Unofficial pressing of the legendary 4-song EP on Metal Storm Records
Trivia:
- Originally recorded as a demo tape in November 1984.
- The band sold the material to Azra Records against their better judgement due to financial difficulties.
- Artwork using live photos of the band was suggested but not used.
- Overkill never received any money for the sales of this record.
Recording information:
- Recorded at Venture Sound Studio from October 1984 - November 1984.
- Co-produced by Overkill.
Just a year before “Feel the Fire” hit the scene, Overkill released their self-titled EP. While the band considers it their first album, most see it as their debut studio release, though not a full-fledged album. Regardless of how it's categorized, this EP holds significant influence in the thrash metal world. Three tracks from this EP, "Rotten to the Core," "Overkill," and "Fatal If Swallowed," were later re-recorded for "Feel the Fire" and "Taking Over." The fourth track, "The Answer," stands out as the only song from this EP that wasn't re-recorded or featured elsewhere in Overkill's discography. Notably, "The Answer" is an 8-minute epic, the longest and most distinctive track they had written at the time.
What sets "The Answer" apart is its unique pace. In this track, Overkill, primarily a thrash band, delves into doom metal territory and excels at it. The song is a showcase of their versatility, starting slow and building to a solo section around the 5-minute mark. The lyrics are particularly striking, highlighted by the dramatic pause for “And I’m…. The Devil’s son!” This slower approach is where Overkill truly shines, as evidenced by other standout tracks in their catalog like "Feel the Fire," "Drunken Wisdom," "Skullkrusher," and "Horrorscope."
"Rotten to the Core" has been a standout in every release it's featured on, whether on the "Overkill EP," "Feel the Fire," or various live recordings. The raw production of this EP imparts a primal energy that "Feel the Fire" doesn’t quite capture, despite being an excellent album. The entire EP benefits from this raw production, giving it a live, unpolished feel that enhances its intensity.
Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth, then 25, delivers one of the most energetic performances of his career on this EP. His vocals are filled with passion, ranging from singing to screaming and shouting, all while maintaining a menacing tone. The raw production amplifies his vicious screams, making them a standout feature of the EP.
Overall, the "Overkill EP" is historically significant and a fantastic listen. While it may not be as essential as their official debut album, it's worth owning for the raw energy and intensity it brings, as well as for the unique track "The Answer." Overkill fans may have heard the other three tracks on later releases, but the EP is still a valuable addition to any collection.
