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As far as thrash metal goes, Overkill is easily one of the best of that genre. They are arguably the first American thrash metal band. Hell they might be the oldest thrash metal band in general! They band celebrates 30 years of existence this year. The band has always had a strong record with albums. I can't think of a bad album they've released to date. The only really mediocre album the band released was their 1993 album I Hear Black, which tried to bring the bands' sound into a more groove metal based direction, but even that album had its' high points. Overkill has certainly stood the test of time better than their thrash metal brethen, like Metallica, Slayer and a couple others, who are just embarassing to hear these days. So when the band announced they were releasing a new album by the name of Ironbound, many metal fans were expecting another solid but not spectacular offering, much like in the vein of their previous album Immortalis. To the surprise of many, we didn't just get a solid offering or a spectacular one. We got ourselves a geniuine modern thrash masterpiece. This release from Overkill tops every new release from the older thrash acts.
Ironbound is a true monster metal album. Once you hear the opening basslines from founding member and bassist DD Verni in the first song, The Green And Black, you know you're in for an epic ride. This song (as with pretty much every song on the album) just crushes. The production sounds simply excellent. Vocalist and founding member Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth shows that he doesn't have James Hetfield syndrome yet (meaning his voice withered away over time). He still sounds strong as ever with his unique vocal style. The Green And Black is 8 minutes of pure thrash. Despite its length, it still holds the listener's attention and a dull moment ever arises.
The Ironbound title track comes up next. If you're not wrecking your neck in a headbanging motion to this song, something is clearly wrong with you. This song is a perfect blend of classic thrash and newer modern metal sounds. Lead guitarist Dave Linsk delivers a memorable and long solo towards the end of the song. Bring Me The Night follows Ironbound and this song is more of a traditional thrash song. It could easily fit on Horrorscope or any other classic Overkill album.
The Goal Is Your Soul and Give A Little continue in the pattern of the previous songs, dishing out memorable riffs and solo's. Endless War is a personal favorite track of mine. It's another neck wrecker but also shows a bit of an Iron Maiden influence at times. DD Verni does a couple Steve Harris-esque basslines towards the end of the song as the guitarists join in, definitely evoking the sound of Maiden.
The Head and The Heart is an interesting attempt by Blitz at trying death metal style vocals. When I first heard the song I thought it was a guest vocalist, seeing as Overkill featured Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe on their previous album, Immortalis. Blitz manages to pull off death metal vocals surprisingly well, proving that he is thrash metal's most versatile vocalist.
In Vain sadly doesn't really stand out from the rest of the tracks. It's not exactly weak, but it's just sort of filler-ish. A good song though, nonetheless.
Killing for A Living is probably the closest thing to a weak track on Ironbound. It's a more rock based song compared to the heavy thrash on the rest of the CD but it's not a bad song by any means. The album concludes with The SRC, yet another pulverizing but epic sounding track. More excellent solo's decorate this song, as does a breakdown to satisfy all the newer metal fans.
This is a thrash masterpiece (thrashterpiece??) in every sense of the word. It's definitely the best metal album released so far this year and I'd say it's a front runner for album of the year. It's going to take a lot to top Ironbound. It manages to blend traditional thrash elements with modern metal influences to create an absolutely crushing sound from the masters of thrash. This is one of those CD's that you have to go out and buy. Anyone who appreciates metal or good music in general can find something to like in Ironbound. I really can't say enough good things about this album nor find any glaring flaws. Go support this talented band and buy (not download) this CD.
-Joe
