The self-proclaimed “Wrecking Crew” Overkill are set to destroy Australia in 2018. If you thought after four decades and 18 studio albums, Overkill would be losing steam, you don’t know Overkill. Throughout their existence the New Jersey thrash metal forefathers shape shifted and evolved keeping fans on their feet the whole time. Today, the band announced they will be bringing ‘The Grinding Wheel’ tour to our shores allowing us sufficient time to prepare both our bodies and minds for this sonic assault.
An ode to the quality of life one can expect when devoted to the trenches, their latest album The Grinding Wheel is equal parts head-banging, and thought provoking. To get the job done Overkill looked to fellow greats of the culture, including Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. However, it’s the punk influences that tie up the loose ends.
“You’re not going to hear any Green Day or Ramones in us” says Founding Member D.D Verni, “But the energy and the attitude of punk mixed with the New York vibe… that’s what Overkill is compared to other bands. You don’t hear any of that in Megadeth; you don’t hear any of that in Slayer. It’s more specific to what we brought to the thrash world.”
Since 1985, Overkill have been a constant and unrelenting benchmark in the world of thrash metal. Their 1987 album Taking Over was their major label debut released through Atlantic Records, which would be their home for another 7 years, an age in the world of heavy music and testament to the band’s staying power.
It wasn’t until 2010 that Overkill would finally make their way to Australia putting fans in a frenzy with their first ever run of shows. The integrity and authenticity in the shows then would leave blogger Long Gone Loser beaming, “It was like 1986 all over again.”
“Overkill are here to destroy” – The Metalist
“Eminently capable of ripping our heads off” – Team Rock
OVERKILL
‘THE GRINDING WHEEL’ Australian Tour Dates
Wednesday 28th February – Adelaide, Fowlers Live
Thursday 1st March – Brisbane, The Zoo
Friday 2nd March – Melbourne, 170 Russell
Saturday 3rd March – Sydney, Factory Theatre
Sunday 4th March – Perth, Rosemount Hotel