Formed in 1980, Overkill is a thrash metal band that hails from New Jersey, U.S. They are known to be the innovators of the thrash metal movement on the east coast in the 1980s and have sold over 16 million records worldwide.
The original lineup of the band consisted of Rat Skates, D.D. Verni, Bobby Gustafson, and Bobby Blitz. Their demo called “Power in Black” which was released in 1983 caught the attention of the heavy metal label Megaforce Records. Owner Jon Zazula signed them to the label and their debut album “Feel the Fire” was released in 1985.
After touring for a few years with bands like Anthrax and Slayer to audiences of raving fans, Overkill recorded a second album. In 1987 Megaforce Records became associated with Atlantic Records and Overkill’s sophomore album “Taking Over” came out, with a more organized structure and lengthier songs. The single “In Union We Stand” became the first song to have a video and helped to promote the band via television.
As Overkill developed over the years, they became popular on the charts and MTV. Their album “Under the Influence” came out in 1988 and charted at No. 147 on the Billboard Top 200. The single “Hello From the Gutter” was frequently played on MTV’s television show “Headbangers Ball.” The hit “Elimination” on the 1989 album “The Years of Decay” became well-loved on “Headbangers Ball” and propelled Overkill to commercial success.
The main songwriter Bobby Gustafson left before the fifth album “Horrorscope” was released in 1991. The mood of the album was darker and less upbeat than earlier work, but Overkill proved they were still a relevant heavy metal band in the 1990’s. To date, Overkill has recorded over 17 studio and live-recorded albums. The band cites Black Sabbath, Kiss, The Ramones, Motorhead, and Manowar as significant musical influences.
Emma Harner
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