OverKill returns in full force with their 14th full length release "RELIXIV". From the opening chords of Within Your Eyes to the ending crashes of Old School there is never a dull moment on this disc. Enough of the small talk, lets get down to business and talk about the songs.

I. Within Your Eyes

  A perfect opening track. It starts out with a very soft muted chords progression before D.D. Verni starts in with an absolutely bludgeoning bass line. The lyrics bear religious/political overtones, but I will leave that for people who actually give a shit about lyrics to squabble about. As far as I am concerned they could write about puppies and happy fluffy crap and I wouldn't care less. This song makes we want to throw a hairy fist in the air and thrash about like a lunatic. The lead breaks bring back shades of Bobby G. and that is always a good thing. This thrashing masterpiece clocks in at 6:06 and never lets you out of its grasp until the end.

II. Love

  This one starts in right where the first track left off. A wicked grooving start before a single guitar passage that has that recorded in a bathroom sound with Blitz singing over it. This song is about as subtle as a 16 lb. sledgehammer to the head. Blitz lays down some of the best screams ever in his career during this track. The overall sinister feel this song brings is spine chilling. D.D.'s bass tone is very reminiscent of God of Thunder, and that isn't a bad thing at all. This one clocks in at 5:40.

III. Loaded Rack

  Another muted guitar beginning, but not as soft as the opening track. Blitz spits out the lyrics in the machine gun fashion for which he is known. The guitars are relentless with Tim Mallare and D.D. providing a crushing backline to it all. If you are looking for the soundtrack to an imminent killing spree look no further, OverKill has provided you with one. Now go kill some poor assholes that desperately need it. 4:43 of mayhem.

IV. Bats In The Belfry

  A song of psychosis as the title implies. Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer shine on this tune, D.D. and Tim once again hold down a rock solid rhythm section as Blitz sings of spiralling into the depths of psychosis. Kind of a fun tune, well as fun as OverKill can be. 4:47 of insanity on a personal level.

V. A Pound Of Flesh

  This song is another one that aptly demonstrates everything a good thrash song should be. In your face guitars and break neck speed. A great song to start a mosh pit in your living room and tear shit up. A song of retribution that could piss off a little old lady faster than someone yelling BINGO! Whip yourself into a frenzy for 3:37 for this tune.

VI. Keeper

  A mid tempo beginning for a thrash song, then all hell breaks loose... pinch harmonics, and Blitz screams his ass off. Yes children, this song has it all. Chainsaw guitars, thundering double bass drums, and a groove section with a rumbling bass line to support it all. The groove is in the verses and is downright hypnotic, the chorus snaps you out of the trance and slams you against a figurative brick wall. This one clocks in at 5:12 although it feels much shorter than that.

VII. Wheelz

  This song starts with a groove that is the central part of this song. Reminds me of the “I Hear Black” album, which regardless of what some people think, is a brilliant fucking tribute to Sabbath. Another song that clocks in over five minutes, but seems far too short. Groove along with Blitz & Co. for 5:10, then repeat the song and hear something you missed the previous listen.

VIII. The Mark 2:14

  A thunderous double bass opens this tune, Tim maintains the pace until shortly after the two minute mark when the song evolves into a blues oriented groove. This is a good song, but I am not sure how it's going to go over with the "diehard fans". I like it, so fuck those self righteous pricks who feel they can dictate what a band does. Thrash like mad and then groove along for 5:54.

IX. Play The Ace

  Poker references run amok in this mid tempo groove oriented song. If listening to this tune doesn't induce some kind of body movement be it bobbing your head or just tapping your foot, you need your pulse checked. It speeds up at about the four minute mark but, the basic groove is still there. Perhaps the weakest track on the album. This ditty clocks in at 5:34 although it seems to drag at times.

X. Old School

  This is a very fun song that pays tribute to OverKill’s beginnings. Simple three chord down picked punk inspired silliness. Gang vocals during the chorus that are slightly off key, and kind of cheesy. Eddie Trunk does a voice over, and the original line up of OverKill gets a nod. Grin like an idiot and remember how things used to be back in the early 80's for 3:51.

I feel this is OverKill's best effort since The Years Of Decay. It's a shame that OverKill will never achieve the fame and notoriety as bands like Slayer and Megadeth have achieved. They have consistently released great thrash albums and "RELIXIV" is no exception. If aggressive in your face guitars is your thing, do yourself a favor and pick up this disc. It will not disappoint on any level.

 

Overkill

"RelixIV"

Rating:                                 

Reviewed by:

OD3X1

Artwork used with permission from Neverland Music Inc.