Thrash metal pioneers Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer are called the Big Four, but many fans have long clamored for that number to be expanded to add bands including Overkill.
The aforementioned groups, along with Exodus and Testament, often are cited by metalheads as the best thrash bands in the world.
“To have that moniker even from a small amount of people is one of the inspiring reasons to keep doing this,” said Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, who has been the vocalist for Overkill since its inception in 1980.
“We obviously enjoy it. Maybe that’s what they see — that we love what we do. That’s really the only reason to do something like this. If you’re in a thrash band or some heavy offshoot, there’s no plan to get rich in this.
“The majority of bands sustain themselves and some never make a dime but still do it because they love doing it. There’s something special about the scene.”
Formed in New Jersey, Overkill is known for hard-hitting songs such as “Elimination,” “Hello From the Gutter” and “Rotten to the Core.”
The band is touring in support of its 19th album, “The Wings of War,” and stops on March 10 at The Forge in Joliet, where Overkill have performed a couple times before.
“It seems to have that kind of vibe that draws people from the metal community regardless of its location. It’s not downtown Chicago but it always seems to fill up and has something that you remember,” said Ellsworth, who has a cousin who lives in the Chicago area.
The self-proclaimed Wrecking Crew of Ellsworth, original Overkill member D.D. Verni (bass), Dave Linsk (lead guitar), Derek Tailer (rhythm guitar), and Jason Bittner (drums) released “The Wings of War” in 2019 via Nuclear Blast.
The first album with Bittner includes the songs “Last Man Standing,” “Head of a Pin” and “Welcome to the Garden State.”
“I think it’s a continuation of the journey,” Ellsworth said.
“It’s always about trying to challenge yourself to go outside the box and one of the things that I’ve found about ‘The Wings of War’ is that it’s created something just a little bit different.
“It still contains groove but redefined it in some cases, which obviously pushed me when it came to lyrics and melody to complement it. It’s got a fresh face with an old vibe to it.”
Ellsworth noted that Linsk is not on the road with Overkill due to personal reasons so Phil Demmel, former lead guitarist of Machine Head and current guitarist in Vio-Lence, was invited to fill in during the March tour of the United States.
“We’ve used Phil in the past when we’ve had issues. We’re prepared. We’re ready. It’s not about the strength of the individual but about the strength of the unit. We found that out with Phil when he stepped in,” Ellsworth said.
“It’s just nice to be able to do what you do whether you’re the concertgoer or whether you’re the concert performer. Let’s get back to normal. Let’s do what we do best. Let’s have a little bit of fun.”
In addition to the monthlong U.S. tour, Overkill has booked international dates including a fest in the United Kingdom and concerts in Ireland in May; the legendary Wacken Open Air festival in Germany plus other fests in Romania and Germany in August; and a festival in Mexico in September.
WRXQ-FM (100.7) aka Q Rock and FM Entertainment present The Forge concert, which also features Prong, who released the “Age of Defiance” EP in 2019, and Cultus Black, who released the “Nevermine” single in January.
“Long Time Dyin'” from Overkill’s 1997 album, “From the Underground and Below,” promises to be a highlight of the show.
“It’s something I would miss (if we didn’t play it),” Ellsworth said, adding that the song has not been in Overkill’s set for five or six years.
“I’m looking forward to playing that.”
Ellsworth added that he is glad to be back on the road after not being able to tour due to restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
“For all these years since 1986 until 2020 I was on the road, maybe not continually but probably 100 shows a year. Having that just drop out of sight instantly was really strange,” he said.
“You come out of this with a new fervor to continue that journey.”
Overkill
When: 7:30 p.m. March 10
Where: The Forge, 22 W. Cass St., Joliet
Tickets: $25 general admission; $65 or $99 reserved seating
Information: 815-280-5246; theforgelive.com
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
