Overkill
Feel the Fire

THE REVIEW

Among the bands of the second thrash wave, a mention must definitely go to the American band Overkill, one of the groups that distinguished themselves the most among a myriad of bands that popped up like mushrooms. Hailing from New York (the land of Anthrax, whose influence is noticeable), they musically debuted in '83 with a self-produced demo, followed the next year by a self-titled EP. After these two episodes, good but not extraordinary, the east coast guys came up in 1985 with the debut album Feel the Fire, considered today as one of the band's best works. The recordings feature bassist D.D. Verni, guitarist Bobby Gustafson (who has to work for two, being the only one with a six-string), the legendary Rat Skates (drums), and Blitz Ellsworth (vocals). Despite an apparent inconsistency, the line-up managed to produce an excellent product, full of fast and just the right amount of "rude" thrash, without many compromises.

The intro of Raise the Dead is nasty enough to lead into a fast and aggressive song, where Bay Area echoes hover. The next track, Rotten to the Core, is the gem of the album, an anthemic song you won't tire of listening to. For the rest, the album continues in this style, maintaining high levels: you will find highs (the title track, Overkill and Hammerhead, just to name three); as for the lows... well, it's up to you to find them, because after many listens, I struggle to find any.

What to say? In forty well-played minutes, you will be impressed in hearing the versatile and powerful drumming of Rat Skates, the impactful riffing of Gustafson, and the "acid" voice of Blitz Ellsworth, a true trademark in the Overkill household. Merit also goes to the production, good for a debut.

Recommended for those who are already familiar with thrash and for those who, even knowing Overkill, have never had the fortune to listen to this work.

P.S.: demerit note for young de-reviewers who preferred to review albums already reviewed 20-30 times (à la Master of Puppets), ignoring Feel the Fire.