Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Overkill The Electric Age Company: Nuclear Blast Release: 2012 Genre: Thrash Reviewer: Chris Kincaid

Feels like Overkill are playing for their lives

My first taste of Overkill came in 1994 from the gravely underrated W.F.O album. I snagged it for $5 bucks at The Hock Shop. Helluva deal! It still remains one of my favorite albums from the green & black attack. And while other metal bands have lost it by catering to trends or artistic expression, Overkill has kept their balls intact continuing to pound out badass thrash.

"The Electric Age" is no exception. It picks up where "Ironbound" left off. No changes needed! No frills! No need for an orchestra or extra musicians! Blitz and the boys keep it simple with an album that takes no prisoners. Charging out of the gates with a smoking opener in 'Come And Get It', to the sheer frenzy of 'Electric Rattlesnake' and the grinding assault of 'Black Daze'. Weakspots? Good luck finding any amidst the monster riffs, fierce double kicks, solos that'll have you air shredding and that rumbling bassline that's the staple of every Overkill album. All delivered at full throttle, neck snapping speed leaving you no time to catch your breath. And just when you think it's safe to come up for air during the first few seconds of the closing track 'Goodnight', it's pace switches and kicks you between the legs one more time.

One would think with constant touring and a stroke during a show back in 2002 that Bobby Blitz would be showing his age. Wrong! The man might be pushing 53 but his voice has managed to retain it's brash, gritty, attitude. Seriously, I can't hear a difference between Blitz now and Blitz on 1989's "The Years of Decay".

"The Electric Age" feels like Overkill are playing for their lives; holding nothing back and pushing themselves to the brink of metal madness. Maybe being underrated is a good thing. Keeps you hungry and true to your roots.

Yes, Virgina...the wrecking crew are back!