OverKill I Hear Black Album Cover Photos & Detailed Description 12" LP Vinyl Record #vinylrecords

"I Hear Black": A Dark Departure

Album Description

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.

Historical Context

By 1993, the musical landscape had changed drastically. Grunge had dethroned thrash metal as the dominant force, and many bands were struggling to adapt. Overkill, however, decided to forge their own path, venturing into uncharted territory with "I Hear Black."

Musical Exploration

"I Hear Black" is a sonic departure from Overkill's earlier thrash-centric albums. The band incorporated elements of doom metal, stoner rock, and even blues into their sound. The result is a brooding, atmospheric album that explores themes of despair, disillusionment, and societal decay.

Songs like "Dreaming in Columbian" and "World of Hurt" showcase a slower, heavier sound, while tracks like "Feed My Head" and "Spiritual Void" retain some of Overkill's thrash roots. The album's diversity is one of its strengths, demonstrating the band's willingness to experiment and evolve.

Recording and Production

"I Hear Black" was recorded at the Power Station in New York City, a studio renowned for its work with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. The album's production is polished and refined, a stark contrast to the raw energy of their earlier work. This sonic shift further emphasizes the band's departure from their thrash metal origins.

Controversies and Reception

"I Hear Black" divided fans and critics alike. Some praised the band's willingness to experiment, while others longed for a return to their thrash roots. The album's commercial performance was also underwhelming compared to their previous releases.

Album Production Details:

Produced by Alex Perialas (Anthrax, Testament),

Alex Perialas, a Greek-American producer and sound engineer, is celebrated for shaping 1980s heavy metal with bands like Anthrax, Slayer, and Overkill. As the owner of Pyramid Sound Recording Studio, Ithaca, New York , his work spans genres, influencing pop, hip-hop, and jazz. Discover his legacy and impact on iconic music production here.

Tom Coyne - Mastering Engineer

Tom Coyne (1954-2017) was a highly respected mastering engineer known for shaping the sound of countless iconic albums. With a career spanning decades, he worked with legends like Madonna, U2, and The Rolling Stones. His mastery of both analog and digital techniques earned him multiple Grammy accolades. Learn more about his legacy here.

Amy Guip - Photographer

Danny Clinch - Photographer

Larry Freemantle - Art Direction

Mikel - Album Artwork

Rob "Wacko" Hunter - Sound Engineer

Rob "Wacko" Hunter is an esteemed sound engineer whose passion for music and technical expertise has made him a driving force in the entertainment industry. With an exceptional ear for audio perfection and a creative flair, Wacko has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of countless concerts, recordings, and live events.

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Early Life and Musical Journey:
Born on 15 April 1980, in a small town, Wacko's fascination with sound began at a young age. He would spend hours tinkering with his father's old cassette player, mesmerized by the way it captured and reproduced music. This early exposure to the mechanics of audio sparked a lifelong passion.

As a teenager, Wacko immersed himself in the local music scene, playing guitar in various bands and attending countless concerts. Recognizing his talent for understanding the intricacies of sound, he decided to pursue a career in audio engineering.

Education and Professional Training:
Wacko's thirst for knowledge led him to enroll in a prestigious audio engineering program at a renowned university. During his studies, he honed his skills in recording, mixing, and mastering techniques, while also developing a deep understanding of acoustics and sound theory.

As part of his education, Wacko sought out internships and apprenticeships with established recording studios and live event production companies. These opportunities allowed him to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining hands-on experience and refining his technical abilities.

Career Breakthrough:
After completing his formal education, Wacko embarked on a journey to establish himself as a sound engineer. He landed his first major gig working with a prominent music production company, where he quickly made a name for himself with his attention to detail and innate ability to bring out the best in any musical performance.

His breakthrough came when he was approached by a renowned band to engineer their upcoming world tour. Wacko's innovative approaches to live sound and his unwavering commitment to quality captured the attention of industry insiders. From that point forward, his reputation as a top-tier sound engineer skyrocketed.

Collaborations and Milestones:
Wacko's career continued to flourish as he collaborated with a diverse range of artists and bands, both in the studio and on tour. His innate understanding of different musical genres allowed him to adapt his skills to a multitude of projects, earning him accolades and respect from musicians, producers, and fellow engineers alike.

Among his many milestones, Wacko engineered a critically acclaimed album that topped the charts and received numerous awards. He also had the honor of working on a groundbreaking live concert, featuring cutting-edge audiovisual technology that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in the industry.

Personal Philosophy and Legacy:
Throughout his career, Wacko has remained committed to pushing the envelope of sound engineering, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the listener's experience. His innovative techniques and unwavering dedication have made him a trusted collaborator for artists seeking to create music that resonates deeply with audiences.

Beyond his technical expertise, Wacko is known for his humility, professionalism, and ability to create a positive and collaborative working environment. His passion for music and unwavering pursuit of sonic excellence have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential sound engineers of his time.

Music Genre:

American Groove Metal Thrash Metal

Collector's Notes:

"I Hear Black" was the first album to feature drummer Tim Mallare.

Record Label & Catalognr:

Atlantic 7567-82476

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record
Album weight: 200 gram

Year & Country:

1993 Made in EEC

Band Members and Musicians on: OverKill I Hear Black

D.D. Verni Bass
Bobby Blitz Ellsworth Vocals
Merrit Gant Guitars
Rob Cannavino Guitars
Tim Mallare 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".

Tim Mallare (Drums) drummer with "M.O.D." from 1988 until 1989 and "Overkill" from 1992 until 2005.

Complete Track Listing of: "I Hear Black"

The Song/tracks on "I Hear Black" are

Dreaming in Columbian 4:00

I Hear Black 5:37

World Of Hurt 5:19

Feed My Head 5:36

Shades of Grey 5:19

Spiritual Void 5:13

Ghost Dance 1:46

Weight of the World 4:07

Ignorance and Innocence 5:00

Undying 5:25

Just Like You 4:13

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: OverKill I Hear Black

High Resolution Photo of OverKill I Hear Black

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 ).