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OVERKILL
Scorched

Nuclear Blast (2023)
Rating: 8.5/10

Showing newer Metallica fans (if they’ll listen) what real thrash metal is, stalwarts of the scene Overkill unleash another bone-crushing platter daubed in typically green hue and rattling like a sack of bones.

Scorched is the 20th outing from the New Jersey wrecking crew and as expected from the consistent combo this is another shuddering force of nature. Vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth has somehow maintained his snaps and snarls for over four decades and sounds as fresh as the day the band was born. His gnarly tone has inspired a horde of vocalists over the years and it could be argued that his signature yap is symbolic of the scene as his gritty enthusiasm shines once more.

It may be harsh to say that bands like Overkill rarely come armed with frills but their tried and tested formula certainly adds weight to the old saying that’s there is no point trying to fix something which isn’t broke, although Ellsworth and co. are far from flogging a dead horse. In fact, their unflinching style has kept them in good stead since day one, even if their youthful exuberance has somewhat faded. No surprise then that Scorched continues as many previous releases have; hard dynamics, ear splitting percussion, bony bass lines and riffs aplenty provide more than solid foundations for another riveting, no holds barred full throttle hard edged and rampant metal opus.

Of the ten missiles aimed, not one misses its target and the volatile yet slick title track epitomizes the themes offered. It’s tight well crafted musicianship coupled with Ellsworth’s blood, sweat and tears approach means that such authenticity not only batters the ears but tugs at the metallic heartstrings too. ‘Goin’ Home’ brings a nostalgic yet battering warmth as it stirs up memories of the first time I heard Overkill’s Under The Influence opus in 1988.

However, there is variety on offer too with the bluesy monolith ‘Wicked Place’ and the Black Sabbath-esque rolls of ‘Fever’. But while a doomier edge seems evident the guys still cough up the brain bashers with the punky ‘Won’t Be Comin’ Back’, the monstrous ‘Know Her Name’ bolstered by D.D. Verni’s bass and powered up further by Colin Richardson’s production.

Scorched feels more lethal and jagged than the last few releases and tends not to be so middling with its throwback torrents and brooding savagery. Consistent they may certainly be, but let’s not forget just what a juggernaut Overkill is.

Neil Arnold

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