OVERKILL — Under The Influence (review)

OVERKILL — Under The Influence album cover Album · 1988 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Unitron
Overkill - Under the Influence

"Under the Influence" is the third studio album by thrash metal band Overkill. After their first two raw speed metal-twinged albums, on "Under the Influence" Overkill fully unleashes their thrashing fury to secure themselves in the realm of thrash master acts. With that said, they certainly did just that.

Overkill has come to shred, as they immediately let you know with the furious opener which is aptly titled 'Shred'. This song really has it all, the aforementioned shredding, rumbling bass and drums, and an extremely catchy chorus that will probably get stuck in your head for awhile. You'll also be saying 'Hello from the Gutter', and 'Never Say Never' that you won't bang your 'Head First'. Don't forget to not let your 'Brainfade' while listening to 'Drunken Wisdom', or else you'll reach the 'End of the Line'. To put it simply, this album will have you 'Under the Influence' of addicting thrash to save you from the 'Mad Gone World'. However, you really don't need saving from the furious thrashing and riot chants that the aforementioned will put forward.

If you're like me, and can never get enough of amazing bass and riot vocals, then you're in for a treat with this album. Just take a listen to the bridge of 'Never Say Never', and try not to lose yourself in D.D. Verni's killer bass-line. Give a listen to 'Drunken Wisdom', and just listen to that skull-crushing guitar that is made even heavier with the heavy rumbling bass. 'Head First' also has an insanely addicting bassline throughout the song, rivaling Annihilator's 'Knight Jumps Queen' as one of my favorite bass-led songs. At the end of the song there is some pretty crazy soloing. As far as riot chants go, there is no shortage here. 'Shred', 'Brainfade', 'Mad Gone World, and 'Head First' all have great use of riot vocals. The final song on the album makes fantastic use of everything, beautiful classical intro, more rumbling bass, great chorus, crazy soloing, and everything else.

Overkill, this album along with "The Years of Decay" are among my all time-favorites. If you like thrash, sweet bass work, or crushing riffs and haven't heard this album, go do yourself a favor and give it a listen. Hope you found this review helpful.

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siLLy puPPy wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I agree. This is a band that has only gotten better unlike many others who've been around. Oh yeah, nice one Unitron :)
Unitron wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Thanks, I agree that Overkill has probably been one of the most consistent bands out there as their last three are amazing. Years of Decay will probably always be my favorite from them, but this and Ironbound closely follow.
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Nice review of a great album. I think they´ve been on a winning streak with the last three albums, but this one and the NeXT two are my favorites.

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