On album 17 (yup), New Jersey thrash maniacs Overkill continue with the kind of rekindled speed-freak metal that first made a career for them in the '80s. With D.D. Verni's galloping, loud-as-fuck bass sound figuring prominently in the mix as always, the band storm out the gates with "Armorist," arguably the best Overkill thrash song since their classic '90s "hits" such as "Hello from the Gutter" and "Elimination."
Vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth is again in fine form with his one-of-a-kind helium scream. One of the most original singers in metal, Blitz brings his A-game to White Devil Armory. And the metal fun doesn't stop: "PIG" is a punk-y slice of mean streets crossover hardcore that shows Overkill aren't ready to act or sound their age. Young pups should shake in their boots, as this album delivers song after song of souped-up speed metal like "Where There's Smoke" and "Another Day to Die."
But it's the album's deepest tracks on which Overkill show they'll never be content to wallow in a retro thrash sound; album closer "In the Name" has the best traditional metal sing-along (by way of NWOBHM) since Saxon's "Denim and Leather" (or any Running Wild song), and that's high praise for these longtime Jersey bangers.
(eOne)Vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth is again in fine form with his one-of-a-kind helium scream. One of the most original singers in metal, Blitz brings his A-game to White Devil Armory. And the metal fun doesn't stop: "PIG" is a punk-y slice of mean streets crossover hardcore that shows Overkill aren't ready to act or sound their age. Young pups should shake in their boots, as this album delivers song after song of souped-up speed metal like "Where There's Smoke" and "Another Day to Die."
But it's the album's deepest tracks on which Overkill show they'll never be content to wallow in a retro thrash sound; album closer "In the Name" has the best traditional metal sing-along (by way of NWOBHM) since Saxon's "Denim and Leather" (or any Running Wild song), and that's high praise for these longtime Jersey bangers.