View source for Overkill (band)

{{short description|American thrash metal band}}
{{For|the Los Angeles metal/punk band|Overkill L.A.}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = Overkill
| image = Overkill, Summer Dying Loud 2024 24.jpg
| alt = Bandmembers performing on stage in 2024
| caption = Overkill performing in 2024
| image_size = 
| landscape = yes
| alias = 
| origin = [[Old Bridge Township, New Jersey]], U.S.
| genre = [[Thrash metal]]
| works = [[Overkill discography|Discography]]
| years_active = 1980–present
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Megaforce Records|Megaforce]]
* [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
* [[CMC International|CMC]]
* Metal-Is Records
* [[Spitfire Records|Spitfire]]
* [[Regain Records|Regain]]
* Bodog
* [[MNRK Music Group|Entertainment One Music]]
* [[Nuclear Blast Records|Nuclear Blast]]
* Azra/Metal Storm}}
| website = {{URL|wreckingcrew.com}}
| module = {{Infobox
| child = yes
| title = '''Logo'''
| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de
| image = [[File:Overkill logo.svg|200px]]
}}
| current_members = {{plainlist|
* [[D.D. Verni]]
* [[Bobby Ellsworth|Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth]]
* Dave Linsk
* Derek Tailer
* [[Jeramie Kling]]
 }}
| past_members = <!--Do not change order of members, as they are listed in order of joining the band, as requested by Wikipedia guidelines. See page entitled "Template:Musical Artist" for details.-->
{{Collapsible list
|framestyle=border:none; padding:0; <!--Hides borders and improves row spacing-->
|title=&nbsp;
|[[Rat Skates]]
|Robert "Riff Thunder" Pisarek
|Anthony {{not a typo|Ammendola}}
|[[Dan Spitz]]
|Rich Conte
|Mike Sherry
|Joe
|Mark Archibole
|[[Bobby Gustafson]]
|Sid Falck
|Rob Cannavino
|[[Merritt Gant]]
|Tim Mallare
|[[Joe Comeau]]
|Sebastian Marino
|Ron Lipnicki
|[[Jason Bittner]]
}}
}}
'''Overkill''' is an American [[thrash metal]] band, formed in 1980 in [[New Jersey]]. They have gone through many lineup changes, leaving bassist [[D.D. Verni]] and lead vocalist [[Bobby Ellsworth|Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth]] as the only remaining original members. The band's current lineup includes Verni, Ellsworth, Dave Linsk on lead guitar, Derek "The Skull" Tailer on rhythm guitar, and [[Jeramie Kling]] on drums. Along with [[Nuclear Assault]] and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], the latter of which featured one-time Overkill lead guitarist [[Dan Spitz]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/new+jersey/new+providence/overkill |title=Artists :: OVERKILL |publisher=MusicMight |access-date=December 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821125443/http://musicmight.com/artist/united+states/new+jersey/new+providence/overkill |archive-date=August 21, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-a-z-of-anthrax|title=The A-Z of Anthrax|publisher=loudersound.com|date=October 28, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2018}}</ref> the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal bands, and has been called "the [[Motörhead]] of thrash metal", due to their unique playing style which is influenced by [[punk rock|punk]] and the [[new wave of British heavy metal]] (NWOBHM).<ref name="motorhead comparison">{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkills-bobby-blitz-ellsworth-is-honored-by-motorhead-comparisons/|title=Overkill's Bobby 'Blitz' Ellsworth Is 'Honored' By Motörhead Comparisons|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 7, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metaltalk.net/news2016sg/2016574.php|title=Overkill's Bobby Blitz Recalls Hilarious Tale Of Singing 'Overkill' With Motörhead|publisher=metaltalk.net|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=October 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Jennings |first1=Chris |url=http://www.worshipmetal.com/features/25-albums-that-made-1989-one-of-the-greatest-years-in-thrash-metal-history/|title=25 Albums That Made 1989 One Of The Greatest Years In Thrash Metal History!|website=Worshipmetal.com|date=March 14, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2020}}</ref> The band has a mascot named "Chaly" (a skeletal bat with a skull-like face, horns, bony wings and green eyes) that has appeared on many of their album covers.

Overkill has released twenty studio albums, an [[Coverkill|album]] of [[cover version|cover]] songs, two [[extended play]]s (EPs), one [[Power in Black|demo tape]] and three live albums. They were one of the first thrash metal bands to be signed to a major label (having signed to [[Atlantic Records]] in 1986), and rose to popularity as part of the genre's movement of the mid-to-late 1980s, along with the "Big Four" ([[Metallica]], [[Megadeth]], [[Slayer]] and Anthrax) and other bands such as [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and [[Testament (band)|Testament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereoboard.com/overkill-tickets|title=Overkill Tickets, Tour Dates & Concerts 2018|publisher=stereoboard.com|access-date=June 11, 2018}}</ref> Overkill achieved its first mainstream success with their second studio album and Atlantic debut, ''[[Taking Over (Overkill album)|Taking Over]]'' (1987), which peaked at number 191 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="billboard 200">{{cite magazine |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=overkill|chart=all}}|title=Overkill Album & Song Chart History|magazine=Billboard.com|access-date=May 31, 2011}}</ref> The band's next five studio albums – ''[[Under the Influence (Overkill album)|Under the Influence]]'' (1988), ''[[The Years of Decay]]'' (1989), ''[[Horrorscope (Overkill album)|Horrorscope]]'' (1991), ''[[I Hear Black]]'' (1993) and ''[[W.F.O. (album)|W.F.O.]]'' (1994) – were also successful on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' charts, with the latter two entering the top 10 on the [[Heatseekers charts|Top Heatseekers]] chart.{{r|billboard 200}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/overkill-mn0000420504/awards |title=Overkill - Awards |publisher=Allmusic.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009222541/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/overkill-mn0000420504/awards |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 22, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Following their split with Atlantic in 1995, Overkill went through label changes but continued to enjoy moderate underground success, particularly in Europe and Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Overkill/longplay |title=Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts, Neuerscheinungen, Tickets, Genres, Genresuche, Genrelexikon, Künstler-Suche, Musik-Suche, Track-Suche, Ticket-Suche |publisher=musicline.de |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204044154/http://www.musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Overkill/longplay |archive-date=February 4, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/50711/ranking/cd_album/ |title=オーバーキルのCDアルバムランキング │オリコン芸能人事典-ORICON STYLE |publisher=Oricon.co.jp |access-date=February 23, 2017}}</ref> The band experienced a resurgence in the U.S. during the 2010s, with three of their studio albums released that decade – ''[[The Electric Age]]'' (2012), ''[[White Devil Armory]]'' (2014) and ''[[The Grinding Wheel]]'' (2017) – reaching the top 100 on the charts.{{r|billboard 200}} Overkill has sold over 16 million records worldwide. They are estimated to have sold more than 625,000 records in the U.S. since the beginning of the [[Luminate (company)|SoundScan]] era.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thrashhits.com/2012/08/live-overkill-pulled-apart-by-horses-the-safety-fire-wet-nuns-london-100-club-09-august-2012/ |title=Live: Overkill, Pulled Apart By Horses, The Safety Fire + Wet Nuns @ London 100 Club - 09 August 2012 |publisher=Thrash Hits |access-date=2017-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322084611/http://www.thrashhits.com/2012/08/live-overkill-pulled-apart-by-horses-the-safety-fire-wet-nuns-london-100-club-09-august-2012/ |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theaquarian.com/2017/09/27/manhattan-beat-the-latest-with-orphaned-land-patti-smith-and-more/|title=Manhattan Beat – The Latest With Orphaned Land, Patti Smith, And More!|date=September 27, 2017 |publisher=theaquarian.com|access-date=July 13, 2019}}</ref>

==History==
===Early years and ''Feel the Fire'' (1980–1986)===
[[File:Overkill - Jalometalli 2008 - 02.JPG|thumb|upright=0.85|Bassist [[D.D. Verni]] (right) gave vocalist [[Bobby Ellsworth]] the nickname "Blitz" due to his over the top lifestyle.]]
Overkill was formed in 1980 by members of the [[punk rock|punk]] band the Lubricunts, which featured bassist [[D.D. Verni]] and drummer [[Rat Skates]]. Verni and Skates placed an ad looking for a guitarist and lead singer, which was answered by guitarist Robert Pisarek and singer [[Bobby Ellsworth]], and the first incarnation of Overkill was formed.<ref name="metal-rules1">{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/2008/05/03/rat-skates-ex-overkill/ |title=Interview With Rat Skates|publisher=Metal-Rules.com |date=May 3, 2008|access-date=November 26, 2013}}</ref> After rejecting several names, including Virgin Killer, the band settled on Overkill, named after [[Motörhead]]'s [[Overkill (Motörhead album)|second album]].

Early on, they covered punk songs by the [[Ramones]], the [[Dead Boys]] and others. By late 1980, the band's setlist included songs by bands such as Motörhead (including songs from ''Overkill'' and half of the ''[[Ace of Spades (Motörhead album)|Ace of Spades]]'' album), [[Judas Priest]] ("Tyrant" in particular), and [[Riot V|Riot]]. Along with the influx of [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] covers, the band still played a smattering of punk covers, with extra distortion, intensity, and speed. In 1981, the band went through a succession of guitarists after Pisarek left, first being replaced by [[Dan Spitz]] (who later joined [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dan-spitz-on-possible-reunion-with-anthrax-you-never-know-what-happens-in-the-future|title=DAN SPITZ On Possible Reunion With ANTHRAX: 'You Never Know What Happens In The Future'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 18, 2025|date=August 18, 2024}}</ref> and Anthony {{not a typo|Ammendola}}, then Rich Conte and Mike Sherry, before settling with [[Bobby Gustafson]] in late 1982.{{r|metal-rules1}} Around this time, the band started writing original songs, including "Grave Robbers" (later renamed "Raise the Dead"), "Overkill", and "Unleash the Beast (Within)". More songs followed, including "Death Rider" (1981) and "Rotten to the Core" (1982). As the band continued to write original material, they became a staple at clubs in New York and New Jersey, such as [[L'Amour (music venue)|L'Amour]].

In 1983, the lineup of Verni, Skates, Ellsworth, and Gustafson released the ''[[Power in Black]]'' demo, a recording that made as much impact in the underground tape trading circuit as demos by then-up-and-coming [[Bay Area thrash metal]] bands, such as [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] and [[Testament (band)|Testament]] (then-called Legacy). ''Power in Black'' gained the band two compilation appearances: "Feel the Fire" was included on ''New York Metal '84'' while "Death Rider" appeared on the fifth volume of [[Metal Blade Records]]' ''[[Metal Massacre]]'' series. The success of ''Power in Black'' also enabled the band to secure a small recording deal with Azra/Metal Storm Records, resulting in the 1985 four-track [[extended play]] (EP) ''[[Overkill (EP)|Overkill]]'', which quickly sold out, pushing the band to the forefront of the fledgling thrash metal movement. Long out of print, the vinyl-only EP is now considered{{bywhom|date=October 2024}} a rare collector's item, and all the songs appeared eleven years later on the compilation album ''[[Fuck You and Then Some|!!!Fuck You!!! and Then Some]]''.

Though it is said that the band{{bywhom|date=October 2024}} never received money from its release, the ''Overkill'' EP garnered the band massive underground interest and the attention of [[Jon Zazula]], owner of [[Megaforce Records]], a prominent independent heavy metal record label at the time. Megaforce signed Overkill to a multi-album record contract and released their full-length debut album, ''[[Feel the Fire (Overkill album)|Feel the Fire]],'' in October 1985. Hailed by many critics and fans as a thrash metal masterpiece, the album cemented the band's position as a driving force of the East Coast thrash metal movement. The band spent the better part of 1985 and 1986 touring in support of ''Feel the Fire'', touring Europe with Anthrax and [[Agent Steel]], and opening for [[Slayer]] on their ''[[Reign in Blood]]'' tour in North America.<ref name="metallipromo">{{cite web|title=Overkill Tour Dates|url=http://www.metallipromo.com/ov.html|publisher=metallipromo.com|date=May 8, 2018}}</ref> Overkill's tour schedule and the growing buzz for ''Feel the Fire'' resulted in several major labels courting the band. They eventually signed to [[Atlantic Records]], making Overkill one of the early thrash metal bands to sign with a major label.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overkill - Wiki - Metal Amino|url=https://aminoapps.com/c/metal/page/item/overkill/RrzC_vIWEPoPdaKBoev5Y45D13aBdG1|publisher=aminoapps.com|access-date=December 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NoFriender Thrash Metal Show Podcast - (Free) — When It Was Cool - Retro Pop Culture, Comics, Pro Wrestling, Toys, TV, Movies, and Podcasts|url=https://www.whenitwascool.com/nofriender-thrash-metal-show-podcast|website=Whenitwascool.com|access-date=December 19, 2020}}</ref>

===Rise to success (1987–1990)===
Overkill's second album, ''[[Taking Over (Overkill album)|Taking Over]]'', was released in March 1987;{{r|metallipromo}} it was the first to be released by Megaforce with distribution from Atlantic Records. The album featured longer songs and improved production. ''Taking Over'' brought the band public recognition, becoming their first album to enter the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]],{{r|billboard 200}} while Overkill's first-ever music video, "In Union We Stand", received significant airplay on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Headbangers Ball]]''.<ref name="hbb">{{cite web|title=Headbangers Ball- The Unofficial Tribute Site - Episode Database|url=https://www.headbangersballunofficialtributesite.com/episode-database|website=headbangersballunofficialtributesite.com|date=April 23, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=May 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529021919/https://www.headbangersballunofficialtributesite.com/episode-database|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another European tour followed, this time opening for [[Helloween]]. Overkill also opened for [[Megadeth]] on their ''[[Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?|Peace Sells]]'' tour in North America, and headlined their own U.S. tour, with support from [[Nuclear Assault]] and then-labelmates [[Testament (band)|Testament]].{{r|metallipromo}}

[[File:Bobby Gustafson 2014-01-30 11-33.png|thumb|upright=0.85|Guitarist [[Bobby Gustafson]] was a member of Overkill from 1982 to 1990.]]
In late 1987, the ''[[Fuck You (EP)|!!!Fuck You!!!]]'' EP was released, consisting of a studio cover version of the [[Subhumans (Canadian band)|Subhumans]]' "Fuck You" and a handful of live tracks recorded earlier that year at the [[Phantasy Theater]] in [[Cleveland]]. 1987 also saw the departure of founding drummer [[Rat Skates]]. He was replaced temporarily by Mark Archibole, and then permanently by Danish drummer Bob "Sid" Falck, formerly of [[Paul Di'Anno]]'s Battlezone. Overkill closed out the year with a one-off show at the Christmas on Earth festival in [[Leeds|Leeds, England]], together with Megadeth, [[Kreator]], Nuclear Assault, [[Voivod (band)|Voivod]], the [[Cro-Mags]], [[Lȧȧz Rockit]] and Virus.{{r|metallipromo}}

Overkill released their third album, ''[[Under the Influence (Overkill album)|Under the Influence]]'', in July 1988. Once again produced by [[Alex Perialas]], who worked on the band's first two albums, ''Under the Influence'' was rawer and thrashier, lacking most of the epic atmosphere heard on ''Taking Over''. "Hello from the Gutter" was released as a single, and its music video gained regular airplay on ''Headbangers Ball''.{{r|hbb}} Overkill kept touring all over the world, furthering their reputation as one of the most active live metal bands. This included opening for Slayer on their ''[[South of Heaven]]'' tour in the United States and Europe, and performing with Anthrax, Motörhead, [[Anvil (band)|Anvil]], Nuclear Assault, [[M.O.D.]], Testament, [[Vio-lence]], [[King's X]], [[Prong (band)|Prong]], [[Murphy's Law (band)|Murphy's Law]], [[Ludichrist]] and [[Znowhite]].{{r|metallipromo}}

Overkill released their fourth album, ''[[The Years of Decay]]'', in October 1989. Produced by [[Terry Date]] (who later worked with the likes of [[Pantera]], [[White Zombie (band)|White Zombie]], [[Soundgarden]] and [[Deftones]]), the album featured the band's best production value to date, as well as Overkill's most [[progressive metal|progressive]] and diverse work compared to previous albums.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 10 Best Overkill Albums Ranked|url=https://chaospin.com/best-overkill-albums/|access-date=October 14, 2021|website=Chaospin Magazine|date=May 31, 2021}}</ref> It combined the raw approach of ''Under the Influence'' with more complex song structures and epic elements of ''Taking Over'', resulting in a more serious atmosphere and longer songs, including the eight-minute title track and the ten-minute "Playing With Spiders/Skullkrusher", the latter being the longest track Overkill has recorded to date. Although the album charted lower than ''Under the Influence'' on the ''Billboard'' 200 at number 155,{{r|billboard 200}} ''The Years of Decay'' was a breakthrough album for Overkill, selling over 67,000 copies within the next decade-and-a-half,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=994&Itemid=39 |title=Metal Sludge - Sludge Scan For May 2000 - The Power & Glory since 1998 |access-date=May 24, 2021 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411215530/http://metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=994&Itemid=39 |archive-date=April 11, 2013 }}</ref> and includes one of the band's best-known songs, "Elimination", for which a music video received regular airplay on ''Headbangers Ball''.{{r|hbb}} That song became a fan favorite and remains a staple in the band's live repertoire. Overkill toured extensively in support of ''The Years of Decay'' between November 1989 and June 1990, with bands such as Testament, [[Wolfsbane (band)|Wolfsbane]], [[Dark Angel (band)|Dark Angel]], Vio-lence, [[Mordred (band)|Mordred]], [[Powermad]], [[Whiplash (band)|Whiplash]] and [[Excel (band)|Excel]].{{r|metallipromo}}

===''Horrorscope'', ''I Hear Black'' and ''W.F.O.'' (1990–1995)===
After ''The Years of Decay'' tour ended in the summer of 1990,{{r|metallipromo}} Gustafson left Overkill. Accounts vary as to how and why he split with the band: he had been either fired by Verni and Ellsworth, or had left Overkill following an argument over the band's musical direction.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/BobbyG.htm | title = Ex-Overkill Axeman Bobby Gustafson Returns To Metal With New Band RESPONSE NEGATIVE | access-date = 2019-12-06 | year = 2003 | publisher = [[Metal Rules]]}}</ref> Gustafson said that one of the reasons he left Overkill was due to disagreements over royalties, during which he became embroiled in a feud with Verni and Ellsworth.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-overkill-guitarist-bobby-gustafson-slams-former-bandmates-says-upcoming-dvd-is-a-piece-of-st/|title=Ex-OVERKILL Guitarist BOBBY GUSTAFSON Slams Former Bandmates, Says Upcoming DVD Is A 'Piece Of S**t'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 17, 2018|access-date=March 17, 2018}}</ref> The remaining members added two new guitarists to the band: Rob Cannavino, who had been Gustafson's guitar technician, and [[Merritt Gant]], formerly of Faith or Fear. Ellsworth stated in an interview with ''[[Invisible Oranges]]'' years later that the reason Overkill hired two guitarists was mainly because they wanted to do something different: "We knew if we replaced Bobby with one guitarist, we'd get compared to what we were. So, it seemed like to logical thing to bring in two players. We didn't want anyone to say, 'Bobby was better than this new guy.' And we wanted to perform old stuff with two guitars to keep in fresh. We realized that change isn't a bad thing."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-singer-bobby-blitz-ellsworth-doesnt-have-a-problem-with-bobby-gustafson-he-has-a-problem-with-me/|title=OVERKILL Singer BOBBY 'BLITZ' ELLSWORTH Doesn't Have A Problem With BOBBY GUSTAFSON: 'He Has A Problem With Me'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 11, 2020|access-date=November 25, 2020}}</ref>

The "new" Overkill recorded their fifth album, ''[[Horrorscope (Overkill album)|Horrorscope]]'', again produced by [[Terry Date]], in 1991. Featuring the furious riffs and trade-off solos of new guitarists Cannavino and Gant, and the refined songwriting of Verni and Ellsworth, ''Horrorscope'' silenced worries from fans that the band would not recover from their split with Gustafson. The album is regarded as one of Overkill's defining moments and is arguably their heaviest release. Focusing on a darker, heavier style, the album spawned the [[Doom metal|doomy]] single "Horrorscope", a departure from the band's earlier singles, which were traditionally uptempo songs. ''Horrorscope'' was Overkill's first album to be accompanied by more than one music video or single; there were music videos for the title track and "Thanx for Nothin'" (both of which received airplay on ''Headbangers Ball''),{{r|hbb}} while songs like "Coma", "Infectious" and the cover version of [[Edgar Winter]]'s "[[Frankenstein (instrumental)|Frankenstein]]" received particular attention (through radio or otherwise),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Overkill-Coma/release/3266484|title=Overkill - Coma (1991, Vinyl)|website=[[Discogs]]|year=1991 |access-date=April 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Overkill-Infectious/release/7405360|title=Overkill - Infectious (1991, CD)|website=[[Discogs]]|year=1991 |access-date=April 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://people.delphi.com/dkasper13/knac/knaca2z.html|title=KNAC A to Z Listing|website=people.delphi.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000305154225/http://people.delphi.com/dkasper13/knac/knaca2z.html|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2000}}</ref> expanding the band's popularity in the heavy metal community, and helping the album enter the Top 30 on the [[Heatseekers charts|''Billboard'' Heatseekers]] chart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/horrorscope-mw0000674938/awards |title=Horrorscope – Overkill – Awards |publisher=[[AllMusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]] |url-status=dead |access-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004195921/http://www.allmusic.com/album/horrorscope-mw0000674938/awards |archive-date=2015-10-04 }}</ref> Overkill supported ''Horrorscope'' by touring North America with [[Anacrusis (band)|Anacrusis]] and [[Galactic Cowboys]] in 1991{{r|metallipromo}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://anacrusis.us/anac_hist_manic.html|title=Manic Impressions - Back Home|work=anacrusis.us|access-date=August 5, 2019}}</ref> and [[Armored Saint]] in 1992,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.knac.com/servlet/Feat_Page?featureID=574|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010622215339/http://www.knac.com/servlet/Feat_Page?featureID=574|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 22, 2001|title=Armored Saint Marches On|work=[[KNAC|knac.com]]|date=January 26, 2000|access-date=August 5, 2019}}</ref> after which drummer Sid Falck left the band. Admittedly never a big fan of thrash metal, Falck said he initially wanted to push his drumming to the limit by playing the most complex type of music, and in time he decided to pursue other musical interests. Although later in an interview with ''Antichrist'' magazine he said it was misquotation, and that he still listens to thrash metal exclusively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://antichristmagazine.com/sid-falck-ex-overkill-infectus-13-interview-by-heather-williams/|title=Interview: Sid Falck (ex-Overkill, Infectus 13)|lang=en-US|website=ANTICHRIST Magazine|access-date=2025-03-27}}</ref>

Falck was replaced by former [[M.O.D.]] drummer Tim Mallare, with whom the next Overkill album ''[[I Hear Black]]'' was recorded. Released in March 1993, ''I Hear Black'' reunited the band with producer [[Alex Perialas]], and was the first Overkill album released directly through [[Atlantic Records]]. The album again presented a change in style, from the heavy thrash of ''Horrorscope'' to a more [[Stoner rock|stoner]]/[[Blues|blues rock]]-oriented style influenced by [[Black Sabbath]]. The eclectic nature of the album is often attributed to the number of songwriters involved. Verni and Ellsworth handled most of the songwriting on subsequent albums, with only minor contributions from other members. A music video was shot for "Spiritual Void" and it received minor airplay on ''Headbangers Ball''.{{r|hbb}} The European leg of the 1993 "World of Hurt Tour" featured [[Savatage]] and Non-Fiction as support acts.

Overkill's self-produced seventh album, ''[[W.F.O. (album)|W.F.O.]]'' (which stands for "Wide Fuckin' Open", a common [[Motorcycle|biker]] term), was released on July 15, 1994, in response to the criticism that ''I Hear Black'' had received. The album was fast, old school thrash metal without the [[Experimental music|experimental]] elements of ''I Hear Black'' in favor of a [[groove metal|groove]]-oriented sound.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ranking OVERKILL: The Studio Albums – Worst To First |url=https://metalnation.com/ranking-overkill-the-studio-albums-worst-to-first/ |website=Metal Nation |date=February 22, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref> The music video for "Fast Junkie" received little or no airplay from MTV, due to changing mainstream tastes and limited airplay availability for metal bands. Overkill continued to have bigger success overseas, mounting an extensive European tour in the fall, supported by [[Jag Panzer]] and [[Massacra]].

With [[grunge]] dominating the airwaves in the United States, many heavy metal radio stations changing formats and ''Headbangers Ball'' going off the air, ''W.F.O.'' failed to find an audience, and in 1995 Overkill split with Atlantic Records. The band was happy to leave the major label, where they felt they received little or no attention and signed to different record companies around the world ([[CMC International]] in the US).

A March 1995 show, once again in [[Cleveland|Cleveland, Ohio]], was recorded for Overkill's first full-length live album, a near 100-minute double CD entitled ''[[Wrecking Your Neck]]''. The album was released in May 1995, with the first pressing featuring a bonus CD containing the ''Overkill'' EP that had been out of print for years. A music video for the song "Bastard Nation" taken from ''Wrecking Your Neck'' was released, but failed to receive airplay in the US.

===Post-Atlantic years (1995–2002)===
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2018}}

Late in 1995, Cannavino and Gant left the band, Cannavino to focus on motorcycle racing and Gant to spend more time with his family.{{Citation needed|reason=The part about Cannavino and Gant leaving, and the reasons for doing so, is very specific.|date=June 2018}} Overkill hired Joe Comeau, former singer of [[Liege Lord]], on guitar. Comeau brought along former [[Anvil (band)|Anvil]] guitarist Sebastian Marino, with whom he had worked in the past. The new lineup recorded ''[[The Killing Kind (album)|The Killing Kind]]'' in 1996, again self-produced and mixed by [[Chris Tsangarides]] ([[Judas Priest]]). While staying within the thrash genre, the album was a departure from its predecessor's more traditional thrash metal style and featured different elements such as [[Hardcore punk|hardcore]], while the vocals showed influences from a broad spectrum of music. As Comeau was also a singer, backing vocals on ''The Killing Kind'' and subsequent albums were more elaborate and frequent than before, adding another element to the band's sound. Press response to ''The Killing Kind'' was positive, but the album remains a hotly contested topic among the band's audience, with some longtime fans resistant to the new modern elements, and others hailing ''The Killing Kind'' as one of the band's finest moments.{{Citation needed|reason=Taste is a tricky thing to reference. A reference to the press response could probably add value to the article. The same goes for the debate about their old/new sound.|date=June 2018}}

Overkill toured Europe twice in support of ''The Killing Kind'' first in February 1996 with Megora and [[Accuser (band)|Accu§er]], and again in November with Anvil and [[Stahlhammer]]. In the summer of 1996, Overkill appeared on Volume 2 of [[Century Media Records|Century Media]]'s ''Legends of Metal – A Tribute to Judas Priest'' compilation, to which they contributed "Tyrant".

In October 1996, the band released ''[[Fuck You and Then Some|!!!Fuck You!!! and Then Some]]''. The album included the ''[[Fuck You (EP)|!!!Fuck You!!!]]'' EP, which had been out of print for some years, along with the classic ''Overkill'' EP and two live tracks from a 1990 promo single. The following year saw the release of the ninth Overkill studio album, titled ''[[From the Underground and Below]]''. It retained some of the modern influences from ''The Killing Kind'', while also reincorporating elements from the band's earlier efforts. Some songs on ''From the Underground and Below'', including "Save Me", even had a slight [[industrial metal]] sound. Reportedly, a video for the track "Long Time Dyin'" was shot, but received no television exposure.{{Citation needed|reason=Since it's a very specific factual claim a citation would lend credibility to the statement. Who did the reporting?|date=June 2018}} In 1998, the band once again opted to tour only Europe in support of the album, touring alongside [[Nevermore]], [[Angel Dust (German band)|Angel Dust]] and [[Nocturnal Rites]].

In 1998, Ellsworth was diagnosed with an aggressive form of nose cancer and underwent immediate surgery, stopping the cancer before it spread.{{Citation needed|reason=Specific factual claim about a living person. Considering this a citation is probably needed.|date=June 2018}} After his recovery, the band started work on their tenth studio album. The self-produced ''[[Necroshine]]'' was released in February 1999, making Overkill the first thrash metal band to release ten full-length studio albums. While once again different from the previous records and musically not considered "classic" Overkill, the album was vocally even more experimental than ''The Killing Kind'', and was well received by fans and critics.{{Citation needed|date=June 2018}}

Before the release of ''Necroshine'', Sebastian Marino left Overkill to spend more time with his family. He was replaced by Dave Linsk from New Jersey [[hardcore punk|hardcore]]/thrash metal band Anger on Anger. A two-week European trip in June was arranged to fill the gap between appearances at the [[Dynamo Open Air|Dynamo]] and [[Full Force (music festival)|With Full Force]] festivals.

October 1999 saw the release of ''[[Coverkill]]'', an album of cover versions from bands that were especially influential to Overkill, such as Black Sabbath, [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], Motörhead, [[Manowar (band)|Manowar]], and the [[Ramones]]. Some tracks had previously been available on compilations or as bonus tracks, but others had been shelved for years (the earliest recording was from the ''[[Under the Influence (Overkill album)|Under the Influence]]'' sessions) or were recorded immediately before the album's release.{{Citation needed|reason=The part about when the songs were recorded is specific. As that is the case a citation would do make this section better.|date=June 2018}} A full European tour in support of both ''Necroshine'' and ''Coverkill'' took place in February 2000, as Overkill co-headlined with Canadian thrash metal band [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]], with German band [[Dew-Scented]] in the opening slot.

During the European tour, Annihilator fired their lead singer [[Randy Rampage]] due to disruptive behavior. A few months later, [[Joe Comeau]] was confirmed as his replacement. The band returned to the studio as a four-piece, and in the fall of 2000, released ''[[Bloodletting (Overkill album)|Bloodletting]]''. It was again produced by the band and mixed by [[Colin Richardson]].

In November 2000, the band toured Europe as a special guest on [[Halford (band)|Halford]]'s ''[[Resurrection (Halford album)|Resurrection]]'' world tour. Since Overkill had not yet found a new second guitarist, Comeau joined on a temporary basis for the tour. For the last couple of shows, the band also utilized another session musician. With D.D. Verni's wife giving birth to their second child, Verni missed a week or two of shows, and Derek Tailer of [[Dee Snider]]'s band SMFs filled in. In 2002, Tailer was announced as a permanent member of Overkill, although not on bass, but filling the vacant second guitarist position.

===Switching labels and drummers (2002–2008)===
[[File:Overkill live at the Whiskey.jpg|thumb|250px|Overkill live at the [[Whisky a Go Go]] in 2005]]
After a break, Overkill resurfaced in 2002 with ''[[Wrecking Everything]]'', their second full-length live album, recorded at the [[Paramount Theatre (Asbury Park, New Jersey)|Paramount Theatre]] in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The album contained only songs that had not been on ''Wrecking Your Neck'', some because they were released on later albums, but also a few early songs from albums such as ''Taking Over'', ''Under the Influence'' and ''The Years of Decay''. The same show was used for Overkill's first ever DVD, ''Wrecking Everything – An Evening in Asbury Park'', also released in 2002.

The European tour in June 2002, supporting ''Bloodletting'' and ''Wrecking Everything'', saw [[Blaze Bayley|Blaze]] and Wicked Mystic opening for Overkill. During the second to last show of the tour in Nuremberg, Germany, Blitz suffered a stroke on stage. For nearly three days, there were rumors that Blitz was in a coma, permanently paralyzed, or dead. Three days later, the band announced that the stroke was minor and had no lasting consequences.

Overkill signed to [[Spitfire Records]] and entered the studio in late 2002 to record their twelfth studio album, ''[[Killbox 13]]''. Produced by the band and Colin Richardson, and released in March 2003, the album was their twelfth regular studio album, but the ''Overkill'' EP was counted to make it 13. The album received critical acclaim,{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} combining the "new" Overkill with their raw early style heard on their debut ''[[Feel the Fire (Overkill album)|Feel the Fire]]''. Touring for the album included a number of European festivals during the summer, and a full European tour followed in November with [[Seven Witches]] and After All. The band played without Derek Tailer, who was absent for undisclosed reasons. Nobody was hired to fill in for him, so Overkill toured as a four-piece for the first time since 1990. Tailer was still considered a full member of the band.

In late 2004, after a Japanese tour with [[Death Angel]] and [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]], the band started work on another record in D.D. Verni's own recording studio. The album, ''[[ReliXIV]]'', was produced and mixed by the band themselves and released in March 2005.

Overkill toured the eastern US in April 2005, and before they went on a European tour in May, it was announced that Mallare would not take part in this tour, with former Hades drummer Ron Lipnicki replacing him. A few weeks later, the band announced that Mallare had permanently left and Lipnicki was his replacement. In the summer of 2005, Overkill organized their first US West Coast tour in more than ten years, playing Western Canada to Southern California. The tour was such a success that the band was added to the 2006 [[Gigantour]] as second-stage headliners, marking Overkill's first nationwide US tour since 1994.

Now with the Bodog Music label, the band rejoined forces with Jonny and Marsha Zazula, previous owners of Megaforce Records, who were part of the Bodog Team in the United States. Overkill released its 14th studio album, ''[[Immortalis (album)|Immortalis]]'', on October 9, 2007. The album featured founders Bobby Ellsworth and D.D. Verni, guitarists Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer, and new drummer Ron Lipnicki. [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]] vocalist [[Randy Blythe]] contributed vocals on the song "Skull and Bones".

===Return to popularity (2009–2017)===
On October 30, 2009, it was announced that Overkill had inked a multi-album deal with [[Nuclear Blast Records|Nuclear Blast]]. The band's 15th album, ''[[Ironbound (album)|Ironbound]],'' described as a "thrashter-piece", was released on February 9, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=129550 |title=Overkill Signs With Nuclear Blast Records |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=December 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112200924/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/Blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=129550 |archive-date=November 12, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The album marked a "comeback" for Overkill after years of lackluster record sales and declining popularity in the U.S. since the mid-1990s.{{r|billboard 200}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Overkill - Ironbound |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=1900 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=3 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228191851/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=1900 |archive-date=28 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Louise |last=Brown |title=OVERKILL INTERVIEW: "YOU NEED TO KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO KNOW WHERE YOU'VE COME FROM" |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/34789/Overkill-Ironbound/ |publisher=ironfistzine.com |access-date=15 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jesuslaves |title=Overkill - Ironbound (album review 2) |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/34789/Overkill-Ironbound/ |publisher=Sputnikmusic.com |access-date=15 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Rustyn |last=Rose |title=Ranking OVERKILL: The Studio Albums – Worst To First |date=February 22, 2019 |url=https://metalnation.com/ranking-overkill-the-studio-albums-worst-to-first/3/ |publisher=metalnation.com |access-date=15 November 2020}}</ref> It was the band's first album to appear on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart since 1993's ''[[I Hear Black]]'', peaking at number 192.{{r|billboard 200}}<ref name="ironbound sales">{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-ironbound-first-week-sales-revealed/|title=OVERKILL: 'Ironbound' First-Week Sales Revealed|date=February 17, 2010|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref> The band was playing at [[Times Square]] in New York City on May 1, 2010 as part of their ''Ironbound'' tour when someone unsuccessfully attempted to blow up a nearby car with fireworks. The show proceeded without interruption, but some ticket holders arriving late were prevented from entering the theater by police responding to the incident.{{Citation needed|date=June 2013}} Overkill had toured for almost two years promoting ''Ironbound'';<ref name="2010 2011 tour">{{Cite web|url=http://wreckingcrew.com/Ironbound/?page_id=122|title=Tour Dates|website=Wreckingcrew.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827100931/http://wreckingcrew.com/Ironbound/?page_id=122|access-date=November 15, 2020|archive-date=August 27, 2011}}</ref> it started with a European trek in February 2010 (supported by [[Suicidal Angels]], [[Savage Messiah (band)|Savage Messiah]] and [[Cripper]]),<ref name="ironbound sales"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-european-tour-announced/|title=OVERKILL: European Tour Announced|date=November 11, 2009|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref> followed two months later by a U.S. tour with [[Vader (band)|Vader]], [[God Dethroned]], [[Warbringer]], [[Evile]] and [[Woe of Tyrants]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-tour-north-america-with-vader-god-dethroned-warbringer-evile/|title=OVERKILL To Tour North America With VADER, GOD DETHRONED, WARBRINGER, EVILE|date=November 30, 2009|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref> The band toured the U.S. again in the fall (this time with [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]], Evile, [[Gama Bomb]] and [[Bonded by Blood (band)|Bonded by Blood]]),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-second-leg-of-killfest-2010-tour-with-support-from-forbidden/|title=OVERKILL Announces Second Leg Of 'Killfest 2010' Tour With Support From FORBIDDEN|date=May 2, 2010|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref> and then did a European run in March 2011 with [[Destruction (band)|Destruction]], [[Heathen (band)|Heathen]], After All and Bonded by Blood.<ref name="2010 2011 tour"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-destruction-heathen-to-team-up-for-european-tour/|title=OVERKILL, DESTRUCTION, HEATHEN To Team Up For European Tour|date=August 31, 2010|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref> The tour cycle for ''Ironbound'' ended in South America in the fall of 2011.<ref name="2010 2011 tour"/>

In July 2011, Overkill began demoing six songs and announced they were planning to begin recording their 16th album in October for an early 2012 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wreckingcrew.com/Ironbound/?p=940 |title=The Latest News... |website=Wreckingcrew.com |access-date=July 21, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=160946 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908070234/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=160946 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 8, 2012 |title=Overkill Not Touring With Anthrax, Testament; Band To Hit Studio In October |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=July 21, 2011 }}</ref> The resulting album, ''[[The Electric Age]]'', was released on March 27, 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=168656 |title=Overkill: New Album Title, Cover Artwork Unveiled |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |date=January 23, 2012 |access-date=January 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126015111/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=168656 |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and it was the band's first album to enter the top 100 on the ''Billboard'' 200, peaking at number 77, Overkill's highest chart position at the time.{{r|billboard 200}} In 2013, the band embarked on ''[[Dark Roots of Thrash|The Dark Roots of Thrash]]'' tour of North America, headlined by [[Testament (band)|Testament]], and supported by [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]] and 4Arm. They canceled their February 15 show in Huntington at The Paramount Theatre due to singer Bobby Ellsworth being diagnosed with "walking pneumonia".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186358 |title=OVERKILL: Huntington Concert Cancellation Explained |publisher=Blabbermouth.Net |access-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref> On February 18, it was announced that Overkill dropped out of the ''Dark Roots of Thrash'' tour as Blitz's condition had gotten slightly worse after the show in [[Worcester, Massachusetts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186423 |title=OVERKILL Drops Off 'The Dark Roots Of Thrash' Tour |publisher=Blabbermouth.Net|access-date=June 26, 2013}}</ref>

On August 31, 2013, Overkill entered Gear Recording to begin recording their seventeenth studio album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/2013/08/31/overkill-is-entering-the-studio-on-monday/ |title=News, Interviews, Concert Reviews » Overkill is entering the studio on Monday! |publisher=Metal-rules.com |date=August 31, 2013|access-date=May 8, 2014}}</ref> The album was going to be released on March 7, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/overkill-say-there-will-be-a-new-record-in-march-2014 |title=OVERKILL Say There Will Be A New Record In March 2014 |work=Metal Injection |access-date=May 8, 2014}}</ref> On January 14, however, it was announced that the album was postponed to July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/OverkillBand/status/423180107294212096 |title=Twitter / OverkillBand: BREAKING NEWS: release date |publisher=Twitter.com |date=January 14, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-new-album-pushed-back-to-july-tour-dates-postponed |title=OVERKILL: New Album Pushed Back To July; Tour Dates Postponed |date=January 14, 2014 |publisher=Blabbermouth.Net |access-date=January 14, 2014}}</ref> On March 15, it was revealed that the new album would be titled ''[[White Devil Armory]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/OverkillBand/status/444889411185291264 |title=Twitter / OverkillBand: NEW ALBUM TITLE: we can confirm |publisher=Twitter.com|access-date=May 8, 2014}}</ref> After some delays, ''White Devil Armory'' was released on July 22, 2014. The album was their most successful, peaking at No. 31 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], Overkill's highest chart position yet.{{r|billboard 200}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkills-white-devil-armory-cracks-u-s-top-40/ |title=Overkill's 'White Devil Armory' Cracks U.S. Top 40 |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=July 30, 2014 |access-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>

Overkill played a special show on April 16, 2016 in [[Oberhausen]], where they played the ''Feel the Fire'' and ''Horrorscope'' albums in their entirety. The show was professionally filmed and recorded for the DVD<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL To Perform Entire 'Horrorscope' And 'Feel The Fire' Albums At Special Anniversary Concert|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-perform-entire-horrorscope-and-feel-the-fire-albums-at-special-anniversary-concert/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=November 5, 2015|access-date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> ''Live in Overhausen'', released on May 18, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-release-live-in-overhausen-in-may/|title=OVERKILL To Release 'Live In Overhausen' In May|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 16, 2018|date=March 16, 2018}}</ref>

Overkill released a box set, ''[[Historikill: 1995–2007]]'', on October 16, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-release-historikill-1995-2007-box-set-in-september/|title=Overkill To Release 'Historikill: 1995 - 2007' Box Set In September|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 14, 2014|access-date=July 26, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newnoisemagazine.com/overkill-to-release-historikill-1995-2007-box-set/|title=Overkill To Release 'HistoriKill: 1995 – 2007' Box Set|website=[[New Noise Magazine]]|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=July 26, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811173100/http://newnoisemagazine.com/overkill-to-release-historikill-1995-2007-box-set/|archive-date=August 11, 2015|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/overkill-historikill-1995-2007-box-set-due-in-september-details-revealed|title=Overkill - Historikill: 1995 - 2007 Box Set Due In September; Details Revealed|publisher=Bravewords.com|date=July 14, 2014|access-date=July 26, 2015}}</ref> To support the box set, Overkill embarked on a North American tour with [[Symphony X]] in September–October 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wreckingcrew.com/Ironbound/?p=1524|title=Overkill and Symphony X North American Tour 2015|website=Wreckingcrew.com|date=June 29, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2015}}</ref> and a UK tour in April 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=116743|title=Overkill Announces U.K. And Ireland Tour Dates|publisher=MetalUnderground.com|date=September 21, 2015|access-date=September 21, 2015}}</ref> In a September 2015 interview, Ellsworth revealed that Overkill had begun writing their eighteenth studio album,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/shredload/episode-08-bobby-blitz-ellsworth-overkill|title=Episode #08 - Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (Overkill)|publisher=[[SoundCloud|SoundCloud.com]]|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=September 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Has Begun Writing Material For Follow-Up To 'White Devil Armory'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-has-begun-writing-material-for-follow-up-to-white-devil-armory/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 24, 2015|access-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Is Aiming To Release New Album In October 2016|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-is-aiming-to-release-new-album-in-october-2016/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 28, 2015|access-date=October 28, 2015}}</ref> and by March 2016, they had "fully demoed" eleven songs for it.<ref name="blabbermouth march 2016">{{cite news|title=OVERKILL Has Eleven Songs 'Fully Demoed' For Upcoming Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-has-eleven-songs-fully-demoed-for-upcoming-album/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 20, 2016|access-date=March 20, 2016}}</ref> Ellsworth said in a March 2016 interview that Overkill would begin recording the album in early May for an October release.{{r|blabbermouth march 2016}} On April 16, 2017, the band announced that drummer Ron Lipnicki would miss the European tour due to a family emergency, and he would be replaced by Eddy Garcia,<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Taps PISSING RAZORS Drummer EDDY GARCIA For European Tour, DVD Shoot|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-taps-pissing-razors-drummer-eddy-garcia-for-european-tour-dvd-shoot/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 5, 2017|date=April 16, 2016}}</ref> which was later confirmed to be a "personal issue" from Lipnicki.<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Frontman Says Drummer RON LIPNICKI Can't Tour Because Of 'A Personal Issue'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-frontman-says-drummer-ron-lipnicki-cant-tour-because-of-a-personal-issue/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 5, 2017|date=March 23, 2017}}</ref> On August 13, 2016, ''[[The Grinding Wheel]]'' was announced as the name of the album, and Ellsworth said the band was "looking for a first-week-of-November release";<ref>{{cite news|title=OVERKILL To Release 'Grinding Wheel' Album In November|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-release-grinding-wheel-album-in-november/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 13, 2016|access-date=August 13, 2016}}</ref> however, the album's release date was pushed back to February 10, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL - announce their 18th studio album, The Grinding Wheel!|url=http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/label/music/band/news/details/4543050.71097.overkill-announce-their-18th-studio-album.html|website=Nuclear Blast|access-date=November 17, 2016|date=November 16, 2016}}</ref> ''The Grinding Wheel'' was another successful album for Overkill. It reached number 69 on the ''Billboard'' 200, the band's second-highest chart position behind ''White Devil Armory''.{{r|billboard 200}} To support the album, Overkill toured North America with [[Nile (band)|Nile]],<ref>{{cite news|title=OVERKILL: 'The Grinding Wheel' Album Pushed Back To February; Listen To Snippet Of New Song 'Our Finest Hour'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-the-grinding-wheel-album-pushed-back-to-february-listen-to-snippet-of-new-song-our-finest-hour/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 19, 2016|access-date=September 19, 2016}}</ref> and supported former [[Sepultura]] members [[Max Cavalera|Max]] and [[Igor Cavalera]] in Europe on their Return to Roots tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/max-igor-cavalera-to-tour-europe-with-overkill-insomnium/|title=MAX + IGOR CAVALERA To Tour Europe With OVERKILL, INSOMNIUM|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 5, 2017|access-date=November 28, 2017}}</ref> They also headlined the 2017 edition of the Metal Alliance Tour, supported by [[Crowbar (American band)|Crowbar]], [[Havok (band)|Havok]], [[Black Fast (band)|Black Fast]] and [[Invidia (band)|Invidia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-and-crowbar-to-join-forces-for-2017-metal-alliance-tour/|title=OVERKILL And CROWBAR To Join Forces For 2017 'Metal Alliance Tour'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 15, 2017|access-date=November 28, 2017}}</ref>

===Jason Bittner-era (2017–2024)===
[[File:Overkill Party.San Metal Open Air 2017 13.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Jason Bittner]] was the drummer of Overkill from 2017 to 2024.]]
On May 4, 2017, Overkill announced that [[Jason Bittner]] ([[Shadows Fall]] and formerly of [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]]) had replaced Lipnicki as the drummer of the band.<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Joined By SHADOWS FALL And FLOTSAM AND JETSAM Drummer JASON BITTNER|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-joined-by-shadows-fall-and-flotsam-and-jetsam-drummer-jason-bittner/|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 4, 2017|date=May 4, 2017}}</ref> Lipnicki later went on to join [[Whiplash (band)|Whiplash]].<ref>{{cite web|title=WHIPLASH Signs With METAL BLADE RECORDS; New Album Due In Early 2019|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whiplash-signs-with-metal-blade-records-new-album-due-in-early-2019/|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 29, 2020|date=July 18, 2018}}</ref>

On February 9, 2018, Overkill announced that they were in the studio working on demos for its nineteenth studio album.<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Is Working On New Music|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-is-working-on-new-music/|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=February 9, 2018|date=February 9, 2018}}</ref> Pre-production of the album began that April,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-is-in-pre-production-for-next-album/|title=OVERKILL Is 'In Pre-Production' For Next Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=April 17, 2018}}</ref> and Ellsworth announced that it would be released in February 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-release-new-album-in-february-2019/|title=OVERKILL To Release New Album In February 2019|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 29, 2018|date=April 28, 2018}}</ref> On June 1, 2018, the band announced that they had begun recording the album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-begins-recording-new-album-photos/|title=OVERKILL Begins Recording New Album: Photos|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 5, 2018|date=June 2, 2018}}</ref> During an interview with [[Eddie Trunk]] on ''Trunk Nation'' on October 10, 2018, Verni announced that the album was finished. He was quoted as saying, "I just got the final sequencing and all that, so that's all buttoned up. We're working on the cover now. We still don't have a title — we're gonna have to come up with that soon — but we have a lot of things floating around. And the new release will probably be in February."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-completes-work-on-new-album-february-2019-release-expected/|title=OVERKILL Completes Work On New Album; February 2019 Release Expected|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 11, 2018|date=October 10, 2018}}</ref> On November 28, 2018, Overkill announced that the album was titled ''[[The Wings of War]]'' and would be released on February 22, 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-release-the-wings-of-war-album-in-february/|title=OVERKILL To Release 'The Wings Of War' Album In February|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=November 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2018/11/28/news/overkill-set-february-release-for-new-album-the-wings-of-war-unveil-cover-art-track-listing/|title=Overkill Set February Release For New Album "The Wings Of War", Unveil Cover Art & Track Listing|publisher=ThePRP.com|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=November 28, 2018}}</ref> The band promoted the album by headlining the 2019 edition of the Killfest Tour, supported by [[Destruction (band)|Destruction]], [[Flotsam and Jetsam (band)|Flotsam and Jetsam]] and Meshiaak,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-destruction-and-flotsam-and-jetsam-to-join-forces-for-killfest-european-tour/|title=OVERKILL, DESTRUCTION And FLOTSAM AND JETSAM To Join Forces For 'Killfest' European Tour|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 30, 2018|date=June 30, 2018}}</ref> touring North America in the spring with [[Death Angel]] and Mothership,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-wings-over-the-usa-spring-2019-tour-with-death-angel-and-act-of-defiance/|title=OVERKILL Announces 'Wings Over The USA' Spring 2019 Tour With DEATH ANGEL And ACT OF DEFIANCE|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=January 28, 2019|date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2019/04/09/news/date-changes-announced-for-overkill-death-angel-tour-mothership-to-replace-act-of-defiance/|title=Date Changes Announced For Overkill & Death Angel Tour, Mothership To Replace Act Of Defiance|publisher=theprp.com|access-date=April 14, 2019|date=April 9, 2019}}</ref> and performing at [[Megadeth]]'s first-ever MegaCruise in the Pacific Ocean that October.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalinsider.net/news/overkill-and-dragonforce-added-to-first-ever-megacruise|title=Overkill and Dragonforce added to first-ever MegaCruise|publisher=metalinsider.net|access-date=October 28, 2018|date=October 25, 2018}}</ref> They continued to tour in support of ''The Wings of War'' in 2020, including touring the U.S. with [[Exhorder]] and Hydraform,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-wings-over-usa-2020-tour-with-exhorder/|title=OVERKILL Announces 'Wings Over USA' 2020 Tour With EXHORDER|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 22, 2019|date=December 17, 2019}}</ref> and appearing at a handful of metal-related festivals in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wreckingcrew.com/Ironbound/?p=2154|title=Overkill added to Full Metal Cruise 2020|website=Wreckingcrew.com|access-date=December 22, 2019|date=October 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wreckingcrew.com/Ironbound/?p=2166|title=Candelabrum Metal Fest|website=Wreckingcrew.com|access-date=December 22, 2019|date=December 10, 2019}}</ref>

In June 2019, it was reported that Overkill was expected to start writing new material for their 20th studio album by the beginning of 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metaladdicts.com/site/report-overkill-to-begin-writing-new-album-next-year/|title=Report: OVERKILL To Begin Writing New Album Next Year|date=June 23, 2019|publisher=metaladdicts.com|access-date=June 23, 2019}}</ref> In an interview with Metal Exhumator in October 2019, Ellsworth said, "We just sat down and talked about starting to write in the spring. Maybe late spring, early summer, just say maybe we should just schedule some time to do it. But there's been no ideas with regard to where it's going to go."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bobby-blitz-ellsworth-says-new-overkill-album-the-wings-of-war-has-a-certain-kind-of-committed-brutality/|title=BOBBY 'BLITZ' ELLSWORTH Says New OVERKILL Album 'The Wings Of War' Has A 'Certain Kind Of Committed Brutality'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 2, 2019|date=October 2, 2019}}</ref> Bittner revealed in an April 2020 interview with Metal Pilgrim that Verni had written nine songs for the album, but added that plans to enter the studio were postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]: "So our plan was to start working on new material, but considering the fact that we have to stay in our spaces right now, we're just kind of doing things electronically and it's just given D.D. some more time to write. Because we were kind of on a little bit of a timeline, 'cause we — well, all right, I'll say we ''had'' a plan, but everybody had a plan before last month." He mentioned that a European tour in March 2021 to support the album was in the works: "We have no idea if that's gonna even be a possibility right now, because timelines that we had for the record label and whatnot are no longer those anymore, because the record label is shut down and ''nobody'' is doing any business right this very second."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-has-nine-songs-musically-written-for-next-album/|title=OVERKILL Has Nine Songs Musically Written For Next Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=April 24, 2019|date=April 24, 2019}}</ref> Ellsworth stated in an interview with A&P Reacts in June 2020 that a new Overkill album was expected to be released in April 2021, with a tour supporting it to follow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-has-10-songs-written-for-next-album-april-2021-release-targeted/|title=OVERKILL Has 10 Songs Written For Next Album; April 2021 Release Targeted|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 10, 2020|date=June 10, 2020}}</ref> Bittner later revealed that the band had recorded 11 demos for the album, and added, "I think right now, the last time I talked to D.D., our idea is to try to start getting drums done, like, September-ish, depending on what happens. The problem is that we really can't do our regular pre-production right now, because we all don't live in the same state."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-is-hard-at-work-on-new-album-says-jason-bittner/|title=OVERKILL Is 'Hard At Work' On New Album, Says JASON BITTNER|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 6, 2020|date=August 1, 2020}}</ref> On September 5, 2020, Bittner announced on his Facebook profile that Overkill would enter the studio on September 14 to begin recording their new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-to-begin-recording-new-album-next-week/|title=OVERKILL To Begin Recording New Album Next Week|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=September 5, 2020|date=September 5, 2020}}</ref> Drum tracks were finished by October,<ref name=bittnerbm>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-probably-wont-play-any-socially-distanced-or-drive-in-concerts-our-singer-is-immune-system-compromised/|title=OVERKILL Probably Won't Play Any Socially Distanced Or Drive-In Concerts: Our Singer Is 'Immune System Compromised'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 24, 2020|date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> and mixing was handled by [[Colin Richardson]], who had previously worked with Overkill in the late 1990s and early 2000s.<ref name=vernibm>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-taps-colin-richardson-for-new-album-mix/|title=OVERKILL Taps COLIN RICHARDSON For New Album Mix|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 27, 2020|date=November 27, 2020}}</ref> In an interview on That Metal Interview in October 2020, Bittner said its release could be pushed back to the fall of 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, explaining, "Lord knows what's gonna happen. God forbid it gets worse. It might even be pushed back even longer. But the point is at least we're gonna get it done."<ref name=bittnerbm/> Verni reiterated Bittner's comments about a possible release date, saying, "I don't know. We're trying to coordinate it maybe with some touring. We don't really have any touring till next July, I think, our first shows. We have shows [booked] in July, August, September, October. Whether any of them are gonna happen, I don't know, but probably something like that for the new Overkill release. So I'll be working on that between now and then."<ref name=vernibm/> Bittner later said the release of the album was pushed back to February 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=42465|title=Overkill - New Album Pushed Back To Next Year|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=June 25, 2021|date=June 25, 2021}}</ref> In an August 2021 interview on ''Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk'', Verni revealed that Overkill was still recording their 20th studio album and planned to mix it in the fall for a March 2022 release coincided with a tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=43057|title=Overkill - Planning To Mix Next Studio Album This Fall|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=August 19, 2021|date=August 19, 2021}}</ref> Ellsworth stated in a March 2022 interview that it was not expected to be released before April 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkills-new-album-wont-arrive-before-april-2023/|title=OVERKILL's New Album Won't Arrive Before April 2023|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 17, 2022|date=March 17, 2022}}</ref>

On November 13, 2021, Overkill performed their first show in "609 f!!kin' days" at the Wellmont Theater in New Jersey. Supported by [[Demolition Hammer]] and [[Sworn Enemy]], it was a make-up date for a show initially scheduled for March 14, 2020 but cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-first-pandemic-era-concert-609-fkin-days-later/|title=OVERKILL Announces First Pandemic-Era Concert: '609 F!!kin' Days Later'|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref> At this show, [[Phil Demmel]] (formerly of [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] and [[Vio-lence]]) filled in for guitarist Dave Linsk, who was unable to perform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-machine-head-guitarist-phil-demmel-to-fill-in-for-dave-linsk-at-overkill-concert/|title=Former MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL To Fill In For DAVE LINSK At OVERKILL Concert|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=November 2, 2021|access-date=November 3, 2021}}</ref> Demmel again filled in for him during the band's spring 2022 tour with [[Prong (band)|Prong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/ct-sta-ent-overkill-forge-st-0304-20220225-fpqj3hbjcbczjaqjyh7adgny2a-story.html|title=Thrash metal band Overkill returns to the Forge to promote 19th album|publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=February 27, 2022|date=February 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=44491|title=Overkill - Announce East Coast Tour With Prong|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=December 21, 2021|date=December 21, 2021}}</ref>

On December 9, 2022, the band debuted a song titled "Wicked Place" during their performance at the Ruhrpott Metal Meeting festival in [[Oberhausen]] from their then-upcoming 20th studio album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch: Overkill Performs Brand New Song 'Wicked Place' At Germany's Ruhrpott Metal Meeting |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-overkill-performs-brand-new-song-wicked-place-at-germanys-ruhrpott-metal-meeting |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=December 14, 2022 |date=December 13, 2022}}</ref> The resulting album, ''[[Scorched (Overkill album)|Scorched]]'', was released on April 14, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Overkill Reveals Title Of 20th Studio Album |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-reveals-title-of-20th-studio-album |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=December 10, 2022 |date=December 9, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-complete-scorched-album-details-shares-the-surgeon-visualizer|title=Overkill Announces Complete ''Scorched'' Album Details, Shares 'The Surgeon' Visualizer|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=January 27, 2023 |accessdate=January 27, 2023}}</ref> In support of the album, Overkill embarked on a headlining European and US tour with [[Exhorder]] and [[Heathen (band)|Heathen]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Overkill Confirm Exhorder And Heathen As Support For Scorching The Earth European Tour 2023 |url=https://bravewords.com/news/overkill-confirm-exhorder-and-heathen-as-support-for-scorching-the-earth-european-tour-2023 |website=bravewords.com |access-date=March 5, 2023 |date=February 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-july-2023-u-s-tour-with-exhorder-and-heathen | title=OVERKILL Announces July 2023 U.S. Tour with EXHORDER and HEATHEN | date=June 6, 2023 }}</ref> The band performed at the parking lot of the [[MetLife Stadium]] in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]] on August 6, 2023, the same day [[Metallica]] played at the venue as part of the latter's [[M72 World Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/see-overkill-perform-in-parking-lot-of-metlife-stadium-before-metallica-concert|title=See OVERKILL Perform In Parking Lot Of MetLife Stadium Before METALLICA Concert|lang=en|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|date=2023-08-06|access-date=2023-08-15}}</ref> Overkill continued to tour in support of ''Scorched'' with a tour over Latin America in April 2024,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=52438|title=Overkill - To Embark On Tour Over Latin America|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=January 12, 2024|date=January 12, 2024}}</ref> where former Megadeth bassist [[David Ellefson]] filled in for Verni, who was unable to perform due to recovery from shoulder surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-ellefson-to-play-bass-for-overkill-on-2024-latin-american-tour|title=DAVID ELLEFSON To Play Bass For OVERKILL On 2024 Latin American Tour|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 11, 2024|accessdate=March 11, 2024}}</ref> Verni played his first show back with Overkill at the Milwaukee Metal Fest on May 17, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-bassist-d-d-verni-returns-to-live-stage-after-shoulder-surgery|title=OVERKILL Bassist D.D. VERNI Returns To Live Stage After Shoulder Surgery|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 20, 2024|accessdate=May 23, 2024}}</ref>

Several months after the release of ''Scorched'', Derek Tailer said that Overkill would begin work on their 21st studio album after the ''Scorched'' tour in 2024 for a tentative 2025 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=51580|title=Overkill - Planning 21st Studio Album|publisher=[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metal Storm]]|access-date=October 26, 2023|date=October 26, 2023}}</ref>

===Jeramie Kling-era and upcoming 21st studio album (2024–present)===
On August 5, 2024, Bittner announced that he was leaving Overkill to focus on Shadows Fall and his new band [[Category 7 (band)|Category 7]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Drummer Jason Bittner exits Overkill|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/drummer-jason-bittner-exits-overkill|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 5, 2024|date=August 5, 2024}}</ref> Later that month, it was revealed that [[Jeramie Kling]] was the band's new drummer,<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Recruits Ex-VENOM INC. Drummer JERAMIE KLING|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-recruits-ex-venom-inc-drummer-jeramie-kling|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 23, 2024|date=August 23, 2024}}</ref> and he played his first show with Overkill on August 30, at the Posada Rock festival in [[Câmpulung|Câmpulung Muscel]], Romania.<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Plays First Concert With New Drummer JERAMIE KLING (Video)|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-plays-first-concert-with-new-drummer-jeramie-kling-video|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 31, 2024|date=August 31, 2024}}</ref> During the band's summer and fall 2024 European tour, former [[Kreator]] bassist Christian "Speesy" Giesler filled in for Verni, who was unable to perform due to an ongoing "shoulder issue".<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Recruits Ex-KREATOR Bassist CHRISTIAN 'SPEESY' GIESLER For European Shows|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-recruits-ex-kreator-bassist-christian-speesy-giesler-for-european-shows|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=September 12, 2024|date=September 12, 2024}}</ref> Overkill (along with [[Night Demon (band)|Night Demon]]) supported [[King Diamond (band)|King Diamond]] on their Saint Lucifer's Hospital 1920 tour in North America from October to December 2024,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/king-diamond-announces-fall-2024-north-american-tour-with-overkill|title=KING DIAMOND Announces Fall 2024 North American Tour With OVERKILL|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 30, 2024|date=July 30, 2024}}</ref> which saw former [[Fear Factory]] and [[Vio-lence]] bassist [[Christian Olde Wolbers]] fill in for Verni.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-recruits-ex-fear-factory-bassist-christian-olde-wolbers-for-north-american-shows|title=OVERKILL Recruits ex-FEAR FACTORY Bassist CHRISTIAN OLDE WOLBERS For North American Shows|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=October 23, 2024|date=October 23, 2024}}</ref> Also on this tour, the band performed as a four-piece for the first time in years, with Tailer sitting out one show due to illness.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-overkill-performs-without-guitarist-derek-tailer-in-milwaukee | title=Watch: OVERKILL Performs Without Guitarist DEREK TAILER in Milwaukee | date=November 9, 2024 }}</ref>

When asked in September 2024 when Overkill was going to begin work on their 21st studio album, Ellsworth said, "We're looking at, I suppose, the majority of the first half of 2025 as being that timeframe for the writing. And probably recording by the end of 2025 and then releasing in 2026."<ref>{{cite web|title=BOBBY 'BLITZ' ELLSWORTH: No New OVERKILL Album Before 2026|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/bobby-blitz-ellsworth-no-new-overkill-album-before-2026|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=September 7, 2024|date=September 7, 2024}}</ref> Kling announced in August 2025 that the band had begun writing and demoing new material for the upcoming album.<ref>{{cite web|title=OVERKILL Is 'Writing' And 'Demoing' Material For Follow-Up To 'Scorched' Album|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-is-writing-and-demoing-material-for-follow-up-to-scorched-album|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 20, 2025|date=August 18, 2025}}</ref>

==Artistry==
===Musical style and legacy===
Overkill's beginnings predate the formation of all of the "Big Four" of thrash metal bands (Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer) by at least one year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/bobby_blitz_ellsworth_of_overkill/|title=Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth of Overkill : Songwriter Interviews|website=Songfacts.com|access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref> While the band is often recognized for its fast and heavy style, their music lacked enough variety to rival the "Big Four";<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/artist/overkill/263455457|title=Overkill on Apple Music|website=iTunes|access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref> regardless, Overkill maintained its unique sound throughout its career instead of trying to gain popularity with a more commercial style.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/overkill.htm|title=No Life Til Metal - CD Gallery - Overkill|website=Nolifetilmetal.com|access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref> The band has been viewed as one of the most important thrash bands from the East Coast,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fullinbloommusic.com/overkill-biography-dd-verni-blitz-ellsworth.html|title=Overkill - Biography - Bobby Blitz Ellsworth - DD Verni - Taking Over - The Years of Decay|website=Fullinbloommusic.com|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421002037/http://fullinbloommusic.com/overkill-biography-dd-verni-blitz-ellsworth.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and they are considered to be one of the most active bands of the genre, having never disbanded or gone on hiatus, nor taken more than four years to release an album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/overkill-albums-ranked/|title=Overkill Albums Ranked|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=April 18, 2017 |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref>

Along with Exodus and Testament, Overkill has been the subject of which thrash metal band should be included in an expanded "Big Four". When asked in September 2014 about the idea of either Overkill, Exodus or Testament being included in the "Big Five" of thrash metal, frontman Bobby Ellsworth said, "Aw man, that's gonna put me in a corner! We measure our success in days, not dollars! But maybe you can find the answer in what I'm going to say. When [playing thrash metal] became harder in the '90s with grunge music, we never had a question about if we would stop doing it and go work for our moms and dads or something. We just needed to make it happen. We weren't going to let grunge stop us. And if it did, we'd just go back to the underground. I liked it there anyway!"<ref>{{cite web|title=Would OVERKILL, TESTAMENT Or EXODUS Be Included In Expanded 'Big Four'? BOBBY 'BLITZ' ELLSWORTH Weighs In|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/would-overkill-testament-or-exodus-be-included-in-expanded-big-four-bobby-blitz-ellsworth-weighs-in/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=September 16, 2014|access-date=February 18, 2017}}</ref> Commenting on the fact that Overkill did not become part of the "Big Four", Ellsworth stated, "When it comes to being selected and not selected, that's a simple accounting issue. When you talk numbers, numbers make the world go around, numbers put food on your table, and numbers put the 'Big Four' in arenas. And they sell enough records to do that. For me, it's not a concern. To even be asked the question from you is quite a compliment with regard to, let's say, our longevity or tenacity doing what we like doing. But this is quite simply an accounting issue. He who sells the most gets the pole positions."<ref>{{cite web|title=BOBBY 'BLITZ' ELLSWORTH Says OVERKILL Not Being Part Of 'Big Four' Is 'Accounting Issue'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bobby-blitz-ellsworth-says-overkill-not-being-part-of-big-four-is-accounting-issue/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=January 19, 2017|access-date=February 18, 2017}}</ref>

Overkill's sound has influenced the genre of thrash metal. Their technique draws on bits and pieces of [[punk rock|punk]] and [[hard rock]] as well as the [[new wave of British heavy metal]] (NWOBHM). These elements blend to create a fast, aggressive style unique to the band and make Overkill's sound easily recognizable to metal fans;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wreckingcrew.com/Ironbound/?page_id=2|title=The History|website=Wreckingcrew.com|access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref> as a result, they have been referred to as "the [[Motörhead]] of thrash metal."{{r|motorhead comparison}}

Overkill has been cited as an influence by [[Pantera]], [[Sepultura]] and [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]], as well as bands from the so-called "thrash metal revival" scene of the 2000s, including [[Evile]], [[Havok (band)|Havok]] and [[Mantic Ritual]], the latter of whom incorporates a variety of stylistic traits reminiscent of Overkill and other thrash bands that had found success in the past.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noisecreep.com/top-10-new-school-thrash-bands/|title=Top 10 New School Thrash Bands|website=Noisecreep|date=July 29, 2009 |access-date=November 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/overkill_bassist_on_being_excluded_from_big_4_of_thrash_metal_i_dont_think_its_about_their_influence_its_about_their_sales.html|title=Overkill Bassist on Being Excluded From 'Big 4' of Thrash Metal: 'I Don't Think It's About Their Influence, It's About Their Sales'|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=February 4, 2023|date=January 25, 2023}}</ref> The band has also been cited as an influence on the [[groove metal]] genre; Pantera guitarist [[Dimebag Darrell]] had cited Bobby Gustafson's performance on the albums ''[[Under the Influence (Overkill album)|Under the Influence]]'' and ''[[The Years of Decay]]'' as one of the sources of inspiration for the band's transition from [[glam metal]] to thrash/groove metal, as well as ''The Years of Decay'' producer [[Terry Date]]'s production for Pantera's 1990 album ''[[Cowboys from Hell]]''.<ref>The following sources refer to Overkill as one of the sources of inspiration to Pantera's music:
* {{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/updated-tributes-from-metal-musicians-pour-in-for-dimebag-darrell/|title=UPDATED: Tributes From Metal Musicians Pour In For DIMEBAG DARRELL|date=December 9, 2004|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 28, 2019}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-overkill-guitarist-bobby-gustafsons-satans-taint-listen-to-desecration-song/|title=Ex-OVERKILL Guitarist BOBBY GUSTAFSON's SATANS TAINT: Listen To 'Desecration' Song|date=June 13, 2019|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 18, 2024}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.consultoriadorock.com/2011/03/13/discografias-comentadas-overki/|title=Discografias Comentadas: Overkill – Parte I - Consultoria do Rock|date=March 13, 2011 |publisher=consultoriadorock.com|access-date=June 28, 2019}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.theresistance.cl/2019/01/deculto-years-of-decay-cuando-overkill.html|title=DeCulto - "The Years Of Decay": Cuando Overkill se los comió a todos|date=January 25, 2019 |publisher=theresistance.cl|access-date=June 28, 2019}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.indymetalvault.com/2019/10/14/thirty-years-of-decay-overkills-finest-moment-revisited/|title=Thirty Years Of Decay: Overkill's Finest Moment Revisited|work=indymetalvault.com|access-date=October 26, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.rockhard.gr/somewhere-back-time/day-remember-1310-overkill|title=A Day To Remember ... 13/10 [OVERKILL]|work=[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rockhard Greece]]|access-date=October 26, 2019|archive-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025003311/http://www.rockhard.gr/somewhere-back-time/day-remember-1310-overkill|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/pantera-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-cowboys-hell|title=Pantera: 10 Things You Didn't Know About 'Cowboys From Hell'|publisher=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|date=December 28, 2020|access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref>

===Influences===
Overkill has been influenced by a variety of music, including heavy metal, hard rock and [[progressive rock]] acts such as [[Black Sabbath]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Deep Purple]], [[Iron Maiden]], [[Accept (band)|Accept]], [[Judas Priest]], [[the Who]], [[Aerosmith]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[UFO (band)|UFO]], [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]], Motörhead, [[Saxon (band)|Saxon]], [[Venom (band)|Venom]], [[Ted Nugent]], [[Humble Pie]], [[Rainbow (rock band)|Rainbow]], [[Manowar]], [[Wishbone Ash]] and [[Starz (band)|Starz]], as well as [[punk rock]] and [[glam rock]] acts such as the [[Ramones]], the [[Sex Pistols]], [[The Damned (band)|the Damned]], the [[New York Dolls]], [[Lou Reed]], [[the Vibrators]], [[Generation X (band)|Generation X]] and the [[Dead Boys]].<ref>The following sources list all the bands and artists cited by Overkill as influences on their music:
* {{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/overkill-mn0000420504/related|title=Overkill - Similar Artists|website=Allmusic.com|access-date=November 1, 2016}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/overkill_the_electric_age_has_a_lot_more_aggression.html|title=Overkill: 'The Electric Age Has A Lot More Aggression'|website=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=May 3, 2012|access-date=November 19, 2018}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/overkills-bobby-blitz-ellsworth-the-10-records-that-changed-my-life|title=Overkill's Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth - The 10 Records That Changed My Life|website=[[Metal Hammer|loudersound.com]]|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=November 19, 2018}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/bands/bandmember.php?member_id=1108|title=Carlo Verni - Metal Storm|website=metalstorm.net|access-date=July 7, 2018}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/phil_mogg_i_am_leaving_ufo.html|title=Phil Mogg: I Am Leaving UFO|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=May 29, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2018}}
* {{cite web|url=https://growinuprock.com/biff-byford-of-saxon-ep093/|title=Biff Byford of Saxon - EP093 - Growin' Up Rock|publisher=growinuprock.com|date=April 14, 2019|access-date=April 25, 2019}}
* {{cite web|url=https://zwaremetalen.com/nieuws/phil-mogg-neemt-afscheid-van-ufo|title=Phil Mogg neemt afscheid van UFO|publisher=zwaremetalen.com|date=May 29, 2018|access-date=June 9, 2018}}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://issuu.com/heavymusicmagazine/docs/reduced_-_heavy_issue_11_ |title=Legends Heavy |magazine=Heavy Music Magazine |date=2014 |last=Musclecar |first=Damo |issue=11 |page=39 |access-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-date=July 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709173515/https://issuu.com/heavymusicmagazine/docs/reduced_-_heavy_issue_11_ |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/music/2019/09/27/wishbone-ash-to-bring-anniversary-tour-to-birmingham/|title=Wishbone Ash to bring anniversary tour to Birmingham|publisher=[[Shropshire Star]]|date=September 27, 2019|access-date=November 7, 2019}}</ref>

==Members==
{{main|List of Overkill band members}}
'''Current members'''
* [[D.D. Verni|Carlo "D.D." Verni]] – bass, backing vocals {{small|(1980–present)}}
* [[Bobby Ellsworth|Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth]] – lead vocals {{small|(1980–present)}}
* Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals {{small|(1999–present)}}
* Derek Tailer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals {{small|(2001–present)}}
* [[Jeramie Kling]] – drums {{small|(2024–present)}}

==Discography==
{{mainlist|Overkill discography}}
* ''[[Feel the Fire (Overkill album)|Feel the Fire]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Taking Over (Overkill album)|Taking Over]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Under the Influence (Overkill album)|Under the Influence]]'' (1988)
* ''[[The Years of Decay]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Horrorscope (Overkill album)|Horrorscope]]'' (1991)
* ''[[I Hear Black]]'' (1993)
* ''[[W.F.O. (album)|W.F.O.]]'' (1994)
* ''[[The Killing Kind (album)|The Killing Kind]]'' (1996)
* ''[[From the Underground and Below]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Necroshine]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Bloodletting (Overkill album)|Bloodletting]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Killbox 13]]'' (2003)
* ''[[ReliXIV]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Immortalis (album)|Immortalis]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Ironbound (album)|Ironbound]]'' (2010)
* ''[[The Electric Age]]'' (2012)
* ''[[White Devil Armory]]'' (2014)
* ''[[The Grinding Wheel]]'' (2017)
* ''[[The Wings of War]]'' (2019)
* ''[[Scorched (Overkill album)|Scorched]]'' (2023)

==References==
{{reflist}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hale |first=Mark |title=Headbangers |year=1993 |publisher=Popular Culture, Ink. |location=[[Ann Arbor, Michigan]] |edition=First edition, second printing |isbn=1-56075-029-4 |chapter=2134 |pages=254–255}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{allmusic}}
* {{discogs artist}}

{{Overkill}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Overkill}}
[[Category:1980 establishments in New Jersey]]
[[Category:American musical quintets]]
[[Category:American thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American groove metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records artists]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from New Jersey]]
[[Category:MNRK Music Group artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1980]]
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[[Category:Megaforce Records artists]]
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[[Category:Musical groups from Middlesex County, New Jersey]]