E1 Music

Overkill is one of the longest standing stalwarts of the 80's thrash metal boom. Along with peers Metallica and Megadeth, Overkill was releasing genre-defining classics that stand strong even today, but unlike those two other bands (and countless others), Overkill never strayed from their core metal sound. They did shift to a more groove-orientated sound, but they were still undeniably metal at a time when it was almost taboo to even utter the word. Despite sticking to their guns, it's hard to deny that the band's output in almost the last two decades has been spotty at best. With Ironbound however, the band has set out to reclaim their throne and show everyone else just how to do a proper thrash album in 2010.

The Green And Black sets things in motion. It's a meaty 8 minute slab of pure thrash goodness that any fan would eagerly eat up. All the hallmarks of 80's Overkill is present here: flesh tearing riffs, a titanic bass sound and Bobby Blitz's venomous vocals. This first song should be enough to put back the faith in any fan who lost interest in the band long ago. Next song is the title track. This is a battle cry for thrash fans everywhere, forged in metal and speed. If you can't pump your fists in the air to this song, chances are you are an amputee. If you can't headbang to this then take off the neck brace. Why'd you think Dio gave you a neck to begin with? To wreck it of course!
Next is Bring Me The Night. It prominently features a riff that many will recognize from Diamond Head's Helpless, but the band uses it in such a fashion that any accusation of blatant stealing can be forgiven. Much like the first two songs, it's an exercise in thrash basics 101 and all of those thrash revival wannabes should take note on how it's supposed to be done. The Goal Is Your Soul and Give A Little proceed in the ass kicking, while Endless War puts you out of your misery with its fine tuned attack.

The only dud to be found on Ironbound is The Head And Heart. It's a throwback to their groove-based sound and could have been on Immortalis. That is not a compliment. The dip in quality is brief as In Vain brings things back to speed and is one of the true gems on this album. Killing For A Living and The SRC continue the tidal wave of greatness to close the album out.

Forget Death Magnetic. Put away Endgame for now. Ironbound won't leave your cd player for a long time. Guaranteed.


01. The Green And Black
02. Ironbound
03. Bring Me The Night
04. The Goal Is Your Soul
05. Give A Little
06. Endless War
07. The Head And Heart
08. In Vain
09. Killing For A Living
10. The SRC

Score: 9/10