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There's no shortage of respect for Overkill in the metal community. Fellow musicians and discerning metalheads know the long-running East Coast thrashers have influenced countless bands since Overkill began back in 1980. Commercially they never reached the heights of the Big 4 (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax), but have garnered a large and loyal following over their long career.

Ironbound is Overkill's fourteenth studio album, and they show no signs of slowing down.

There are no huge surprises here, just track after track of first-class thrash metal. “The Green And Black” kicks off the album, and it's the longest Overkill song (8:12) since 1989's The Years Of Decay. It's packed with great riffs and enough changes and variety to maintain interest through the entire song.

Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer turn in standout performances on Ironbound, especially on songs such as “Bring Me The Night.” Their chops are showcased throughout, and whether they are playing thick riffs, intricate solos or rhythmic fills, the guitar work is spot on.

What makes Overkill stand out is vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, whose high pitched singing is unique and instantly recognizable. He's able to dial it down and sing in a lower range, but can wail when it's required.

Peter Tagtgren (Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir) worked with the band on the production of the CD, and the result is a thick and heavy sound with a lot of power and punch. Not very many bands make it for 30 years, and even fewer are at the top of their game after that length of time.

Overkill is one of those bands, and Ironbound is one of their best efforts since the early '90s.

(released February 9, 2010 on E1 Music)



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.