|
 DVD Review: Overkill November 2, 2003 |
|
Over the past 20+ years of their existence, Overkill has gained a reputation
as being of one of the most consistent bands in heavy metal; not merely in the studio,
but on the stage. From tiny bars populated by less than fifty people to massive
outdoor theaters with the crowd numbering in the tens of thousands, the boys
from Jersey have blown away metalheads all over the globe. In a perfect world,
this review wouldn't even be necessary, because anyone with an appreciation for
good solid metal would see the name "Overkill" on this DVD and buy it posthaste.
But since it's not a perfect world, it falls to me to tell you why the first
official capture of an Overkill concert should join the hallowed ranks of your
personal metal collection.The band rips through a two-hour setlist featuring at least one song from each of their releases up to that point, as well as a partial cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" stuck in the middle of their regular closing tune, a classic cover of DOA's "Fuck You." The musicianship is excellent, with recently-added rhythm guitarist Derek "the Skull" Tailer holding up his end of a two-decade legacy of thrash solidly if not spectacularly. Lead guitarist Dave Linsk displays great talent on the solos of Bobby Gustafson, who played on the first four Overkill records and was likely the best in their long line of axemen. Drummer Tim Mallare and bassist/founder DD Verni are a consistent rhythm section, with Mallare showing moments of drumming brilliance on songs like "E.Vil N.Ever D.Ies" and "It Lives." And of course, frontman Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's rough, occasionally shrieky vocal tone and charismatic stage demeanor are the centerpiece of the show. The songs on the disc are well-chosen, and several of them really shine. Speaking of Blitz, the top highlight is possibly the sole moment of calm in the whole show, "The Years of Decay" - not only for the always-impressive live atmosphere, but an absolutely incredible performance from Mr. Ellsworth. Heartfelt melodic vocals give way to vicious snarls and throat-ripping shrieks that convey the pain of living on the road while showing that, despite it all, he wouldn't have it any other way. Linsk also turns in one of his best solos here. The other top spot is perhaps the ultimate Overkill song, "Gasoline Dream," which is at various times ominous, brutally fast, epic, super-heavy, and finally melodic and mournful. Tailer and Linsk's high-speed riffage and Blitz's sinister vocals and posturing give this an extra edge. Also excellent are the headbanging frenzy of "Deny the Cross," the sheer overwhelming heaviness of "Thunderhead," the old-school riff madness of "Powersurge" (with the first verse of "Wrecking Crew" tacked on to the beginning) and the blood-stirring "In Union We Stand," notable for the crowd participation. The encore features a high-speed rendition of "Elimination" and the already mentioned "Fuck You/War Pigs/Fuck You" medley, which is a truly amazing and indescribable moment. Even though "Fuck You" is not an Overkill original, there's no way they could have come up with a better mission statement. The picture and sound on the DVD are both excellent, and the band's light show could quite possibly cause seizures in the unprepared. The only real flaw (besides the omission of "Feel the Fire") is that the crowd is too low in the mix and really kind of sedate; there is no moshing, and the only crowd-surfing is done (clumsily) by Blitz himself. According to those who attended the show, the security at the Paramount Theater was very stern about enforcing a "no moshing" rule that building management had set for this show, to the point of ejecting people. So the crowd is not to be blamed, but it's still a bit of a disappointment not to see any reaction to these definitely mosh-worthy tunes. Oh well, that's no big flaw - invite a few buddies over and watch this, and soon you'll be starting your own circle pit in front of the TV. Also included is a second disc with an amusing and informative biography of the band by the members themselves, with rare live video clips ("FEEL THE FIRE!" BOOYAH!") mixed in. That disc is only one more reason that if you're not a big Overkill fan already, this set is the perfect place to start. TRACKLIST: Necroshine/Thunderhead/E.Vil N.Ever D.Ies/Deny the Cross/Wrecking Crew-Powersurge Medley/Gasoline Dream/I Hate/Coma/Shred/Hello From the Gutter/Bleed Me/Guitar Solo/Long Time Dyin'/It Lives/Battle/Spiritual Void/The Years of Decay/In Union We Stand/Overkill/(Encore) Horrorscope/Rotten To the Core/Elimination/Fuck You-War Pigs Medley
|
|
