessful during their existance until ten years later or so after their demise when a bunch of record collecting geeks "discover" them and turn them into cult-legends. They deserve so much more than that...Karma? Just buy this record and love it.
Kill Box 13
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • absolutely fantastic
  • The Wrecking Crew Still Delivers The Goods!!!
  • Overkill - 'Kill Box 13' (Spitfire)
  • Consistent
  • Essential Overkill for this century.
 Kill Box 13
Overkill
Manufacturer: Spitfire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Thrash & Speed MetalThrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. ReliXIV
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  4. W.F.O.
  5. From the Underground and Below

ASIN: B00008MHBK
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

  1. Devil by the Tail
  2. Damned
  3. No Lights
  4. The One
  5. Crystal Clear
  6. The Sound of Dying
  7. Until I Die
  8. Struck Down
  9. Unholy
  10. I Rise

Album Description

Their 13th album, the boys from Jersey have delivered a modern thrash metal masterpiece that succeeds in both stroking that seminal fire and moving the band into the new century. Produced by Colin Richardson. Spitfire. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars absolutely fantastic.......2006-07-27

This album rips, rocks and shreds! I bought "The Years of Decay" a while ago and instantly fell in love with it; then, I bought "Feel the Fire" and "Kill Box 13." While "Feel the Fire" is rather basic (just quick shredding without much melody, depth, or changing of directions within the songs), "Kill Box 13" has it all: double-bass drum power and sophisticated rhythmic arrangements, shredding solo guitar, rhythmic and catchy hook phrases on rhythmn guitar, complex songs with various segments and phrases each, and nice gritty but dynamic vocals. Thank goodness that re-discovering 80s metal (even this 2003 release!) saved me from today's bland, depressing and ego-centric self-pitying hard rock. "Kill Box 13" expresses depth, speed, virtuosity, heavy grooves and great vocals; in short, it satisfies from the first few seconds of the opening track through the album's closer.

5 out of 5 stars The Wrecking Crew Still Delivers The Goods!!!.......2006-01-18

The Wrecking Crew delivers it fast, heavy, and brutal. Undisputably an indication as to why OverKill have consistently remained true to what they believe about Metal and why they love playing it. This one gets lots of play on my cd player and its demons down once the first track gets going till the last track. I am not narrow minded to other genres of music...however, Overkill makes me proud to be a lover of the Metal Genre because they execute it with such brutal passion and wicked guitar riffs. Thanks Blitz and D.D. Verni...for being true defenders of the Metal Faith....Never Surrender.....Keep it Heavy, Loud, and Brutal \m/.

4 out of 5 stars Overkill - 'Kill Box 13' (Spitfire).......2005-10-26

It's really NOT all that hard to believe that New York's own thrash kings,Overkill has now seen it's 20th anniversary as a band.Not for me,anyway.This release shouldn't let anyone down.Believe that vocalist Bobby Blitz and bassist DD Verni's determination has kept this thrash outfit going as long as it has.Some of the head bashing cuts to live by here include "Devil By The Tail",the modern day Overkill classic "Damned"(this track could've easily been penned umteen years ago),"the Sound of Dying" and "I Rise".Recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Consistent.......2005-10-18

Considering that Overkill have been cranking out albums since the early eighties, their 13th album could have been a lukewarm affair.This is not the case however. Killbox 13 may indeed rank up there with their best albums. The songs on this disc are uncompromising thrash. This is no-doubt OLD-SCHOOL, but it can hang in there with anything new currently being produced. The song writing is tight and the riffs are sick. If you ever liked thrash metal or if you are interested in trying new forms of Metal, this CD is a must listen. Jack Tucson, AZ

5 out of 5 stars Essential Overkill for this century........2005-05-14


All songs are on par with the best of their past material, except the production is better, and there are more grooves to hook you, without sacrificing the mind-crushing and hypnotizing qualities of good thrash.

The production and musicianship are excellent. And it has a maturity about it, without sounding soft or over-the-hill. Fresh, authentic, pure and full-of-energy. Very much a thrash album.

If you like old Overkill, I recommend it. If you're new to Overkill, or to thrash, I also recommend it as much as any of their work from the golden era of thrash.

Very listenable. I play it every week.

Songwriting: 9/10
Musicianship: 10/10
Sound Quality: 10/10
Originality: 9/10
Listenability: 10/10

Music Info:

  1. Palace Springs
  2. Peel Session [EP]
  3. Peel Sessions [Live]
  4. Reborn in Chaos
  5. Reflections
  6. Reign in Blood
  7. Rise And Shine
  8. Rock Hits of the 80's
  9. Rock in Rio [Import]
  10. Rock in Rio [Live] [Import]

Music Info

music info

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Mensaje de Oro

Mass in C Minor

Feels Like Home (CD+DVD)