Overkill Taking Over: A Thrashing Masterpiece

In 1987, Overkill released 'Taking Over', an album that perfectly encapsulates the essence of thrash metal during its golden era. With Bobby Blitz's powerful vocals and D.D.'s thunderous bass work, this album is a testament to the band's ability to craft complex, intricate music with ease.

From the opening tracks 'Deny the Cross' and 'Wrecking Crew', it's clear that Overkill means business. The pounding drums and chugging guitars set the tone for an album that refuses to let up. Bobby Blitz's vocal range is on full display, transitioning seamlessly from Bruce Dickinson-esque howls to raspy screams.

Throughout the album, every track is a highlight, with no filler or weak moments in sight. 'Powersurge' is a standout, featuring Bobby's impressive vocals and the gang vocals that add depth and texture to the song. The guitar-driven direction and thick tone adopted by the band on this record are a perfect match for Bobby's vocal style, allowing him to deliver a dominant performance.

The album's production quality is top-notch, with every instrument clearly audible in the mix. Rat Skates' thunderous drumming and Bobby Gustafson's chugging guitars provide a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build upon.

In many ways, 'Taking Over' is the perfect blend of Overkill's earlier work, such as 'Feel the Fire', which was massively influential in the thrash metal scene, and their later efforts, like 'The Years of Decay', which were more ambitious but not always successful. This album finds a balance between the two styles, making it a pillar of 1987's historic bid for the greatest year of thrash.

Overkill has been one of the most reliable thrash bands over the past four decades, releasing an album every three years (or more) since their debut. 'Taking Over' is a testament to their consistency and ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Even with the passage of time, this album remains a must-listen for fans of thrash metal, and its influence can still be felt in many modern metal bands.

Overkill taking over