ALBUM REVIEW: Declaration from Overkill on Wings of War

WHEN you suddenly realise you are getting old...that's when Overkill's new album makes you realise that they have been going 30+ years and this is number 19 from the New Jersey thrashers...

What have we been doing with our lives when Overkill have been battling more than most: line-up changes, Bobby 'Blitz' Ellsworth's nose cancer and latterly pneumonia, added to his occasional controversial comments about the Democrats.

They have shown remarkable resilience, however, it is the quality of their albums that has always kept them held in high esteem. Their last release 'The Grinding Wheel' (reviewed here) was a statement of class, but #19 'Wings of War' raises the bar.

The 10 tracks show balance, precision, allied with humour and a knowing nod to their musical (and on one track literal) roots.

It may clock in at just over 50 minutes but there is not one second wasted. From 'Last Man Standing's militaristic opening beats to the closing notes of 'Hole In My Soul' this is a thrash masterclass. True, they are not re-inventing the genre or doing anything really challenging, but by all the Metal Gods they don't need to when these tracks are so good.

Bobby and bassist DD Verni may be the 'originals' but Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer combined guitar grunt have elevated every recent released, and the addition of Jason Bittner (ex of Shadows Fall and Flotsam and Jetsam) has given this album a new dynamic vibe.

For fuck sake, if you can keep still 'Bat Shit Crazy' you are dead from the neck up: add in the changes in tempo and guitar work on this it is madness to deny how good it is.

Now, as some of you know Overkill take pride in having influences that include punk. And, they take pride in their New Jersey home. Thus, step back, mosh and laugh to 'Welcome To The Garden State' - savagery and hilarity in one neat 4:42 package.

Mid-paced tracks such as 'Distortion' have the broody feel of the first and second generation thrash, without diluting Overkill's own take on it; while 'Where Few Dare To Walk' drips with menace.

Wings Of War can be summed up in many ways, but best to check out 'Believe In The Fight' and 'Hole In My Soul'. Both songs encapsulate a fuck you attitude; a single finger in the air and a relentless commitment to give everything.

And, given that the album was recorded across three studios it is a cohesive and...well brilliant.

Wings of War is declaration that no matter the age, when an album is this good it is best to set the volume to max and shake the neighbourhood.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Overkill's Wings of War is out now on Nuclear Blast

ALBUM REVIEW: Psyched out by Psykosis as they release Welcome To The Psyko Ward

THE Cambridge Dictionary defines 'mental' as "relating to, or involving the process of thinking". The Urban Dictionary defines it as "when something is absolutely insane, or just downright gnar".

In Ireland, north and south mental can be a compliment - used to praise those who are intent on fun at any cost to life, limb or....sanity.

Such is the case for Dublin thrashers Psykosis. They have earned that reputation through completely over-the-top high energy performances, causing chaos at Bloodstock by distributing free beer, 'wardrobe' malfunctions in the Limelight and all manner of high jinx.

But all the silliness matters not a bit if the music is crap. Fortunately, as they have proven since forming in 2011 they produce high energy, well crafted metal.

Finally they have committed the songs they have perfected on stages in Ireland and further afield to a record.

And, what a record it is. 'Welcome To The Psyko Ward' is a massive statement of intent from the band. Pulling together their influences - think Municpal Waste, Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax sitting down over a shedload of beer, and Exodus and Testament crashing the party...

Opener 'Rise To Fall' sets the tone with Grant Walsh's vocals straining almost tearing his vocal chords apart; glorious riffs and a shred or six.

What stands out from Psykosis is the structure of the songs. Where many simply buck in a total wall of noise the high energy of the band doesn't clutter the sound.

Tony Corocran 's rhythm work melds perfectly with Jay Shaw's bass and Shane Byrne's drums (who has since stepped down, with now Tom Moylan behind the kit) to make sure the songs don't run away from themselves such as on the manic speed of 'Driller Killer" - even when some strange laughter appears...

Walsh's lead work is evident throughout, a counterbalance to his speedy vocal delivery.

Of course, lyrically Psykosis can sometimes plumb the depths of humour, but the tongue is so far into the cheek it is practically emerging to lick the unsuspecting who come to close.

However, it would be a mistake to think that they don't take their songs seriously. 'Tag Your Dead' chugs along with a nice sense of timing,

But, when all bets are off the closer 'Toxic Fugitive' calls you out and your neck breaks as you struggle for a last smile.

At first listen you may find some of the tones a little samey, but on subsequent listens you realise that this is deliberate: a clear intent to ensure a consistency on what are a relatively varied set of structures.

Having been proven live the band are clear they want those structures to remain intact.

Walsh said: "We tried keep the energy up as to what we would be like on stage, so it's like having us play live in your house or car or wherever! After a prolonged wait for this album coming out that day is almost among us and we cannot wait to share it with everyone."

The album is being released in September, but before then Psykosis will once again be creating merry hell at Bloodstock in August. We can't wait for both these momentous, mental, psychotic events. Uppa Psykos!

Review by Jonny

Gama Thrash...

It's a wee bit overdue but congrats and big up to Gama Bomb for signing with the Earache label...and they've even been mentioned by the non-metal NME in a feature on Thrash!

But most of all a big up to Philly and Luke for rating Among The Living as one of the top 5 Thrash albums, as it is a platter rarel off the Belfast Metalheads Reunited Decks of Doom. Nice to know the young 'uns have taste. :)