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Twenty
five years after the release of their debut CD, Feel the Fire,
Overkill returns with RELIXIV. The 10-song CD sums up the
band’s career for delivering hard core and thrash-frenzied
musical explorations in this 50-minute foray of absolute musical
aggression. Over the years, the band lineup has not changed; D.D.
Verni (b), Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth (v), Dave Linsk (g),
Derek Tailer (g) and Tim Mallare (d) continue their relentless assault
on the senses.
So
what can one expect from RELIXIV? What do you think? Pioneers
of the early thrash movement in the early ‘80s, Overkill delivers
what young aspiring bands can’t come close to achieving, which
is pure metal aggression. From the get go “Within Your Eyes,”
unloads the aerial guitar assault of Linsk and Taylor. Speedy rhythms
and solo that approach a manic pace carry the listener into the
dark and chaotic world of Overkill.
“Love,”
is most certainly not a ballad and continues the mental bashing
as it slams the cones in your speakers, pushing them to the limit.
Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth vocals are as raspy and guttural
as one can get. Even in their frenzied delivery, you can somewhat
make out the lyrics.
More
of the same follows as each track plays out and the CD spins along.
“Loaded Rack,” “Bats in the Belfry,” and
“A Pound of Flesh,” lead the way to the other hellish
speed metal tracks of “Keeper,” “Wheelz,”
“The Mark,” and “Play the Ace,” before closing
out the CD with the final track, “Old School.” Aspiring
thrash metalists can honestly utilize this CD as a learning ground
for honing their chops and rage.
RELIXIV
maintains its edgy overtones from track one to track 10. The songs
are similar in nature and those unfamiliar with Overkill may have
a hard time distinguishing the songs from one another. When performing
this type of music, there is only one level of performance: supersonic-over-the-top
metal frenzy.
Line-up:
D.D. Verni (b), Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth (v), Dave Linsk
(g), Derek Tailer (g) and Tim Mallare (d)
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