"Feel the Fire" is the debut album by American thrash metal band Overkill, released by Megaforce Records in 1985. The band spent the better part of 1985 and 1986 on the Feel the Fire tour, beginning as a support act for Megadeth's "Peace Sells US tour" and later in Europe with Anthrax and Agent Steel
"Feel the Fire" by Overkill is a monumental album that marked the emergence of one of the most influential bands in the thrash metal genre. Released in 1985 under the Megaforce Records label, this debut LP propelled Overkill onto the global metal scene, showcasing their raw talent and unrelenting energy.
The album's production was entrusted to Carl Canedy, who skillfully captured the band's ferocity and intensity. Recorded at Pyramid Studios in New York, with sound engineer Alex Periales at the helm, the album's sonic quality was honed to perfection. To add an extra touch of brilliance, George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York City mastered the album, ensuring its sonic impact would be felt far and wide.
"Feel the Fire" features a collection of hard-hitting tracks that showcase Overkill's signature thrash metal sound. From the moment the needle hits the vinyl, the listener is bombarded with a relentless assault of aggressive riffs, thunderous drums, and Bobby Blitz Ellsworth's distinctive and powerful vocals.
The album's opener, "Raise the Dead", immediately grabs the listener's attention with its lightning-fast guitar work and Ellsworth's commanding presence. The relentless tempo sets the stage for what is to come—a non-stop barrage of headbanging anthems.
Tracks like "Rotten to the Core" and "Blood and Iron" demonstrate the band's ability to craft intense and memorable songs that remain embedded in the minds of metal enthusiasts to this day. Bobby Gustafson's razor-sharp guitar solos are a standout feature, exhibiting his technical prowess and adding depth to the band's sonic assault.
The rhythm section, comprised of D.D. Verni on bass and Rat Skates on drums, provides the foundation for the album's explosive sound. The thunderous basslines and precise drumming create a relentless and unyielding backdrop that propels the songs forward with unbridled power.
Lyrically, "Feel the Fire" delves into a range of topics, exploring themes of corruption, destruction, and personal struggle. Overkill's lyrics reflect the band's rebellious spirit, with an underlying social commentary that resonates with fans of the genre.
The album's cover art, featuring a menacing skull engulfed in flames, perfectly captures the album's aggressive and fiery essence. The photographers—Mark Callisto, Kevin Hodapp, Jerry Lacay, and Willard Huyler—capture the band's electrifying stage presence and convey the energy that radiates from their live performances.
Following the album's release, Overkill embarked on an extensive touring schedule, starting as a support act for Megadeth's "Peace Sells US tour" and later joining forces with Anthrax and Agent Steel for a European tour. These live shows solidified Overkill's reputation as a force to be reckoned with and helped establish their dedicated fan base.
"Feel the Fire" remains a testament to Overkill's enduring influence in the world of thrash metal. The album's relentless energy, blistering guitar work, and memorable lyrics continue to captivate audiences, reaffirming its status as a classic within the genre.
Decades after its initial release, "Feel the Fire" stands as a testament to the power and passion of Overkill. This debut LP served as a launching pad for the band's illustrious career, solidifying their place in the world of thrash metal history. With their signature sound, Overkill set the stage for future thrash metal bands and left an indelible mark on the genre that resonates to this day.
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Album Production Information: Produced by Carl CanedyCarl Canedy a highly respected figure in the world of heavy metal music. He is best known as the drummer and co-founder of the American heavy metal band, The Rods. Canedy has been an influential figure in the genre for several decades, and his contribution to the heavy metal music scene has been widely recognized by fans and musicians alike. Canedy was born on 25 August 1955, in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a saxophonist and his mother played the piano, so it's no surprise that Canedy developed a passion for music at a young age. He started playing the drums when he was just ten years old and soon realized that he had a talent for it. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing in local bands and quickly made a name for himself in the music scene. In 1979, Canedy co-founded The Rods, along with guitarist David “Rock” Feinstein and bassist Garry Bordonaro. The band was known for its energetic live performances and its blend of classic rock and heavy metal elements. They quickly gained a loyal following and released their first album, "Rock Hard," in 1981. The album was well-received by fans and critics and was considered a classic in the heavy metal genre. Throughout his career, Canedy has been known for his powerful drumming style, which has been described as aggressive, hard-hitting, and energetic. He has been a driving force behind The Rods’ sound, and his drumming has been an integral part of the band's success. He has also been praised for his musical versatility, as he is able to play a wide range of musical styles, from hard rock to heavy metal. In addition to his work with The Rods, Canedy has also collaborated with a number of other artists and bands, including the legendary guitarist Ronnie James Dio. He has also been involved in several musical projects outside of The Rods, including recording sessions, live performances, and drum clinics. Recorded at Pyramid Studios, NY. Sound engineer: Alex Periales 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. 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 Mastered by: George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York City George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres. From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry. Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched. During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:
These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies. George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more. Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music. Photographers: Mark Callisto , Kevin Hodapp , Jerry Lacay ,Willard Huyler. Kevin Hodapp an American Rock photographer, during the 1980's he has taken photos for the following Heav Metal albums; 1983 Kill 'Em All, Metallica, 1983 Live (Live Album), The Rods, 1984 Born To Metalize (Split), Hades,1985 Feel The Fire (Album), Overkill (Usa), 1985 Metal Rap (Single), Lone Rager. |
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Music Genre: Speed Thrash Music |
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Record Label Information: Noise International N 0035 / LC 9066 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Record |
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Year & Country: 1985 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Overkill Feel The Fire |
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Track Listing of: Overkill Feel The Fire |
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Album cover photos of : Overkill Feel The Fire |
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| Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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High Resolution Photo of the Noise International Inner Sleeve
High Resolution Photo of the LP Side One of OVERKILL - Feel The Fire
Close-up Photo of the Record's "NOISE N 0035" Label
High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #2
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| Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
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.
