OVERKILL - Scorched 2-LP (Orange Vinyl)

Scorched is, all things considered, an excellent Overkill offering. The metal is uncompromising, and although there are occasional lapses in originality, there are enough exciting moments in each song to make up for it. In true Overkill fashion, every song is a roller coaster of metal. Musically, the listener experiences hardship, unease, hubris, and triumph with greater ease than lyrics could possibly express. As always, however, Overkill provides plenty of good lyrical moments as well. Musicianship is solid throughout; vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is still going strong at 63, Jason Bittner’s drumming is excellent, and bassist-songwriter D.D. Verni is legendary as always. Production is slightly lacking; the guitar tone is slightly too high-end-heavy and there tends to be a great deal of white noise. Still, the greatness of Scorched is not obscured. Aside from “Harder They Fall,” each song on the album is worth listening to, and Overkill continues to prove they can still do it.