Overkill Ironbound
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
One of the top reigning thrash bands in Metal, OVERKILL released their 15th studio album release Ironbound on Nuclear Blast on Jan. 29 and in the U.S. on E1 on Feb. 9. Ironbound revisits the early old school thrash metal roots of OVERKILL with a vengeance. Singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth” is at the top of his game with razor sharp vocals that cut like a knife and the sledge-hammer drum rolls of Ron Lipnicki and bassist DD Verni that are over the top pulverizing. OVERKILL pay tribute to the Jersey Shore and turn the decibel level up to 10 with an album full of songs that unleash the powerful fury that re-kindles the old school hard core vibe that launched OVERKILL to the masses of metal fans back in the day with their precise metal onslaught that is captivating from the title track “Ironbound” to the hauntingly “Bring Me The Night.”
One of the most exciting factors of Ironbound is that it is a piece of work that is in the now reflecting a very modern day sound that re-kindles the old school thrash vibe with relentless modern energy. The album has a live vibe that is scissor sharp and never lets up. With previous releases Immortalis and RelixIV that were old-schooler sounding, Ironbound is a re-birth of the band with the sledgehammer rhythm section of drummer Ron Lipnicki and bassist D.D. Verni that is simply brilliant. The energy of the band is relentless from start to finish.
Opening track “The Green And Black” sets the tone for the entire album with a thrash sound that takes you to the depths of hell and back. Upon first listen, you will be held spellbound. Title track “Ironbound” is pure thrash at its best. Singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is at the top of his game with vocals that are ferocious. Production wise the album is flawless.
Genre: Thrash Metal
Band:
Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth – Vocals
D.D. Verni – Bass
Ron Lipnicki – Drums
Dave Linsk – Guitar
Derek Tailer – Guitar
Track Listing:
01. The Green And Black
02. Ironbound
03. Bring Me The Night
04. The Goal Is Your Soul
05. Give A Little
06. Endless War
07. The Head And Heart
08. In Vain
09. Killing For A Living
10. The SRC.
Labels: E1 Music U.S., Nuclear Blast – Europe
Hardrock Haven Rating: 9/10