"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.
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.
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Music Genre: Speed Thrash Metal |
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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, especially heavy metal. Meet the Legendary Metal Titans He’s Shaped! 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. 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 Discover Howie Weinberg’s legacy in mastering at his web page here! Bob Defrin - Art Direction Bob Defrin invites you to explore his legacy of iconic album artwork — visit his webpage now! Michael Paras - Photographer |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Megaforce Worldwide 7567-82283 |
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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. |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 200 gram |
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Year & Country: 1991 Made in EEC |
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Band Members and Musicians on: Overkill Horrorscope |
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. |
Complete Track Listing of: "Horrorscope" |
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The Song/tracks on "Horrorscope" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Overkill Horrorscope |
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| Photo of "Horrorscope" Album's Back Cover |
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| Photo of Overkill's band members on the inner sleeve |
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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 ). |
"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
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
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
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
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)
"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
"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
