Review of Overkill - Killbox 13

Overkill is the AC/DC of the underground metal world. There has never been mind-boggling intricacy. Their sound hasn’t changed much over the years. They keep the same simple plan of bastardly heaviness, and it has worked for over 18 years. “Killbox 13” will garner one of two responses from you, the listener. The first is “DAMN this is classic Overkill”. The second is “UGH I’ve heard this twelve times before!” Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth sounds as good as ever. In my opinion, he is one of the coolest metal singers around, he has such a distinct vocal sound. Interestingly enough, to me he’s always sounded like a (heavier) metal Bon Scott. As with all Overkill albums, there’s not any masterfully complicated riffage going on, but all the songs have a certain evilness and power to them somehow. There are some great solos interspersed here and there. The thing that makes Overkill so great is their headbanging quality. I dare you to not bang your head to any of the songs on “Killbox 13”. The down-tuned guitars played in the chugga-chugga rhythmic fashion cry out “HEADBANG DAMN YOU!”. Double-bass o’ plenty only heightens everything. For fans of Overkill, there are really no surprises to be had here. As I stated earlier, this is both good and bad. On the one hand, you know what you’re getting into when you get an Overkill album. You’re guaranteed to not run into any clean vocals or acoustic guitars. On the other hand, if you own any number of the previous 12 Overkill albums, you may not feel the need to buy “Killbox 13”. What more is there to say about the legendary Overkill? They exude evilness like a fat man exudes sweat. “Killbox 13” is a slap in the face to say that amid all the nu-metal and clean vox and selling out, they are here to wreck your neck for years to come. Being a fan of Overkill, my advice would be to get this one.
Wrathchild's Choice Cuts: Devil By The Tail - Classic Overkill, first song I heard.... brings you back *sniff* No Lights - Great beat, almost Maiden-esque riffage when it slows down

Release Details

Overkill

Killbox 13

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