Album review: Overkill “Scorched”
New Jersey thrashers Overkill still got it as they demonstrate on their 20th studio album.
Having seen Overkill play live numerous times, I know that these lads have got it. They always seem to deliver. They soldier on and keep fighting the good fight in the name of thrash metal, no matter what. The release of the new album “Scorched” has been delayed several times due to Covid-related issues. But now the album is finally about to be released. This is a fabulous American thrash metal album with a solid foundation in 1980s thrash but with a modern take on the genre. The album, the band’s 20th full-length studio album and the follow-up to 2019’s “The Wings of War”, is solid straight through. Standout tracks include the terrific “Fever” (is it me or does it sound a bit Queensrÿche-ish? Maybe it’s me…), “Harder They Fall” (the drums!), “Wicked Place”, the surprisingly groovy “Bag o’ Bones” and, of course, the relentless title track. The vocals of Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth sound pissed off (yeah, that’s a good thing when it comes to thrash metal). As if someone has drunk the last drops of milk before “Blitz” could eat his breakfast cornflakes. In the current killer version of Overkill, “Blitz” is joined by DD Verni on bass, Dave Linsk on lead guitar, Derek Tailer on rhythm guitar and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, ex-Flotsam and Jetsam, Anthrax) on drums. With “Scorched” the band has created an excellent thrash metal album.
Overkill’s “Scorched” will be released on 14th April via Nuclear Blast.
