Wow – Overkill are back, and in a big way. Now, I’ve never been a rabid fanboy, but I’ve always been pretty fond of most of their early material. Post-Horrorscope though, the thrash legends had their share of ups, downs and line-up changes. Ironbound though, is set to change that. I can say with the utmost confidence that this is by far the best material the band has penned since Horrorscope and/or The Years of Decay, no shit.
First, I have to mention Mr. Bobby Blitz – he hasn’t sounded this good and venomous since, well, probably ever, and is the perfect match to Dave Linsk and Derek Tailor’s rampaging riffs and leads. Speaking of riffs, you won’t find a dull one in sight – every riff is just a monster. Every lead and solo is full of win. The kit battery of Ron Lipnicki is crushing, and of course the bass work of DD Verni is thunderous, full of energy, and thankfully not buried in the mix. To put it simply, the band is on fire; tight as hell and at the height of their game, even after all these years.
Ironbound opens with it’s longest song, “The Green and Black”, a raucous thrash romp that sets the tone perfectly. This is followed up by the relentless title track and the super hooky “Bring Me the Night”. The latter songs main riff is eerily similar to that of Diamond Head’s classic “Helpless”, but I’d have to imagine this was coincidence rather than by design. No matter either way though, as that riff just flat out kills. They bring it back a few notchs with the mid-paced groovers “The Goal is Your Soul”, “Give a Little” and it’s highly memorable chorus, and the stripped back “The Head and Heart”. “Endless War”, “In Vain” and album closer “The SRC” are high-octane tunes, while “Killing For a Living” is another barn stormer with a twist – Blitz begins each verse with a semi-spoken, semi-sung part before breaking into the song proper, which really makes it standout in a good way.
There’s nothing left to say – it’s Overkill fer fucks sake, and they’re kicking more ass than they have in years here with Ironbound. Dig it.
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Overkill were my first ‘real’ metal concert, in early 1994 for the I Hear Black tour. I haven’t really heard much of their stuff since (just listened to Horrorscope last week though), so I need to hear this. Nice job convincing me, Larry.
on Mar 9th, 2010 at 11:48‘Ironbound’ kicks ass! I was surprised at the energy and aggression they captured on this record…killer stuff.
on Mar 9th, 2010 at 12:35yep, this is good!
on Mar 9th, 2010 at 17:58Couldn’t agree with this review more. This album kills. Can’t wait to see them for the first time next month in Houston.
on Mar 10th, 2010 at 07:51Two of my all time favorite metal ballads are by Overkill, “Soulitude” off of Horrorscope and “Shades of Grey” from I Hear Black, damn those two songs are awesome. I have always been a huge Overkill fan and yes I am old, I’ll admit some of the stuff they’ve kicked out in the 2000’s has been kind of lame, but this new one does kick some serious arse. Great review!!!
on Mar 10th, 2010 at 13:09I agree also thatthis totally fucking kills, love every song on this album. can’t wait to see then in Tulsa OK.
on Mar 11th, 2010 at 18:28I’m still trying to figure out if this is the best thing Overkill’s done since Years of Decay, or if it’s the best thing they’ve done period. Worth the price of admission just for the first two songs, but the whole CD slays.
on Mar 13th, 2010 at 12:08This is one incredible tape. The more I listen to it, the more it roasts me. It’s hard to believe this band has put out something so awesome this late in their long career. “Bring Me the Night” and “Endless War” are my favorites. So much energy!!!
on Mar 23rd, 2010 at 23:53