OVERKILL – THE WRECKING CREW PLAYS HOMETOWN IN NEW JERSEY!

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Been a few years since Jersey thrash legends Overkill played an area show, and on June 1, the bassist DD Verni was back playing after shoulder surgery. Jasta were openers, the solo band of Hatebreed singer Jamey Jasta, and he got the crowd amped up with thrashy hardcore. Their fourth, new album And Jasta for All, came out in May. At the end of the 45 minute setlist they did a cover of Exodus’ "War Is My Shepheard”, and the drummer from Biohazard, Danny Schuler, came out to jam on the hits "Wrong Side Of The Tracks" and "Punishment".

Being a Jersey guy, at this point I must have seen Overkill 40 times. Tonight, they arrived in their home state continuing the Scorched touring cycle in support of the latest, and twentieth, album Scorched released in 2023. The latest album also marks 40 years since the Power In Black demo, and over 20 years of guitarist Dave Linsk and Derek Tailer being in the band, the longest lineup with singer Bobby Ellesworth of course, and second album with Jason Bittner on drums since 2017.

Plus, Scorched is the sixth album of newer Overkill music since Ironbound in 2010, which the title track has become a staple in the setlist. All this shows Overkill's legacy, longevity, dedicated fanbase, and relevance with new music that is as strong as the ‘80s classics. The band are still tight and have lost no energy. I was at soundcheck and there is no backing tracks or cheating. Overkill are as live as it gets, sounded as good as if they were in front of a crowd. Thanks Jack Frost and DD for the access and great talking to the band always.

Setlist was a mix three from the new album, title track to Ironbound, "Long Time Dyin’" from the ‘90s albums (Underground And Below), "Bring Me The Night" and "Electric Rattlesnake" keeps the energy level high. "Mean Green Killing Machine" another post 2000s Overkill anthem. The usual suspects "Hello From The Gutter", "Rotten To The Core", and as Blitz sings it "E…limination!!", "Hammerhead" a nice returning gem, and "Fuck You" closes out the night with middle fingers high in the air.

Here's my only issue, complaint as a fan, hell, I've seen them over 40 times, I'm allowed to, yes, no? It's a New Jersey show, like they did several years ago in Germany playing Feel The Fire and Horrorscope in their entirety (Live in Overhausen), how about something special for us?

Example, Taking Over shirts were at the merch booth, but disappointing they didn't play anything from it. What about a secret surprise setlist with that album? It is a fan favorite. Also mine. Or Years Of Decay? Hopefully at some time? Or something else special.