Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Overkill - Killbox 13 - reviewed by: EC

Track Listing1. Devil By The Tail 2. Damned 3. No Lights 4. One, The 5. Crystal Clear 6. Sound Of Dying, The 7. Until I Die 8. Struck Down 9. Unholy 10. I Rise

Killbox 13.

The title just emphasizes total carnage, and this record delivers total carnage in every way imaginable. For years Overkill have threatened thrash domination, and with this "over the top" production job from Colin Richardson, that threat is now a reality.

This new Overkill lineup comes at you full force with a five-piece, adding another rythm guitarist in Derek Tailer to accompany string wizard Dave Linsk. That lineup makes this record far superior to the last release, Bloodletting, with a much stronger emphasis on songwriting, leads, and even more melodic passages this time around.

The record storms out with the catchy opener "Devil By The Tail", a bottom heavy piece that could have been right off of the classic "W.F.O" album. "Damned" follows like a snarling beast, sounding like a thrashy AC/DC hybrid. My favorite track is number three, "No Lights". Perfectly crafted mix of melody, cleaner vocals, and amazing axe work from Linsk and Tailer. Even more great leads introduce "The One", a mid-paced rocker that is in the same vein as material from "Killing Kind" record. The second half of the record is highlighted by tracks like the sadistic "The Sound Of Dying" and the fast-as-lightning "Unholy".

This is just a fabulous release and a wonderful addition to the stellar Overkill discography. Spitfire Records should be ecstatic over the band's debut on their label. Also check out the Wrecking Everything DVD too!! Awesome stuff!!

--Reviewed by EC 4.10.03