Overkill - Feel The Fire - Megaforce 12" LP VINYL Album

Album Description:

"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.