Despite Overkill being a very well known band in metal circles, I have to admit that I haven’t really given them much time at all. Overkill Feel the fire is the bands first release which came out in 1985. The band at the time look to be taking a lot of their influence from Judas Priest. From the outset this is really cool stuff traditional metal but faster. Opening song “Raise the Dead” opens up the album in great style with the old school riffage and signer Bobby Blitz’s vocals sounding like a cross between Rob Halford and Brian Johnson, gritty touch but with a melodic edge.
“Rotten to the Core” continues in the same vein. I was debating to myself whether I’d really consider Overkill Thrash metal but more a faster version of traditional metal. Either way though this is great stuff. The fourth song “Second Son” is basically thrash metal. Then comes the intensely metal “Hammerhead” which basically puts that one to rest. They’re both! hahah!
“Feel the Fire” is a more traditional metal outing. One thing about this album is it never gets boring. Every riff is captivating and Bobby’s vocals are amazing when a lot of singers are still finding their feet on first albums, this guy absolutely wails.
This is a really cool album. It bridges the gap between traditional heavy metal and thrash metal perfectly. It also made me realise that I don’t spend enough time listening to Overkill. I will fix that in the future.
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