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Written by Eammon Azizi Tuesday, 02 October 2007 16:10

Overkill are true heroes and veterans of their genre, proving once again they know exactly what their fans want.

Go ahead and judge this album by its name and cover; Immortalis is an '80s thrash/metal record to the core...and then some. While the general public would most likely think the heavy guitar riffs, double bass pedals and vocal effects are a tired cliché, these five guys aren't afraid to go nuts with it. Then again, after releasing 14 albums, Overkill are true heroes and veterans of their genre, proving once again they know exactly what their fans want.

They take each riff and twist it, race it, bust it, and beat it to death in every possible way, always remembering to leave room for a lesson in guitar shredding. Lead singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and his words are belted out in a pitch and theme you'd expect from a band of this nature.

Here's a snippet of lyrics from the song "Hellish Pride": "Sweet Jesus in the midnight sun/ Hot fire as the day is won/ You got to know that it's cold outside/ Why don't you come for a ride?/ I gotta Hellish Pride!" Doesn't make much sense, does it? Now read it again, starting in a devilishly deep tone, then finish it off with a high-pitched scream. Yeah! Now you're getting it!

So if you're still a fan of that classic thrash metal sound, then put up your devil horns, let your hair down, and start head-banging with track one, "Devils in the Mist." As for me, I'll be in the corner with my beer, bobbing my head with an angry look on my face. C+ | Eammon Azizi

RIYL: Metallica, Lamb of God, Megadeth

Online: http://www.wreckingcrew.com/