Now Overkill may be an elderly bunch, but their music is far from geriatric. While their past efforts saw the band slow down a bit (namely on 2007’s by-the-numbers “Immortalis”), this 2010 the wrecking crew have upped their game to stay competitive in a genre that’s gotten a new lease on life these past coupla years. “Ironbound” is an impressive 16^th album that gets off to a grandiose start with a prolonged intro of menacing bass lines from D.D. Verni before the monster awakens and the thrash is at full throttle. Opener “The Green And Black” proves a fast paced number showcasing frontman Boby ‘Blitz’ Ellsworth’s ageless pipes. It’s also quite epic at almost eight minutes of breakneck tempos and bombastic guitar play that stews around its middle. Next is the far more accesible title track where Overkill’s bent for hooks and memorable lyrics reaches its peak.

“Bring Me The Night” has already been made into a video showcasing the band in their live element. It’s a fast paced song guaranteed to delight the old school set with its frantic pace and 80’s verve. It’s a timeless anthem no doubt, albeit draped in modern production that lends it new sparkle for the younger generation. “The Goal Is Your Soul” sends chills down the listener’s spine as it builds to a “Horrorscope”-esque tempest of chunky heaviness and vitriolic lyrics. The band’s taste for speed metal gets further indulged on the ensuing “Give A Little” and the perfunctory “Endless War” that runs at a breakneck 200 kmph. “The Head And Heart” marks Overkill’s slowest dip as Bobby ‘Blitz’ wails along to screaming hooks and a wicked bass-driven melody.

Blessed with such tasty frills as furious twin-guitar mischief from the Dave Linsk-Derek Tailer duo and Ron Lipnicki’s barebones percussion, what really keeps “Ironbound” from getting bogged down under its own weight is the sheer energy coursing through every note the band play. What’s certain in the wake of even a halfhearted first listen of this masterwork is Overkill are on full throttle throughout this impressive release. Luckily for enthusiastic thrash fans everywhere, “Ironbound” doesn’t lose steam past the halfway mark and manages  to stay fresh on its last leg of bruising music. To our endless satisfaction, the relentless two-part climax of “Killing For Living” and whopping finisher “The SRC” closes the album with fireworks.

-Miguel

Tags: Ironbound, Overkill

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