Overkill - Horrorscope 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Horrorscope" was an album released by thrash metal band Overkill in 1991. It was their 5th full-length album, and the first to feature the guitar duo of Merritt Gant and Rob Cannavino. Many fans consider Horrorscope to be the one of the bands finest efforts.  

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 Horrorscope  

"Horrorscope": A Thrash Metal Milestone
Album Description:

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.

Historical Context

Emerging in the mid-1980s during thrash metal's heyday, Overkill had already established themselves with a string of aggressive, energetic albums. However, the early '90s saw a shift in the musical landscape. Grunge was on the rise, and thrash was facing an uncertain future. "Horrorscope" arrived at this crossroads, demonstrating that thrash still had plenty of fire left to burn.

Musical Exploration

"Horrorscope" is a relentless sonic assault, showcasing Overkill's signature blend of breakneck speed, intricate riffing, and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's distinctive, high-pitched vocals. The album delves into dark, apocalyptic themes, with songs like the title track and "Coma" painting a bleak picture of a world gone mad.

The album also sees the band experimenting with their sound, incorporating elements of groove metal into their thrash attack. Tracks like "Infectious" and "New Machine" feature slower tempos and heavier riffs, adding a new dimension to Overkill's music.

Recording and Production

"Horrorscope" was recorded at the famed Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, a studio known for its work with death metal legends like Death and Morbid Angel. The album's production is raw and powerful, capturing the band's energy and aggression.

The Frontman: Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth

At the heart of Overkill's sound is frontman Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth. His distinctive vocals, a high-pitched snarl, are instantly recognizable. On "Horrorscope," Blitz delivers some of his most impassioned performances, his voice soaring over the band's thunderous instrumentation.

Music Genre:

Speed Thrash Metal 

Album Production information:

The album: "Horrorscope" was produced by: Overkill and Terry Date

Terry Date is an American Music producer and sound recording engineer, specializing in the rock genres, specially heavy metal.

He was born on 10 November 1954, and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Date began his musical career in the 1970s as a recording engineer, working on albums by a number of well-known artists in the rock and heavy metal scenes.

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He is known for his distinctive production style, which combines powerful, heavy guitar sounds with dynamic, punchy drums and clear, clean vocals. Date has been recognized as an influential figure in the heavy metal and hard rock communities, and his work has been widely praised for its impact on the sound of modern metal music.

He is well known for his work with Overkill , Metal Church , Slipknot, Pantera, Soulfly, White Zombie, Deftones, Dark Angel , Dream Theater, Slayer , Soundgarden and Limp Bizkit.


This album was recorded March - April 1991
Carriage House Studios
Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Marsha Zazula - Producer

Marsha Zazula widely known as a pioneering executive producer in the music industry, played a significant role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal music. Alongside her husband Jon Zazula, she co-founded and owned Megaforce Records, a renowned record label that served as a launching pad for numerous influential bands. Marsha's tireless dedication to supporting emerging talent and her unwavering commitment to the artists she worked with established her as an influential figure in the music business.

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Born and raised in the United States, Marsha developed a deep passion for music from an early age. She possessed an innate ability to recognize exceptional talent and had an unwavering belief in the power of heavy metal as a genre. In 1982, Marsha and Jon founded Megaforce Records in New Jersey, creating a platform to promote and distribute the music they loved.

Marsha's role at Megaforce Records involved overseeing the production of albums for an impressive roster of bands. Throughout the 1980s, she produced over two dozen albums for notable acts such as Hades, Overkill, Raven, and Anthrax. Her work as a producer not only showcased her impeccable musical taste but also her ability to nurture artists and bring out their best performances.

Under Marsha's guidance, Megaforce Records became synonymous with the burgeoning thrash metal movement of the 1980s. The label's roster boasted a diverse range of influential bands that pushed the boundaries of heavy metal music. Marsha's keen ear for talent and her dedication to ensuring the artists' artistic vision were preserved made Megaforce Records a sought-after destination for aspiring metal bands.

Marsha's influence extended beyond the studio. She actively worked to secure recording contracts, negotiate deals, and promote the artists she believed in. Her relentless efforts to get the music heard by wider audiences resulted in several breakthrough moments for the bands she worked with.

Beyond her work with Megaforce Records, Marsha also played a pivotal role in organizing and promoting live events. She recognized the importance of live performances as a means for bands to connect with their fans and build a devoted following. Through her efforts, Marsha helped facilitate countless memorable concerts and tours, solidifying Megaforce Records' reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene.

Marsha Zazula's contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal. Her passion, vision, and unwavering support for artists have been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous bands and influencing the genre as a whole. Her work with Megaforce Records helped pave the way for the success of countless metal acts, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans and musicians to this day.

Matt Lane - Producer, Sound Engineer

Terry Date - Sound Engineer, Producer

Howie Weinberg - Mastering Engineer

Howie Weinberg is a highly renowned and respected mastering engineer in the music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound and quality of numerous iconic albums. Born on 14 September 14, 1953, in New York City, Howie's passion for music began at a young age.

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In the early 1970s, Weinberg embarked on his journey into the music industry, starting as an assistant engineer at Masterdisk, a leading mastering studio in New York City. Under the guidance of accomplished engineers like Bob Ludwig and Greg Calbi, Howie honed his skills and gained invaluable experience working with a diverse range of artists and genres.

Throughout the 1980s, Weinberg emerged as a prominent figure in the industry, known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to mastering. His ability to enhance the sonic qualities of recordings and optimize their playback on various formats made him highly sought after by both established and emerging artists.

One of the pivotal moments in Howie Weinberg's career came when he collaborated with renowned producer Rick Rubin on the Beastie Boys' groundbreaking album "Licensed to Ill" in 1986. The success of the album further solidified Howie's reputation as an exceptional mastering engineer. This led to a fruitful partnership with Rubin, and they worked together on a string of influential albums, including releases by Slayer, Public Enemy, and Johnny Cash.

Weinberg's remarkable talent for mastering became evident in his ability to capture the essence of an artist's vision while adding his expertise to create a polished and dynamic final product. His work on Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind" in 1991 is a testament to his ability to bring out the best in a recording, with his mastering contributing to the album's raw energy and sonic impact.

Over the years, Howie Weinberg has collaborated with a wide array of artists and bands from various genres, including U2, The White Stripes, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. His discography boasts an extensive list of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, solidifying his position as one of the most influential mastering engineers of his time.

In 1995, Howie Weinberg opened his own mastering studio, Howie Weinberg Mastering, in Los Angeles. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the mastering process, the studio became a go-to destination for artists seeking the highest level of audio quality for their projects.

Throughout his career, Weinberg has been recognized with numerous accolades, including several Grammy nominations and wins for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He is highly respected by his peers and has been a mentor to many aspiring mastering engineers, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation.

Howie Weinberg's unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to elevate the sonic experience of countless albums have solidified his position as a true master of his art. His meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise, and passion for music continue to shape the industry and inspire generations of mastering engineers to strive for excellence.

Bob Defrin - Art Direction

Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.

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Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.

One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.

Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.

Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.

Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.

Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.

Michael Paras - Photographer

Record Label Information:

Megaforce Worldwide 7567-82283 

Album Packaging:

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

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 200 gram  

Year & Country:

1991 Made in EEC  
Band Members and Musicians on: Overkill Horrorscope
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bobby Blitz Ellsworth Vocals
  • D.D. Verni Bass
  • Merritt Gant Guitars
  • Rob Cannavino Guitars
  • Sid Falck Drums

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

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"

Sid Falck (real-name: Robert Falck) - Drums, played drums in the band "Battlezone" in 1986, before joining "Overkill" in 1987. He left "Overkill" in 1992.

Track Listing of: "Horrorscope"

The Song/tracks on "Horrorscope" are

  • Coma 5:23
  • Infectious 4:04
  • Blood Money 4:08
  • Thanx For Nothin' 4:07
  • Bare Bones 4:53
  • Horrorscope 5:49
  • New Machine 5:18
  • Frankenstein (Edgar Winter) 3:29
  • Live Young, Die Free 4:12
  • Nice Day...For A Funeral 6:17
  • Soulitude 5:26
Album cover photos of : Overkill Horrorscope
High Resolution Photo of Overkill Horrorscope  
Photo of "Horrorscope" Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo of Overkill Horrorscope  
Photo of Overkill's band members on the inner sleeve

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Horrorscope  

High Resolution Photo of Overkill Horrorscope  

 

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. 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 ).

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