If you claim to be a metalhead and haven't heard of
Overkill, you either live under a rock or don't really like metal all that
much. This New Jersey thrash band started up in 1980 and have released a
whopping 19 albums throughout their storied career. Finally, they made their
way back to New Orleans and put on a memorable show that will last their fans
here for years to come.
Overkill took the stage under sickening neon green lights
and immediately launched into "Last Man Standing," "Electric Rattlesnake," "Hello
From the Gutter," "Elimination," and "Bring Me the Night." The songs they selected
that evening came from a wide range of their albums, which vocalist Bobby Ellsworth
lovingly called Blitz by his fans said he wanted to do. In between songs, Blitz
introduced and praised his bandmates, talked about how much he loved being back
in the Gulf South, and bemused on the merits of jambalaya. More songs from
years ago up until their latest album released last year spewed forth from the
band including "Head of a Pin," "Necroshine," "Under One," "Bastard Nation," "Mean,
Green, Killing Machine," and "Feel the Fire." Blitz challenged his fans to come
get some more from him, taunting, "Grandpa's gonna beat your ass!" Drumsticks
from drummer Jason Bittner and guitar picks from guitarist Derek Tailer flew
into the mosh many times. They may have thrown more goodies than you see from a
Mardi Gras parade. The show (seemingly) ended with "Ironbound."
But clearly, this wasn't the end of the aural assault even
though the band left the stage. Cheering them on, the insatiable crowd beckoned
them back on. Overkill came back out and launched into what I believe is the longest
encore I've ever witnessed. This period of the show included "Coma," "Rotten to
the Core," "Fuck You" (everyone enjoyed flipping the finger and chanting the
insult in unison), and "Welcome to the Garden State." Blitz tore the setlists
off the stage, crushed them into balls, wound up and pitched them into the
crowd who fought over them. That's when the show was truly over.