Necroshine

I don't hate that Overkill attempted to complement their thrash roots by weaving in and out of groove territory throughout the 90s (and beyond), I just hate that they did it with such a bland and laughable riff set, a flaw that plagues Necroshine for about 90% of its content and reduces it to rubble when placed even against its lackluster neighbors in their catalog. This is an album of ideas, sure, but poorly implemented ideas which, for the most part, result in little more than vapid shovelware. It might not represent the bottom of the trough in the New Yorkers' discography, but it's close enough to muss up I Hear Black's hair. Even the cover is weak, one of Travis Smith's less striking images, a skeletal Chaly re- envisioned into some relatively cluttered collage.

The best component of the album would be its production, which was handled by the band's friend Andy Katz, who also worked with D.D. Verni's other project The Bronx Casket Co. for a few albums. It's sleek, it's clean, it's got punch where necessary, and even if Overkill was not exactly a spotlight act in the late 90s, it mirrors the prowess of bigger bands: mainstream enough for a radio pop/rock audience, but still attuned for the heavy variation of the riffs. I also found that Bobby Blitz wrote some interesting harmonies and vocal lines, he was toiling with different rhythmic patterns that rarely felt lifted from the older records, often humming or singing a melody to throw off the listener. He even brought in his sister Mary to do a few backups, though they felt strangely atonal and unnecessary. The lyrics are a clear step up from a few of the albums leading to this, but there's still a sense that he's often attempting to squeeze words to create quirky, phonetic repetition with a bit of a burly blues inspiration. That said, I would hardly call any of Necroshine's chorus sequences essential or memorable, they simply seem more thought out than the rest of the instruments...

And that is where this album really falls flat for me: the guitar progressions. There are a few pure thrashers tucked into the folds, like "Revelation", but these are no more than passable. The individual rhythm and vocal lines are simply not that sticky or interesting, stock thrash which wouldn't even have earned the right of a B side during the Taking Over era. "I Am Fear" has a fraction more spunk to it, but at the same time it's pretty much predictable groove/thrash you'd expect out of Pantera or their ilk. Then there are tunes like the awful "My December", in which no amount of Blitz' charm can salvage such a banal and pedestrian slew of 2-3 note groove riffs. "Necroshine" is also suspect with its intensely generic grooves that almost make Korn or Roots era Sepultura seem complex in comparison. The incredibly dull, bass-driven doom grooves of "80 Cycles" which is about as fun as shearing corn, and despite the cleaner opening atmosphere of "Let Us Prey", it too lapses into a creative coma replete with connect-the-dots mid-paced thrash riffs that can't have taken Overkill more than 20 seconds to write.

It's sad to me that the catchiest thing on here is probably the pseudo punk anthem "Black Line", if only for the interplay of the vocal melodies with the very basic muted picking sequences, and even that doesn't have a quarter of the charisma of "Hello from the Gutter". What's even sadder is that, where so many of the group's contemporaries got called on their mistakes in the 90s, like Slayer or Megadeth, Necroshine seems to have been handed a 'free pass', when it's nearly as lame. Again, it was not a sore spot for me that the band were broadening their sound so much as they were writing such uninspired material, and this remains one of their worst albums in memory, the ringed residue of many a beer-sweat marring the surface of its inevitable function.

-autothrall
http://www.fromthedustreturned.com

After putting out two inconsistent and uninspiring albums, Overkill finally manage to get their shit together. Now this album, isn't quite a return to thrash form as a majority of the songs on here are groove metal, but they finally manage to put out a groove album that isn't dull and boring. Another thing to notice on this album is that is that it has a much more dark and evil style to it. On this album, Overkill not only manage to succesfully modernize their sound here, but their actually starting to develope and evolve more as a band.

It's pretty hard to pick out any stand out tracks here considering that it's more consistent, but the title track, Revelation, and Forked Tongue Kiss have to be my favorite songs on here. All three of these songs manage to have the right balance of thrash and groove along with some nice ass riffs and drumming. 80 Cycles is probably the worst song on here, but even this song is pretty decent.

If you're into a mix of thrash and groove with a more dark approach, then get this album, as it's defiantly worth your money. I bought this album as a double-pack along with From The Underground And Below. If you can find it, get the double-pack so you don't have to worry about paying to much money for either album. However, I would recommend getting the classic albums first. Especially, if you're a first time listener.

Yes, somehow even in the 90's Overkill still manage to transcend themselves
by what they are and that is by still making kick ass albums ever since their debut, "FEEL THE FIRE". Now considering this album was made in the 90's there wasn’t as much thrash as there was groove during the time and bands seem to abuse the shit out of the sound while sounding completely horrible, (I.E. Machine Head, Pantera, etc.), but somehow on this album, every track seems so fresh and new and what more do you expect from a godlike thrash band like Overkill? I wouldn't expect no less.


Every track on here rules from start to finish. From the live staple, "Necroshine" to the catchy, somewhat silly, "Dead Man". There is one track however that seems to be a throw away for me and that is "Let Us Prey". It starts out with an awesome eerie bass line brought to you by Carlos "D.D." Verni, but then it just seems all a blur to me. There are vocal driven tracks like, "My December" and "I Am Fear" but they so totally! Neither really have any solos and lets face it "My December" would suck if you had taken away Blitz's unique vocals. Other highlights include, “Black Line”, “Forked Tongue Kiss”, and “Stone Cold Jesus”. They’re all pretty worthwhile for listening to.


The reason why this album only gets an 82 is for the fact that all the songs sound very similar, but somehow each song has something new that makes them sound different from each and every other track on this album. Overall its worth getting if you’re a long-time Overkill fan and its not one of those feces ridden albums pumped out by your everyday groove bands. (90’s Pantera, Machine Head) If you’re a cheap bastard you can buy this album with their 1997 release, “FROM THE UNDERGROUND AND BELOW” which is also a kick ass album.

Sub-par is definately not a word that can ever be associated with Overkill. This band is the epitomy of Thrash Metal greatness, and this album was just another chance for the band to prove that point.
Kicking off with the title track Necroshine, The Kill have somewhat downtuned their guitars for this album, taking the groove style that was utilized on From the Underground and Below to a new level. Anyway who thinks that they're trying to comply with the musical trends of that era can go suck, fuck and fondle a dead skunk! No, Overkill are still an all out Thrash Metal unit, and to catergorize this album as anythig other than that would be simply "rubbish". The simple fact that more of a groove laden approach is utilized throughout, does not alter the genetic make-up of the bands style in any way shape or form. The production on this album is excellent and the mix is incredibly well balanced allowing the listener to be able to hear each and every instruments performances. Sebastian Marino apply's his shred virtuoso abilities better than he has on any of his previous albums with The Kill, songs like Revelations, and Black Line have stellar guitar solos that are as complex in structure as they are in diversity on the fretboard. Not since his time in Anvil has he crafted such memorable guitar solos.
A lot of the tracks on this album appear to be a little more mid paced than usual, (see long forked tongue kiss, necroshine, and stone cold jesus), but the effectiveness of those infectious riffs cannot be denied and these songs are as important as the speedier tracks when it comes to rounding out this great disc. One of the cool things about this disc is the way Blitz' sister was used to record some additional vocal parts. She is no stranger to music and is actually schooled in jazz if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, her voice adds a beautiful melodic emotion to the songs that she sings in, primarily in Revelations where here and Blitz actually harmonize together. The result is rather divine.
DD and Tim are as always in top form and anyone who views Mallare's drumming as anything less than greatness obviously doesn't know much about percussion. The man can do no wrong. The same can be said for Verni's performance who always manages to come up with some excellent bass interludes and intro's, especially that one with the distorted sound.
Overall, this is yet another great Overkill record, but I can't really think of any that aren't.

With this album Overkill helps keep thrash alive after their 7 year or so slump. They proove with this album that a popular thrash band from the United States in the 80's can still make great albums. Merits of this album such as great consitency, moments of greatness, loads of attitude, and it being the heaviest Overkill album up to the point of this album(1999), make this the perfect come back album.

There a few clear highpoints of this album, like the great opening track Necroshine and Fear His Name. Songs like Black Line and 80 Cycles offer something Overkill hasn't done before, or hasn't done in depth before. With all this variety though the album is amazingly consitent with its new sound. Each song on this album is good, while some are much better than others, like the ones I mentioned. The band repeatidly makes track after track good or great in the style and structure of the album. The structure is the new Overkill sound, which is heavier and combines the speed of Horrorscope. The vocal change is noticable, Blitz sings much more raspy or harsh than the earlier Overkill records (Feel the Fire to Horrorscope).

The highpoint of this album is the great opening track Necroshine. After the progressive/ambient intro to the song, the song pulls you right into headbanging with a great thrashy riff thats pretty heavy for Overkill. The guitars on this album are very catchy and memorable, as is the chorus. Its stays in your head and never looses its appeal. Blitz sings with more attitude on this album than Mr. T telling a fat kid to do a pull up. The lyrics have attitude and Blitz delivers them with authority and confidence. This raspy harsher vocals fit this new Overkill style well. Tim Mallare prooves his worth as a drummer on this song and album. His drums can get very fast at times, are always heavy and loud, and work well with the rest of the music, being in rhythym with the rest of the band. The other song worth mentioning is done in a similiar style to Necroshine, but just a bit faster, is I am Fear. This is one of the more faster songs on the album, and it packs the most punch. Its consistent from begeinning to end, the guitar and drums are a bit choppy witch helps the vocals on this song. The vocals here are done in short fast bursts, but with little space between each phrase. The speed of these burst phrases almost gives it a rhythym. Its just a unique vocal style for Overkill and they do it well. The lyrics of this song rule to, its mostly about hurting some dude severly, and when Overkill sings about destruction and violence its always good. The last song that needs mention is Black Line. Its very different for Overkill, mainly because at some points its gets really happy sounding. Kinda like an 80's thrash song meets and 80's hair metal song. There is a cheery foward looking chorus and some amusing whistling. This is more of a Novelty song for Overkill, but its still good enough to make it more memorable than a Novelty song. These three songs are the highpoints of the album.

This is probally (of Overkills new records with their new sound) on par with Killbox 13. Its heavy and fast( with very few slow melodic parts like on Dead Man), full of consistency from Necroshine to Dead Man. If your a fan of their older stuff this is definatly different, but recognizably Overkill. The bass makes a big presence on this record as opposed to their others. D.D seems like he wanted to make the bass more than just to play along with the guitar, but give it its own spotlight on a few songs. There are no bad songs on this album, all are good. If all the songs reached the level of Necroshine, this would be Overkills best album. Other than that its an amazing album. Overkill prooves that U.S Thrash bands from the 80's can still keep thrash alive and not sell out.

This was one of the first Overkill albums I bought, and to this day it's still my favorite. For me at least, this could be the soundtrack to my day. It's heavy, catchy beyond the imagination, and agressive as fuck. This was the album that really turned me on to Overkill, especially since the first album I bought was I Hear Black.

Necroshine-My favorite song on here, and also one of my favorite Overkill songs of all time. The main riff may be pretty simple, much like the song, but it maintains a steady brutallity level that's like being steadily pummeled in the face with a hammer. The opening vocal line is quite possibly the best line EVER: "You can take me outta my Hell, Ya' can't take the Hell on out of me...". Brilliant.

My December-Also a great one, the chorus is extremely catchy, and again, the song overall is like getting hit in the face.

Let Us Prey-Me gusta mucho! This song is one that raminds me a great deal of Horrorscope, (possibly because of the 8-string bass) and very catchy. Maybe it's just my interpretation, but the lyrics seem to based on the film, The Last Temptation of Christ. Very good.

80 Cycles-This song is a great one, especially if your having troubles with your significant other. A great one, especially the sludge section with Joe Comeau doing vocals.

Revelation-This is the only song on here that I don't especially like. Alot of people dig this song, but I don't know, it just seems kind of bland. Still good, but it's no Necroshine.

Stone Cold Jesus-FUCKING GREAT! This song not only "borrows" from Anesthesia (Metallica), but it's neckbreakingly heavy. The chorus is perfect, not practically, not almost, but perfect. Same goes for all of the song.

Forked Tounge Kiss-I like to refer to this song as Stone Cold Jesus 2, as it seems sort of like a continuation. Sort of the end of a trilogy (1.Let Us Prey 2. Stone Cold Jesus 3. Forked Tounge Jesus). Good.

I Am Fear-I take back an earlier statement, there are to songs that I could do without. This one's alright, but the chorus seems kind of forced. I could live without it.

Black Line-Great fucking song, just great. The chorus almost seems like a bar song. This song is dedicated to Bulldozer Bob, and is both a happy and sad tune. Depending on the day, this song can either be a good one to sing along with when hanging out with some buddies, or one that makes you sit back and remember fallen friends. Great song.

Dead Man-Another solid song, seems like it could be on Killbox or maybe even Bloodletting. All things considered though, Black Line should probably have been the closer.

All in all, this is a great album, and a good introduction to Overkill. It's got a Pantera like groove for the newer fans, but the unparralelled agression for those who know enough to compare to Horrorscope or maybe, just maybe, I Hear Black done right.

OVERKILL - Necroshine (CMC International~1999)
The New York bad boys return with another bout of vengeance. "Necroshine" welcomes back the crisp, high vocals Blitz displayed on past classics such as "Under The Influence" and "Years Of Decay". Chock full of meaty riffs to sink your teeth into and featuring the unexpected inclusion of female vocals on 'Let Us Pray' and 'Revelation', the album is sure to please old and new OVERKILL fans alike and give a fine excuse to visit the chiropractor after each listen. Surprisingly the new element of female vocalization fits in nicely without diminishing the aggressive, heavy edge the band has been consistent with throughout their career. Since the departure of Rob I have found the band less desirable in the riff department (especially on "From The Underground And Below" and "The Killing Kind") but "Necroshine" proves that the current axemasters are learning how to crunch to the tune of OVERKILL. Catchiness and memorable chorus lines are the keys to the success of this album for me..it gets in my head and won't leave. Deep devilish backing vocals add a wonderful contrast to Blitz's high powerful voice. It is good to see one of the old bands still playing Heavy Metal the way it should be played: loud, heavy and with attitude ! When you're talking OVERKILL this is exactly what you get !
-Cheryl

Here on this album, we can see a darker side to Overkill developing. The riffs are heavier than the previous album, and the songwriting takes on a more menacing tone, that is definitely a welcome thing.

The songs here are for the most part pretty strong, though sometimes pretty similar sounding. Necroshine, the opening track, is pretty damn great - it moves along at efficient speed, bludgeoning all that stand in its way in the vein of New Machine or Horrorscope. My December is a bit weaker, but overall still quite good. Most of the songs on here are in this vein: Let us Prey, Eighty Cycles, and Revelation are also pretty similar. Overall decent and enjoyable stuff, though. If you like one, you'll like 'em all.

The song that definitely stands out is Black Line, which has the catchiest verses since Where it Hurts. This is probably the best song on here, though it's also the least morbid, oddly enough. It's a fun song that has its moments of thrash, and a killer set of solos, oh and that random needle-scream moment in the verses. Subtle, yet triumphant.

Overall, this is an average album by Overkill standards - they really don't go too badly wrong, and this one is worth picking up even though it's no Years of Decay.