
Overkill is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in New Jersey. The band has been active since 1984, releasing 16 studio albums, 2 EPs, 2 live albums and a “covers” album. The band also has a notable mascot (named Chaly), a skeletal bat with a skull-like face, bony wings, and green eyes. It has appeared on most of their album covers. Overkill has gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining the only consistent members. Along with Anthrax the band is one of the most successful East coast thrash metal bands. Overkill was formed in 1980 from the ashes of the punk band “The Lubricunts”, featuring Rat Skates and D.D. Verni (real names Lee Kundrat and Carlo Verni). Verni and Skates placed an ad looking for a guitarist and singer which was answered by singer Bobby Ellsworth and the first incarnation of Overkill was formed. After rejecting several names, including “Virgin Killer”, the band finally settled on Overkill. Early covers, especially those done under the “Virgin Killers” name, were punk songs by The Ramones, The Dead Boys and others. By late 1980, the band had recruited two guitarists, and the setlist was made up of songs by bands such as Motörhead (“Overkill”, half of the Ace of Spades album), Judas Priest (‘Tyrant’ was their closer), and Riot. Along with the new influx of heavy metal covers, the band still played a smattering of punk covers, with extra distortion, intensity, and speed, marking Overkill as one of the first thrash metal bands.
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Our database have 123 song lyrics of Overkill. These lyrics are listed in alphabetical order and properties of their songwriters.
Life After the Pit: Former Overkill Guitarist Bobby Gustafson -
Source: NoisecreepAlthough they aren't considered one of the "Big 4," Overkill are still one of the most influential thrash metal bands in history.
Overkill Frontman and Wife Sell 'the Drug of the Chocolate World' -
Source: NoisecreepOverkill singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth isn't just the frontman of one of the most revered thrash bands of all time.