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

"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 

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Feel The Fire   

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.

Album Production Information:

 Produced by Carl Canedy

Carl 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.

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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.

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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: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in 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.

Music Genre:

  Speed Thrash Music  

Record Label & Catalognr:

Noise International N 0035 / LC 9066  

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Record  

Year & Country:

  1985 Made in Germany  
Band Members and Musicians on: Overkill Feel The Fire
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bobby Blitz Ellsworth - vocals
  • D.D. Verni - bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Gustafson - guitar
  • Rat Skates - drums
Complete Track Listing of: Overkill Feel The Fire
    The Song/tracks on "Feel The Fire" are:
  • Raise the Dead 4:16
  • Rotten to the Core 4:56
  • There's No Tomorrow 3:18
  • Second Son 3:50
  • Hammerhead 3:56
  • Feel the Fire 5:48
  • Blood and Iron 2:35
  • Kill at Command 4:42
  • Overkill 3:20
Album cover photos of : Overkill Feel The Fire
High Resolution Photo of Overkill Feel The Fire   
Photo of Album's Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Feel The Fire   

High Resolution Photo of the Noise International Inner Sleeve  

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Feel The Fire   

High Resolution Photo of the LP Side One of OVERKILL - Feel The Fire  

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Feel The Fire   

Close-up Photo of the Record's "NOISE N 0035" Label

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Feel The Fire   

High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #2  

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Feel The Fire   

 

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.
Thrashing Through the Decade: OVERKILL's 80s Discography and Impact on Heavy Metal"
OVERKILL - Feel the Fire
OVERKILL - Feel the Fire  album front cover vinyl record

"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.

Feel the Fire 12" Vinyl LP
OVERKILL - !!!Fuck You!!!
OVERKILL - !!!Fuck You!!!  album front cover vinyl record

The year is 1987, and the thrash metal scene is burgeoning with explosive energy and raw aggression. Among the bands spearheading this movement is Overkill, a band that has come to embody the very spirit of East Coast thrash. That same year, Overkill releases the !!!FUCK YOU!!! Records 12" Vinyl EP on Megaforce

!!!Fuck You!!! 12" Vinyl LP
OVERKILL - Horrorscope
OVERKILL - Horrorscope album front cover vinyl record

In the world of thrash metal, 1991's "Horrorscope" by New Jersey's Overkill stands as a pivotal release. The album marked a turning point for the band, solidifying their sound and cementing their status as East Coast thrash titans.

Horrorscope 12" Vinyl LP
OVERKILL - I Hear Black
OVERKILL - I Hear Black  album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1993, "I Hear Black" marked a significant shift in Overkill's musical trajectory. The album, arriving during a time of grunge dominance and waning interest in thrash, saw the band embrace a darker, more experimental sound.

I Hear Black 12" Vinyl LP
OVERKILL - Taking Over (International Releases)
OVERKILL - Taking Over (International Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1987, "Taking Over" was Overkill's second studio album and their major label debut on Atlantic Records. The album arrived during the peak of thrash metal's popularity, with bands like Metallica and Slayer dominating the scene.

- Taking Over (1987, Canada) - Taking Over (1987, Germany) - Taking Over (1987, USA)
OVERKILL - Under the Influence
OVERKILL - Under the Influence album front cover vinyl record

"Under the Influence" showcases Overkill's signature thrash metal intensity while also incorporating elements of groove and heavy metal. The album is packed with fast tempos, intricate guitar work, and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's distinctive high-pitched vocals.

Under the Influence 12" Vinyl LP
OVERKILL - The Years of Decay
OVERKILL - The Years of Decay album front cover vinyl record

"The Years of Decay" showcases Overkill's evolution as a band. The album features a more mature and refined sound compared to their earlier work, with slower tempos, longer song structures, and more complex arrangements. However, the band's trademark intensity and aggression remained intact.

The Years of Decay 12" Vinyl LP