OVER KILL AKA OVERKILL TAKING OVER Canadian Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Taking Over" is the second album by thrash metal band Overkill, released by Megaforce Records in 1987. The album, was the last to feature Rat Skates on drums, who would leave the band later that year. Taking Over reached #191 on the Billboard 200. "In Union We Stand" was the song which was chosen to be Overkill's first music video. Another European tour followed the release of Taking Over, this time opening for Helloween. 

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

High Resolution Photo of OVERKILL TAKING OVER Canada   

Music Genre:

Speed/Thrash Metal 

Collector's info:

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Overkill and photos.

Album Production information:

The album: "OVERKILL - Taking Over" was produced by: Alex Perialas, Overkill, Jon Zazula

Stephen Innocenzi - Mastering Engineer

Tom Coyne - Mastering Engineer

Christie Mullen - Photographer

Ron Akiyama - Photographer

Daniel Muro - Album Artwork

Mike Vayenes - Photographer

William Benson - Album Artwork

Extra information on the people responsibe for the production of "Taking Over"

Alex Perialas is an American Producer and sound engineer, and owner of the "Pyramid Sound Recording Studios" in Ithaca, and has been responsible for the production and engineering of dozens of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s. Perialas is a well-known music producer and engineer who has been active in the industry for over three decades. He has worked with a wide range of musical artists, including heavy metal bands like Anthrax, Slayer, and Overkill, as well as pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block. Throughout his career, Perialas has become known for his technical expertise, creative vision, and ability to bring out the best in his artists.

Perialas was born in Greece and grew up surrounded by music. His father was a classical guitarist and his mother was a singer, so it was only natural that he would develop an early love for music. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly became interested in recording and producing music. He moved to the United States in the 1970s to study music engineering and quickly began working in the industry, first as an assistant engineer and then as a producer.

One of Perialas' earliest successes came with the release of the album "Among the Living" by Anthrax in 1987. This album marked a departure from the traditional sound of heavy metal and helped to establish Perialas as a major player in the genre. He went on to produce several more albums for the band, including "State of Euphoria" and "Persistence of Time". He also worked with other heavy metal acts like Slayer, Overkill, and Testament, helping to shape the sound of the genre and establish it as one of the dominant forces in popular music.

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In addition to his work in heavy metal, Perialas has also produced and engineered albums in a wide range of other genres. He has worked with pop artists like Taylor Dayne and New Kids on the Block, helping to create some of their biggest hits. He has also worked with hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and jazz musicians like Grover Washington Jr. This versatility and ability to work with a wide range of artists is one of the reasons why Perialas has been so successful throughout his career.

Throughout his career, Perialas has been dedicated to the art of music production and engineering. He has a deep understanding of the technical aspects of recording and a keen ear for what makes a song sound great. He is also a creative visionary who is able to bring out the best in his artists, helping them to create music that is both innovative and commercial. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and wins.

In conclusion, Alex Perialas is a music producer and engineer who has made a significant impact on the industry. His work has helped to shape the sound of heavy metal and establish it as one of the dominant genres in popular music. He has also worked with a wide range of other artists, bringing out the best in them and helping them to create innovative and commercially successful music

Jon Zazula Jon Zazula, also known as Jonny Z, is a legendary figure in the heavy metal music scene. He is best known for discovering and promoting some of the biggest heavy metal bands of the 80s, including Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth. Born in 1951, Jon Zazula grew up in the Bronx, New York and was a passionate music fan from an early age. He was particularly drawn to heavy metal, a genre that was still in its infancy at the time, and he became one of its biggest supporters and advocates.

Zazula started his music career as a record store owner, running a small record store called Rock 'n' Roll Heaven in the Bronx. It was here that he first discovered Metallica, then a relatively unknown band. Impressed by their raw talent and energy, Zazula offered to become their manager and help them secure a record deal. He was instrumental in getting them signed to a record label and launching their career.

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In 1983, Zazula founded Megaforce Records, which became one of the most influential heavy metal labels of the 80s. The label helped popularize heavy metal and thrash metal, a sub-genre of heavy metal characterized by its fast and aggressive style. Under Zazula's guidance, Megaforce Records released some of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time, including Metallica's "Kill 'Em All," Anthrax's "Fistful of Metal," and Megadeth's "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!"

In addition to his work with Megaforce Records, Zazula was also known for his passion and dedication to heavy metal music. He was a tireless promoter of the genre, organizing concerts and tours, and working to get heavy metal music heard by a wider audience. He was always on the lookout for new talent, and he discovered and signed many other important heavy metal bands over the years, including Mercyful Fate, Testament, and Exodus.

Despite his many accomplishments, Jon Zazula remains a humble and down-to-earth individual. He is still involved in the music industry today and continues to support new heavy metal bands. He is widely respected and admired by fans of the genre for his contributions to the heavy metal music scene, and for his unwavering support of the genre and its artists.

Tom Coyne is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and respected mastering engineers in the music industry. With his exceptional talent, meticulous attention to detail, and a career spanning several decades, Coyne has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of countless iconic albums.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Tom Coyne developed a passion for music at an early age. He was captivated by the sonic nuances of records and the transformative power of the mastering process. Eager to pursue his dreams, Coyne embarked on a journey to acquire the technical skills and knowledge necessary to become a mastering engineer.

Coyne's career began in the late 1970s when he joined the legendary Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs in New York City. Under the guidance of experienced engineers, he honed his craft and gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of audio mastering. His exceptional ear for detail and innate musicality quickly set him apart, earning him a reputation for delivering exceptional sonic quality.

In the 1980s, Coyne's career soared as he collaborated with a wide range of artists across various genres. He worked with renowned acts such as Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2, and Miles Davis, among many others. His expertise in shaping the overall sound and balance of albums became sought after by both emerging artists and established superstars.

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As the music industry evolved and entered the digital age, Coyne adapted to the advancements in technology without compromising his commitment to excellence. He embraced digital mastering tools while staying true to his analog roots, ensuring that his work retained its signature warmth and clarity. This adaptability and dedication to quality made him a trusted collaborator for artists and record labels alike.

Coyne's work has been recognized with numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and has been involved in Grammy-winning projects, solidifying his status as a mastering engineer of exceptional talent and expertise. Additionally, his contributions to the industry have been acknowledged by organizations such as the TEC Awards and the Recording Academy.

Beyond his mastering work, Coyne is known for his mentorship and willingness to share his knowledge with aspiring engineers. He has lectured at universities, participated in industry conferences, and mentored emerging talents, helping to shape the next generation of mastering engineers.

Ron Akiyama (His Name Is Somtimes Misspelled As "Ron Akiama") Is A Photographer And Has Done Photography For The Albums Of "Anthrax", "M.O.D." And "Overkill".

Daniel Muro Worked For The Producer Todd Gordon On Several Heavy Metal Bands. Bands He Has Photographed Include Overkill, Hades And Many Others.

Record Label Information:

Megaforce Worldwide 78 17351  

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record  

Year & Country:

1987 Made in Canada  
Band Members and Musicians on: Overkill Taking Over
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth - Lead Vocals
  • D.D. Verni - Bass
  • Bobby Gustafson - Guitar
  • Rat Skates - Drums

Notes on the musicians of Overkill band

Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (realname: Robert Joseph Ellsworth) Lead singer with the American Thrash Metal band Overkill since 1980

Bobby Gustafson (real-name Robert Wayne Gustafson) - Guitar, timeline:
- 1980-1982 The DropOuts
- 1982-1990 Overkill

D.D. Verni (real-name Carlo Verni) lead singer with Overkill since 1980. Previously (1979-1980) he was in a band called "The Lubricunts" together with "Rat Skates".

Rat Skates - Drums, timeline:
- 1978-1980 The Lubricunts
- 1980-1987 Overkill
- 1990-1993 Bomb Squad

 

Track Listing of: Overkill Taking Over

The Song/tracks on "Overkill Taking Over" are:

    Side One:
  • Deny The Cross
  • Wrecking Crew
  • Fear His Name
  • Use Your Head
  • Fatal if Swallowed
    Side Two:
  • Powersurge
  • In Union We Stand
  • Electro-Violence
  • OverKill II (The Nightmare Continues)

 

Front Cover Photo Of OVER KILL AKA OVERKILL - Taking Over Canada 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

OVER KILL AKA OVERKILL - Taking Over Canada 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover OVER KILL AKA OVERKILL - Taking Over Canada 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

OVER KILL AKA OVERKILL - Taking Over Canada 12" Vinyl LP Album back cover

Close up of Side One record's label OVER KILL AKA OVERKILL - Taking Over Canada 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Taking Over" Black Colour Megaforce Record Label Details: Megaforce Worldwide 78 17351 ℗ 1987 Megaforce Records Inc, Sound Copyright

"Taking Over" Black Colour Megaforce Record Label Details: Megaforce Worldwide 78 17351 ℗ 1987 Megaforce Records Inc, Sound Copyright
 
Thrashing Through the Decade: OVERKILL's 80s Discography and Impact on Heavy Metal"

Band Description:

  OVERKILL is an American heavy metal band that was formed in 1980 in New Jersey. The band is considered one of the pioneers of the thrash metal genre and has been influential in shaping the sound of heavy metal in the 1980s and beyond.

  History

  OVERKILL was formed by guitarist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni, who were high school friends. The band's early lineup also included drummer Rat Skates and guitarist Dan Spitz, who later left to join Anthrax. The band's first album, "Feel the Fire," was released in 1985 and received positive reviews from critics. This was followed by a string of successful albums, including "Taking Over" (1987), "Under the Influence" (1988), and "The Years of Decay" (1989).

  During the 1990s, the band's popularity declined due to the rise of grunge and alternative rock. However, the band continued to release albums and tour. In 2010, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary and released the album "Ironbound," which was well-received by both fans and critics.

  Music and lyrical themes

  OVERKILL's music is characterized by fast and aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's distinctive vocals. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, but they later developed their own style that incorporated elements of punk and thrash.

  The band's lyrics often deal with social and political issues, as well as personal struggles and the darker side of human nature. Some of the band's most notable songs include "Elimination," "Hello from the Gutter," and "Horrorscope."

  Impact on the heavy metal scene

  OVERKILL has had a significant impact on the heavy metal scene, particularly in the thrash metal genre. The band's fast and aggressive style has influenced many other bands in the genre, including Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. In addition, the band's uncompromising attitude and dedication to their music has inspired many fans and musicians alike.