Backstage (Overkill – End Of An Era 90 to 95)

Welcome, Backstage, I’m Damian DeadLove. Tonights band is: Overkill. That’s right we’re talking about the boys from, Jersey. I’m a huge fan of this band they are by far my favorite thrash metal band.

Shout out to my brother, J.J.Burton, who got me into this band. This one’s for you. 

The band formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They’re one of the most successful east coast thrash bands ever. They’ve been called the Motörhead of thrash, in fact the band name comes from the title of Motörhead’s second album. 

The band has recorded 20 studio albums in the 45 years they’ve wreaked havoc on the world. They were heavily influenced by punk and the new wave of British heavy metal. 

By 1983 they had recorded a demo called: Power In Black. With a lineup that consisted of: Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth – Vocals, D.D. Verni – Bass, Bobby Gustafson – Guitar, and Rat Skates – Drums. 

Off the success of that demo, and after a couple of compilation appearances, which lead to a four song self-titled EP in 1985. Catching the attention of an Independent label, Megaforce Records, which signed the band to a multi-album deal.

They dropped their first album, “Feel The Fire,” in October of 85. Which has been hailed by critics and fans alike as a landmark album. After a grueling tour, several Major Labels became interested in signing them. Eventually deciding to sign with Atlantic Records.

In March of 87 the band released it’s second record, “Taking Over.” They also dropped their first music video for the single, “In Union We Stand.” In late 87 they dropped the “Fuck You.” EP.

While still touring in between. It was around this time that founding drummer, Rat Skates, left the band. Mark Archibole, filled in temporarily behind the kit. Before, Sid Falck, took reign over the drumming duties permanently.

Then in 88 the band released their third effort, “Under The Influence.” It spawned the single, “Hello From The Gutter.” Then it was tour, tour, tour, at breakneck speed. 

The band made a statement with their fourth record, “The Years Of Decay.” They also got lots of airplay on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, with the music video for a fan favorite, the song “Elimination.” This album remained raw, but had more polished songwriting from the guys.

After the tour ended in 1990, Overkill and Gustafson parted ways. It’s under dispute whether, Gustafson quit the band, or was fired by Verni & Ellsworth. It been speculated that musical direction may have caused the split.

Gustafson claims it was a dispute over royalties, that caused a stir between the two parties. Bitterness has been exhibited by both sides over the years.

I had to give you some backstory to talk about my favorite era of the band. It’s my favorite because it’s where my journey with them began. 

We’re talking 90 to 95. Three incredible album were written and toured for, we also got a phenomenal live album to end this era of the group.

Verni, Ellsworth, with Falck, added two guitarists to replace, Gustafson. That’s right two. First off, Bobby G, was that good, folks. Rob Cannavino, had been his guitar tech, before joining the band to fill one of the slots.

Merrit Gant, would fill the other slot. Gant, had formerly played in, Faith or Fear. Together these two were a killer tandem in my humble opinion. I love the dueling solo’s in the vein of Priest or Maiden. 

In 91 the new lineup would record the bands fifth album, “Horrorscope.” This record revealed a heavier darker sound with a hint of doom. Two videos were produced for the singles, “Thanx for Nothin,’” and the title track I mentioned earlier. 

Other great tracks are: “Coma”, “Infectious”, “Blood Money”, hell they even did a cover of “Frankenstein.” by Edgar Winter Group. The whole is album is fucking great.

The two guitar attack had worked and Overkill was riding high. Years later in an interview, Ellsworth, would claim that they wanted to try some different things. 

Plus, had they just got one guitar player, Blitz claims: “Everybody would have said, Bobby, is better than any guy we got.” Also, he said it keeps things fresh, and the older stuff sounds good with two guitars.

After the tour ended, Falck, left the band. Supposedly, he was never really into thrash. He just wanted to challenge himself as a player, and he felt he had done that. 

Tim Mallare, the former M.O.D. drummer would replace Falck. Going into my favorite album of the studio efforts. This would be the record that made me a gigantic fan. Even though it doesn’t get all the acclaim, it’s a great fucking album.

In March of 93, “I Hear Black,” would drop as the sixth Overkill album. They opted to go in a different direction, going with a more trippy blues flavor with an ode to Sabbath in there sound as well.

Supposedly the record had different songwriters involved, as opposed to previous efforts where, Verni & Ellsworth, did the bulk of the songwriting. A video was shot for, “Spiritual Void.” but it got minor airplay. 

It’s a damn shame, this record is a fucking masterpiece in my opinion. Every song on this album speaks to me. Some standouts include: “Weight of the World, Shades Of Grey, Feed My Head, World of Hurt, and the title track to name a few.”

After touring they’d head back into the studio to record album number seven. Which would be named, “W.F.O.” standing for “Wide Fucking Open,” a popular biker term. It dropped on July 15th 1994. 

After the criticism for IHB, W.F.O., went back more to the roots of old school thrash. The groove was infectious. There was a video made for, “Fast Junkie.” but it received little or no play. Grunge was dominating radio play.

Again, it’s a fucking tragedy. With such tracks as: “Where It Hurts, The Wait/A New High In Lows, Under One, and Gasoline Dream,” to name a few. Unfortunately the end of an era was rapidly approaching, starting with Atlantic Records partying ways with the group.

Losing a major label is a big deal, and with Cannavino and Gant soon to depart, a new era was on the horizon. Though were not diving into that tonight. 

Instead of slowing down or getting upset about losing a big label they moved forward. In fact the band felt the label never done as much as they could have, and had payed them little to no attention.

A March 95 show recorded live in: Cleveland, Ohio would become the first full length album for their new label, CMC International. It was a great live album, and it sounded like the crowd loved it. What a send off for this lineup. “Wrecking Your Neck.” was the cherry on top.

All eras of the group are killer in my opinion. The boys from Jersey are still kicking ass and taking names here in present day. Most of all they’re still writing great music, and again like a fine wine.

Well that’s our episode for tonight. Remember music is the soundtrack of our lives. Peace, Love, and Lennon.