Artist: Overkill
Label: Spitfire Records
Release Date: 3/22/05
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Title: ReliXIV Artist: Overkill Label: Spitfire Records Release Date: 3/22/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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3 | ||
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4 | ||
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5 | ||
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Abyss's Review:
The kings of blue collar thrash return with a self-produced album in ReliXIV, a solid record that, unfortunately, falls a bit short with regard to this band's recent output. The band's workmanlike attitude and grit are still present, but this album shows off many warts and blemishes.I think the biggest criticism many will have has to do with the production, which comes across as very thin. There are some out there who will probably appreciate the old-school sound, but to me it sounds either dated, or like they ran out of money. The interesting thing is that I actually dig the guitar sound itself, but the mix prevents it from standing out, and the whole record sounds flat and a bit tinny.
"One word review: Workmanlike." I wish I could say that production is the only thing holding this record back, but to be blunt the songwriting simply isn't what it could be. Many of the tracks seem hastily put together, with awkward transitions between riffs as well as less meat to the guitar lines themselves. There is definitely some filler on this record, and while some songs really smoke, they don't appear with the frequency one expects from this band.
Of course, this album is in no way a failure, just a bit disappointing. Songs like "Within Your Eyes," "A Pound Of Flesh" and my early favorite "Wheelz" are worth the price of the disc for any Overkill fan, as well as fans of thrash in general. Overkill remain a favorite of mine, and the most consistent thrash act out there. That being said, I will not be spending a great deal of time with this record...it simply isn't one of my favorites. One word review: Workmanlike.
Death's Review:
Overkill's fourteenth album continues the band's unbroken string of metallic integrity. The self-produced ReliXIV, is, for the most part, pretty much exactly what you expect from these long-time thrashers. Returning with a relatively consistent lineup anchored by original members and band-leaders D.D. Verni (bass) and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (vocals), plus long-time drummer Tim Mallare and new-era shredder Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer (guitar), Overkill deliver the goods once more, and long-time fans will not be disappointed. The songs this time around are a bit more direct and straightforward, rarely pushing the boundaries of the band's accepted and expected sound. In fact, the music seems even more pared down than usual, with less dynamics, trippy or ballady material and more meat and potatoes thrash. Opener "Within Your Eyes" is one of the best and most memorable tracks, starting with a slow and heavy dirge and building toward a whirlwind riff fest of classic Overkill proportions. I also really dig track 7, "Wheelz," another track that stands up well with the classic Overkill catalogue. Track 2, "Love" stretches things out a bit but only relatively so. Track 4, "Bats in the Belfry," is kinda corny but fits in well as a nice Overkill bat-centric anthem. The album closes out with "Old School," a tribute to Overkill's early punk roots complete with references to New York staples like L'Amour, The Ritz and Eddie Trunk.
"Their fans will enjoy it, many will ignore it, but no one will ever be able to question its integrity." So yes, time goes by, the years roll on and another Overkill record is upon us. All is right with the world. I'd love to see the band turn things up a notch this time and break the mold with a full-U.S. tour (we need an L.A. Overkill date already!), and maybe even a video on Headbanger's Ball, but we all know that's not gonna happen. Overkill 2005 does things lean and mean and cranks out their classic sound for their die-hard following. ReliXIV is the perfect manifestation of the Overkill philosophy. Their fans will enjoy it, many will ignore it, but no one will ever be able to question its integrity. No pretensions, just the living embodiment of the classic New York thrash style and sound. Personally, I'd like to see them stretch out a bit more like they did on the killer Killbox 13, but this more "focused" and down to earth approach will surely please the core legion of followers.
Hel's Review:
I know what you're thinking: "No matter how the new Overkill record is, Hel's going to rave about it - they're her favorite band, you know." You've already seen the score at the top of the page, so you figure there's no reason to bother reading the review. Well, I've got news for you, I do indeed have a story to tell, if you care to stick around and read it...Once upon a time, Overkill released a little album called From the Underground and Below. I vividly recall how I felt the first time I heard it. I was skeptical, not only because the cover did not feature Charly, their erstwhile bat-with-wings mascot, but because I really wasn't sure how I felt about the music I was hearing. I was a little disappointed even. As time went by, however, I found it growing on me until it had gained its treasured place in my heart. And this was not an isolated instance. Occasionally over the years I have had that feeling, that doubt that this was really the killer Overkill album that I was hoping for. Each time this has happened, the record (or song, in some cases) has grown on me and earned its place.
"So relax, grab a beer, put your feet up, and have a good time with Overkill." I must admit I am feeling a bit of that skepticism at this point. But let's look at in under the light of proper perspective - this is my favorite band of all time we're talking about. Never are my expectations higher than when I hold their new disc in my hands. The bar is raised very, very high and Overkill has always managed to clear it, earning them an even higher standard to be held against the next time around. Let's face it, that's hardly fair; I think you're awesome, so I'm going to be even more critical of you. The curse of success.
So in the interest of fairness, and with the lessons history has taught me under my belt, I cheerfully cough up five skulls for ReliXIV. Yes, it is a rather silly album title, and yes, "Old School" is a rather silly song, but my I draw your attention to a little ditty called "Hello from the Gutter"? It's not unprecedented, and in fact, it is part of the reason they are so legendary and beloved. Bobby Blitz has long spoken his own language with his own made-up words, and he is merely continuing to do what he does. And this is true for the entirety of the new effort - it is Bobby and D.D. doing what they do. If you're not onboard with that you don't love Overkill, plain and simple.
So, yes, Hel gives Overkill five skulls again. Deal with it. They have done much to earn and keep my loyalty over the years, and they have delivered a new release to the best of their ability, which has always been what they have done. I know that if I were to choose certain tracks to point the finger at and say, "I'm not sure I love these," that I would be prying my foot from my mouth in a year or two. It's happened to me before. So relax, grab a beer, put your feet up, and have a good time with Overkill.
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