OVERKILL — Under The Influence (review)

OVERKILL — Under The Influence album cover Album · 1988 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"Under The Influence" is the 3rd full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Overkill. The album was released through Megaforce Records/Atlantic Records in July 1988. There´s been a lineup change as original drummer Rat Skates has been replaced by Sid Falck.

While the thrash metal elements were overshadowed by the traditional heavy metal elements on the two predecessors, "Under The Influence" is the first Overkill where the band nearly take the full plunge into thrash metal territory. There are still traditional heavy metal elements on the album like the chorus in "End of the Line" or most of "Hello From the Gutter", but "Under The Influence" is first and foremost a thrash metal album. The most "classic" track on the album is probably "Hello From the Gutter" but I think the quality is consistent throughout and "Under The Influence" is overall a quality thrash metal release. Personal favorites are tracks like "Shred", "Drunken Wisdom" and "Head First". In addition to the always attitude filled raw vocals by Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth another highlight that needs a mention are the blistering and varied guitar solos courtesy of Bobby Gustafson.

The sound production is pretty strong for the time, the musicianship is on a good level and the songwriting has matured since the first couple of albums and all those elements make "Under The Influence" an enjoyable listen. I´d say a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.
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