Overkill - Ironbound (2010) [Nuclear Blast] // Grade: B

Fucking finally, a thrash band playing unapologetic thrash! Dark Lord of the Underworld save me from the screamoretard onslaught.  These dudes are definitely still doing what they’ve been doing pretty much non-fucking-stop since ’84, they just sound a little (ok, a lot) older and more grizzled.  Shit, I’m pretty sure Bobby Blitz had a fucking stroke a few years ago.  You think those screamo pussies’d still be doing anything ‘cept half-face crying for someone to change their depends after that shit? I think not.

For those who don’t know, Overkill was basically the NYC Thrash scene’s house band (besides actually being the house band at L’amour’s) since the 80s. And Iron Bound is reminding me of exactly why that was. Good headbanging riffs, solid thrash parts, gnarly vox, the whole fucking shebang! I wouldn’t say there’s anything particularly new, out of the norm, or overly special but it defnitely makes for a good weekday, midday work listen.

Long and short of this (and many other Overkill albums) is that it’s super straight ahead thrash, nothing over the top, nothing as influential or intense as some of the big 4′s shit, but Overkill always delivers.  If you’re looking for the next “Reign in Blood” this definitely ain’t it.  If you’re looking to find out where a generation of Neo-Thrashers draws there riffs from, throw this shit on.

Highlights include “Bring me the Night” and the drunkalong on “Give a Little.” ” Head and Heart” takes it in a little darker heavier direction as well.  Honestly, I can’t say I had a single moment where I wanted to turn the album off.  Pretty good for thrash damnit.

- Jack Crank