"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.
Released in 1989 on Megaforce Worldwide, "The Years of Decay" marked a pivotal moment in Overkill's career. The album arrived at a time when thrash metal was experiencing a surge in popularity, and Overkill, with their relentless energy and aggressive sound, were ready to take the world by storm.
Historical Context
Thrash metal was in full swing in 1989. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth were enjoying mainstream success, pushing the genre to new heights. Overkill, with their East Coast roots and distinct sound, were poised to make their mark on this burgeoning scene. "The Years of Decay" solidified their position as one of thrash metal's leading lights.
Musical Exploration
"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.
Tracks like "Elimination" and "Time to Kill" are classic thrash anthems, while "Nothing to Die For" and "Who Tends the Fire" explore darker, more melodic territory. The album's closing track, "E.vil N.ever D.ies," is a sprawling epic that showcases the band's technical prowess and songwriting skills.
Controversies
The album's cover art, depicting a decaying skull, sparked some controversy. Some critics accused the band of glorifying violence and morbidity, but Overkill maintained that the album was a commentary on societal decay and the human condition.
Recording Studio and Frontman
"The Years of Decay" was recorded at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut. The album also marks the return of Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth, who had briefly left the band in 1987. Blitz's distinctive high-pitched vocals and charismatic stage presence were crucial to Overkill's success.
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
Overkill - Producer
Terry Date - Producer
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!
Jon and Marsha Zazula - Executive Producers
Jon Zazula: How did a record store shape metal forever? The Jon Zazula story – a must-read for music fans.
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.
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
Discover Howie Weinberg’s legacy in mastering at his web page here!
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.
"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