Overkill – Ironbound
released February 9, 2010 on E1 Entertainment
Rating : 4 / 5
Last year, the German legends Kreator set the thrash standard for 2009. In 2010, we’re getting schooled by those Jersey devils, Overkill. But not only is Ironbound a more consistent album than Hordes of Chaos, it’s one of their best yet. Credit is certainly due in part to producer Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy/Pain), and they’re thankfully backed by stronger labels now. Overkill now enters a dominant new phase of their storied career.
If “The Green And Black” is not the band’s new anthem, I don’t know what is. It recalls the 8+ minute track length not approached since The Years of Decay decades ago, kicking off with some meaty D.D. Verni bass chops to sink your teeth into. After a slow build, the attack intensity increases with a stronger-than-ever Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth. He impressively exhibits the best range and control over his unique vocals to date, which have aged like a fine wine …or whiskey. Blitz sings with an honest, passionate vibe that shall undoubtedly cement him as a trailblazer in Metal history.
Newest member Ron Lipnicki drums much better throughout Ironbound, compared with Immortalis. Check out the best part of side B: “In Vain”, which sends Lipnicki’s body into overdrive, including a great false ending suckerpunch. And you have to hand it to the Dave Linsk/Derek Tailer guitar team, arguably the tightest in the band’s history. The solo centerpiece that comes halfway through the title track is so good, it chokes me up every time!
I found it interesting that their mascot, Chaly, is chained up on their cover. Usually we find him flying around, zapping stuff with eye lasers, et cetera. Perhaps Overkill needs to collectively restrain what Chaly represents within the band itself in order to harness their greater power which they subsequently channel through their music. Or maybe it just looks cool.
A final note: admittedly, the first half blazes brighter than the second, but I now have a new favorite album from the 30-year vets. They will have no problem helming their anniversary tour, Killfest 2010, even with daunting death metal support from Vader and God Dethroned, plus upcoming thrashers Evile and Warbringer, whom I hope learn much by their formidable forebears.
FCC: 5, 9
Try 1, 2, 3, 4, 8
01. The Green And Black
02. Ironbound
03. Bring Me The Night
04. The Goal Is Your Soul
05. Give A Little
06. Endless War
07. The Head And Heart
08. In Vain
09. Killing For A Living
10. The SRC
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