Overkill's second album for Atlantic Records, W.F.O., marks the start of a commercial shift for the thrash legends as they entered the '90s. Hailing from the East Coast’s early '80s thrash scene, Overkill carved a name for themselves in a genre where West Coast heavyweights like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth reigned supreme. Breaking through the tight confines of aggressive metal’s small but fiercely dedicated fanbase was no easy feat, especially for a New York band. Yet Overkill persevered, standing out as one of the few East Coast acts, alongside Anthrax, to make a national impact. After the acclaim of their 1991 release Horrorscope, it seemed the stars might finally align for them. However, by W.F.O.'s 1994 release, shifting musical trends had turned against thrash, with the mainstream leaning away from anything reminiscent of the '80s. Despite the changing tides, W.F.O. remains a thrash powerhouse and one of Overkill’s most spirited efforts. Tracks like "Fast Junkie" and "Up to Zero" revisit the band’s thrash roots, while "They Eat Their Young" shows a deeper, heavier evolution. With punchy production and classic riffs, W.F.O. stands as a formidable yet underrated entry in Overkill’s catalog, a testament to their unwavering force in the '90s thrash scene.
Tracklist:
1 Where It Hurts - 5:33
2 Fast Junkie - 4:21
3 The Wait/a New High In Lows - 5:46
4 They Eat Their Young - 4:57
5 What's Your Problem - 5:10
6 Under One - 4:14
7 Supersonic Hate - 4:17
8 R.I.P. (Undone) - 1:43
9 Up to Zero - 4:07
10 Bastard Nation - 5:38
11 Gasoline Dream - 6:49
