I admit Overkill is a band that I had not heard from since the late 80’s and quite frankly I was surprised when I received this CD for review. The name Overkill and thrash metal are synonymous to me as these guys were one of the pioneers of this genre of metal. Their newest CD Ironbound is their 15th release and marks the bands 25th anniversary and it can be described in two words… thick and chunky. You can interpret that however you would like. Ironbound has something that the band was lacking back in the 80’s (maybe this was due to technology or finances) but there is a wall of sound that seems to reach through the speakers and gives you a pop in the kisser and a production that is clean, full and big.
The opening song “The Green and Black” clocks in at 8:12 and sets the pace for the remainder of the CD. From the onset founders Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, D.D. Verni and company do not slow down for one moment from the opening song to closing song “The SRC”. There is nothing that even remotely looks like a ballad, or pop song… It is full fledged thrash and mayhem from beginning to end. Let us also not forget the unforgettable song titles like “The Goal is Your Soul”, and “Killing For a Living”. Ellsworth’s vocals are better than they have ever been and Verni and Derek Tailer provide that chunk that I spoke of earlier. Drummer Ron Lipnicki is the newest member and he provides thunderous drum beats that push the songs through full throttle.
This is by far Overkill’s best CD release in their 25 year career. “Ironbound” is the perfect example of how thrash metal SHOULD be done. There is not one song on this CD that I do not enjoy; which is something that I have not been able to say for a long time. Whether you are a current fan, former fan of Overkill or even just a fan of the thrash metal genre then “Ironbound” is a MUST for you. I know it is still early in the year but I think this CD will definitely be in my top 10 CDs of 2010.
Reviewed by Jeff Holton
