"The Years of Decay" is considered Overkill's breakthrough album, It featured one of the bands best known songs "Elimination", which had a popular music video. Many fans and critics consider this to be one of their best albums. "The Years of Decay" is the fourth studio album by thrash metal band Overkill. It was released in 1989 on the Megaforce label, with distribution handled by Atlantic Records.
Thrash Metal
Megaforce Worldwide - 782 045-1, Atlantic – 782 045-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1989 European Release
May 2023
Metal Blade Records /Archaic Temple Productions Treasure 003 , 2004
This album "KING DIAMOND AND BLACK ROSE - 20 Years Ago - A Night Of Rehearsal" In fact it is a rehearsal tape of a pre-Mercyful Fate band featuring King Diamond on vocals, named Black Rose.
Show DetailsOverkill - Producer
Terry Date - Producer
Terry Date is an American Music producer and sound recording engineer, specializing in the rock genres, specially heavy metal. 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.
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.
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.
Jon and Marsha Zazula - Executive Producers
Jon Zazula Jon Zazula, also known as Jonny Z, is a legendary figure in the heavy metal music scene. He is best known for discovering and promoting some of the biggest heavy metal bands of the 80s, including Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth. Born in 1951, Jon Zazula grew up in the Bronx, New York and was a passionate music fan from an early age. He was particularly drawn to heavy metal, a genre that was still in its infancy at the time, and he became one of its biggest supporters and advocates.
Zazula started his music career as a record store owner, running a small record store called Rock 'n' Roll Heaven in the Bronx. It was here that he first discovered Metallica, then a relatively unknown band. Impressed by their raw talent and energy, Zazula offered to become their manager and help them secure a record deal. He was instrumental in getting them signed to a record label and launching their career.
In 1983, Zazula founded Megaforce Records, which became one of the most influential heavy metal labels of the 80s. The label helped popularize heavy metal and thrash metal, a sub-genre of heavy metal characterized by its fast and aggressive style. Under Zazula's guidance, Megaforce Records released some of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time, including Metallica's "Kill 'Em All," Anthrax's "Fistful of Metal," and Megadeth's "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!"
In addition to his work with Megaforce Records, Zazula was also known for his passion and dedication to heavy metal music. He was a tireless promoter of the genre, organizing concerts and tours, and working to get heavy metal music heard by a wider audience. He was always on the lookout for new talent, and he discovered and signed many other important heavy metal bands over the years, including Mercyful Fate, Testament, and Exodus.
Despite his many accomplishments, Jon Zazula remains a humble and down-to-earth individual. He is still involved in the music industry today and continues to support new heavy metal bands. He is widely respected and admired by fans of the genre for his contributions to the heavy metal music scene, and for his unwavering support of the genre and its artists.
Marsha Zazula ( Executive ) Producer and together with her husband Jon Zazula founder and owner of Megaforce records company. During the 1980s she has produced two dozen of albums for bands like Hades, Overkill, Raven, Anthrax and others.
Terry Date - Sound Engineer
Matt Lane - Sound Engineer
Matt Lane has been producer or engineer for records of: Overkill, Fates Warning, Liege Lord, Evoken.
The "Years of Decay" was ecorded at: Carriage House Studios, Stamford, CT, June/July 1989
Mastered at: Masterdisk, NYC by Howie Weinberg
Howie Weinberg an American mastering engineer, best known for his work in the recording industry. He was born on 19 April 1954, in New York City, New York, USA.
Weinberg is widely regarded as one of the leading mastering engineers of his generation, with a career that spans over four decades. He has worked with a wide range of artists and genres, including rock, pop, metal, hip hop, and alternative music. Some of his most famous clients include Nirvana, U2, The Ramones, Slayer, Depeche Mode, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others.
Weinberg is best known for his work at Masterdisk, a legendary mastering studio located in New York City. He worked at Masterdisk for many years, and was responsible for mastering many of the most iconic albums of the late 20th century, including Nirvana's "Nevermind," U2's "The Joshua Tree," and Soundgarden's "Superunknown."
In addition to his work as a mastering engineer, Weinberg has also been involved in several other projects and initiatives in the music industry. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field of recording and mastering, and has received several awards and honors for his work.
Overall, Howie Weinberg is a talented and respected mastering engineer, who has made a significant impact on the world of music and recording.
Fastner & Larson - Album Artwork
Michael Paras - Photographer
Michael Paras (Photographer) for the Overkill albums: Years of Decay and Horrorscope
Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (realname: Robert Joseph Ellsworth) Lead singer with the American Thrash Metal band Overkill since 1980
Bobby Gustafson (real-name Robert Wayne Gustafson) - Guitar, timeline: 1980-1982 The DropOuts 1982-1990 Overkill
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.
OVERKILL is an American heavy metal band that was formed in 1980 in New Jersey. The band is considered one of the pioneers of the thrash metal genre and has been influential in shaping the sound of heavy metal in the 1980s and beyond.
History
OVERKILL was formed by guitarist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni, who were high school friends. The band's early lineup also included drummer Rat Skates and guitarist Dan Spitz, who later left to join Anthrax. The band's first album, "Feel the Fire," was released in 1985 and received positive reviews from critics. This was followed by a string of successful albums, including "Taking Over" (1987), "Under the Influence" (1988), and "The Years of Decay" (1989).
During the 1990s, the band's popularity declined due to the rise of grunge and alternative rock. However, the band continued to release albums and tour. In 2010, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary and released the album "Ironbound," which was well-received by both fans and critics.
Music and lyrical themes
OVERKILL's music is characterized by fast and aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's distinctive vocals. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, but they later developed their own style that incorporated elements of punk and thrash.
The band's lyrics often deal with social and political issues, as well as personal struggles and the darker side of human nature. Some of the band's most notable songs include "Elimination," "Hello from the Gutter," and "Horrorscope."
Impact on the heavy metal scene
OVERKILL has had a significant impact on the heavy metal scene, particularly in the thrash metal genre. The band's fast and aggressive style has influenced many other bands in the genre, including Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. In addition, the band's uncompromising attitude and dedication to their music has inspired many fans and musicians alike.