The List of Overkill Albums in Order of Release Date
Overkill Albums in Order: Overkill is one of those thrash metal bands from America, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. It has etched memorable steps on the heavy metal stage. With its over-the-top energy and a sound that’s been described as the “Motörhead of thrash metal,” the group has been out there for over four decades. Indeed, in all that time, Overkill has had their fair share of lineup changes and is still fronted by founding members Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth and D.D. Verni.
Overkill has quite an expansive discography, counting 20 studio albums, some live albums, and EPs, which all indicate progress in the development of the band with regard to their sound and still getting up to that raw aggression. It is with Taking Over (1987) that they get mainstream fame, followed by Under the Influence and Horrorscope, which solidified their position in the thrash metal hall of fame.
With that said, let’s go through the Overkill albums in chronological order: showing their progression as a band, their influence over time and never out of sight in metal, and finally, also commercial appeal and a persistent fan following across the globe. So, if you are a die heart fan of Overkill Albums then check out here we have list of Overkill albums in order of release so far.
All Overkill Albums Available on: Apple Music
Also See: Death Angel Albums in Order
How many albums does Overkill have?
The Overkill band has released twenty studio albums, three live albums, two compilation albums, three EPs and one box set.
The List of Overkill Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Overkill Album in Order of Release Date:
- Feel the Fire — April 15, 1985
- Taking Over — September 1, 1987
- Under the Influence — July 5, 1988
- The Years of Decay — October 13, 1989
- Horrorscope — September 3, 1991
- I Hear Black — March 9, 1993
- W.F.O. — July 15, 1994
- The Killing Kind — March 5, 1996
- From the Underground and Below — September 30, 1997
- Necroshine — February 23, 1999
- Bloodletting — October 24, 2000
- Killbox 13 — March 25, 2003
- ReliXIV — March 22, 2005
- Immortalis — October 9, 2007
- Ironbound — February 9, 2010
- The Electric Age — March 27, 2012
- White Devil Armory — July 22, 2014
- The Grinding Wheel — February 10, 2017
- The Wings of War — February 22, 2019
- Scorched — April 14, 2023
All Overkill Albums List in Order
1. Feel the Fire (1985)
Tracklist:
- Raise the Dead
- Rotten to the Core
- There’s No Tomorrow
- Second Son
- Hammerhead
- Feel the Fire
- Blood and Iron
- Kill at Command
- Overkill
- Sonic Reducer
“Feel the Fire,” the 1985 album from Overkill, truly marked a cornerstone in thrash metal thanks to Megaforce Records. Its formation with the original roster-Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth on vocals, Bobby Gustafson on guitars, Rat Skates on drums, and D.D. Verni on bass-brimmed with fast pace, aggressive attack, and blistering riffs. Some of the standout tracks are “Rotten to the Core,” a crowd favorite and live-set standard, and Dead Boys’ cover “Sonic Reducer.” Critical success did not translate to commercial success when first released, but it was pivotal in building Overkill as a faithful fanbase. Raw energy mixed with technical complexity locked Overkill in place for the second wave of thrash metal’s finest.
2. Taking Over (1987)
Tracklist:
- Deny the Cross
- Wrecking Crew
- Fear His Name
- Use Your Head
- Fatal if Swallowed
- Powersurge
- In Union We Stand
- Electro-Violence
- Overkill II (The Nightmare Continues)
Overkill’s second studio album “Taking Over” was released in March 1987 through Atlantic and Megaforce Records. It was the first and last recording with drummer Rat Skates, and their major release for Atlantic; the album had a momentum coming from songs like “Wrecking Crew” and “In Union We Stand,” which became concert staples. The band supported the release with big tours, again supporting Helloween and Megadeth. Despite some minor chart success, reaching a No. 191 spot on the Billboard 200, “Taking Over” had a lasting impact on the thrash metal scene, ranking in Rock Hard’s top metal albums.
3. Under the Influence (1988)
Tracklist:
- Shred
- Never Say Never
- Hello from the Gutter
- Mad Gone World
- Brainfade
- Drunken Wisdom
- End of the Line
- Head First
- Overkill III (Under the Influence)
“Under the Influence” from Overkill: Thrash metal, it is released on July 5, 1988, by Megaforce and Atlantic Records. Drummer Sid Falck was introduced during this record, replacing Rat Skates. With raw energy, there are hits here such as “Shred,” “Never Say Never,” and “Hello from the Gutter.” This six-month tour included performances opening for Nuclear Assault, M.O.D., Slayer, and Motörhead. It was a notable success, not withstanding mixed reviews, peaking at No. 142 on the Billboard 200, and staying on the charts for 13 weeks. That kept Overkill going as a strong component of the thrash metal scene.
4. The Years of Decay (1989)
Tracklist:
- Time to Kill
- Elimination
- I Hate
- Nothing to Die For
- Playing with Spiders/Skullkrusher
- Birth of Tension
- Who Tends the Fire
- The Years of Decay
- E.vil N.ever D.ies
The Years of Decay, the fourth studio album by thrash metal band Overkill, marks a watershed moment in the career when it was issued on October 13th, 1989. This Terry Date-produced effort added another level of sound to Overkill, this time with longer, more complicated tracks such as “Playing with Spiders/Skullkrusher.” This would be the last record to feature guitarist Bobby Gustafson, who left the band after internal conflicts. The single, “Elimination,” was a live staple and further boosted by significant touring. The Years of Decay is a thrash metal classic, as well as an influence on the 1990s groove metal scene.
5. Horrorscope (1991)
Tracklist:
- Coma
- Infectious
- Blood Money
- Thanx for Nothin’
- Bare Bones
- Horrorscope
- New Machine
- Frankenstein
- Live Young, Die Free
- Nice Day… for a Funeral
- Soulitude
Horrorscope would be Overkill’s fifth studio album and would come to be released on September 3, 1991, through Atlantic and Megaforce Records. This should prove to be a strong-debut album, as the two new guitarists, Merritt Gant and Rob Cannavino, were joining Overkill, after Bobby Gustafson had left the band. Recorded by Terry Date, the record is much heavier and more technical, with songs like “Coma,” “Infectious,” and a cover of Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein.” Horrorscope has peaked at #29 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and is still to this day the band’s best-selling record of the SoundScan era, making it one of the greatest thrash metal albums ever.
6. I Hear Black (1993)
Tracklist:
- Dreaming in Columbian
- I Hear Black
- World of Hurt
- Feed My Head
- Shades of Grey
- Spiritual Void
- Ghost Dance
- Weight of the World
- Ignorance and Innocence
- Undying
- Just Like You
I Hear Black, Overkill’s sixth studio album, released on March 9, 1993, represents a marked deviation in the sound of the band. By taking away their fast thrash metal, the band settled into a darker and groove-metal style at times blues and doom and elements of stoner rock qualities from Black Sabbath. Produced by Alex Perialas, the album’s significant bearing was that it was Overkill’s first ever on Atlantic Records and featured new drummer Tim Mallare. Reviewed poorly, “I Hear Black” still accomplished more than a few things when it charted at #122 on the Billboard 200 and at #3 on Heatseekers, one of the most important steps forward for Overkill.
7. W.F.O. (1994)
Tracklist:
- Where It Hurts
- Fast Junkie
- The Wait/New High in Lows
- They Eat Their Young
- What’s Your Problem
- Under One
- Supersonic Hate
- R.I.P.
- Up to Zero
- Bastard Nation
- Gasoline Dream
“W.F.O. (Wide Fucking Open)” was Overkill’s seventh studio album, released on July 15, 1994, through Atlantic Records, it marked a watershed in the group’s career, marking their last effort for Atlantic and also the last appearance of guitarists Rob Cannavino and Merritt Gant. It is remarkable that this was the first self-produced record by the band, testifying to their desire to stay on the path of raw thrash metal sound amidst changing musical trends.
The disc features a bonus track section of jams for famous tunes by Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Jimi Hendrix. There are also “R.I.P. (Undone),” a tribute to the Savatage’s Criss Oliva, and more thrash tendencies that are shown, but not throughout the disc, since “W.F.O.” also became a groove metal band during this time and a product of the band’s assimilation into the 90’s metal landscape. The album was number nine on the Billboard Heatseekers, but it never made it into the Billboard 200.
8. The Killing Kind (1996)
Tracklist:
- Battle
- God-Like
- Certifiable
- Burn You Down/To Ashes
- Let Me Shut That for You
- Bold Face Pagan Stomp
- Feeding Frenzy (Instrumental)
- The Cleansing
- The Mourning After/Private Bleeding
- Cold, Hard Fact
“The Killing Kind” was the eighth studio Overkill album of 1996, being an absolute about-face on that thrash metal sound from the latter half of the 1980s with this incarnation of the band-with new guitarists Joe Comeau and Sebastian Marino-while independently produced out on their own with Chris Tsangarides handling the mixing, and the man is indeed legendary for his Judas Priest work. The album was more complex in terms of vocals and incorporated more hardcore and groove metal elements; with Comeau acting as a multi-talented guitarist and vocalist, the sound had somewhat diverged from the thrash metal traditionalism that defined the group. The critical reception to the album was positive, yet the response from fans was split. For the album, several European tours in 1996 were booked, where the band played new music with its updated sound.
9. From the Underground and Below (1997)
Tracklist:
- It Lives
- Save Me
- Long Time Dyin’
- Genocya
- Half Past Dead
- F.U.C.T.
- I’m Alright
- The Rip n’ Tear
- Promises
- Little Bit o’ Murder
- Space Truckin’ (Deep Purple cover)
From the Underground and Below is Overkill’s ninth full-length album of studio recordings, their first for CMC International, recorded in 1997. Tracks include original compositions and such notable cover versions as the Sex Pistols’ “No Feelings” and Deep Purple’s “Space Truckin'”. According to lead vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, this was one of his favorites by Overkill. Produced by the band and mixed by Colin Richardson, the album would later be re-issued in 2003 with Necroshine inside a box. Among the songs are “It Lives,” “Save Me,” and “Long Time Dyin’.”.
10. Necroshine (1999)
Tracklist:
- Necroshine
- My December
- Let Us Prey
- 80 Cycles
- Revelation
- Stone Cold Jesus
- Forked Tongue Kiss
- I Am Fear
- Black Line
- Dead Man
- No Feelings (Sex Pistols cover)
The release also marks the first use of a guest vocalist for the band, as Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s sister, Mary Ellsworth, provides background vocals on “Let Us Prey” and a duet on “Revelation.” The title track became an important part of Overkill’s live show. Necroshine, the tenth studio album by Overkill, was released on February 23, 1999, through CMC International. In 2003, the album was reissued in a box set with From the Underground and Below. More than 20,500 copies had sold in the United States by November of 1999. Although Sebastian Marino had left the band just before the recording for these tracks, Necroshine represented one of the stablest chapters in the history of Overkill’s lineup.
11. Bloodletting (2000)
Tracklist:
- Thunderhead
- Bleed Me
- What I’m Missin’
- Death Comes Out to Play
- Let It Burn
- I, Hurricane
- Left Hand Man
- Blown Away
- My Name Is Pain
- Can’t Kill a Dead Man
- We Gotta Get Out of This Place (The Animals cover)
Bloodletting, October 24, 2000 is the eleventh studio album of American thrash metal band Overkill. It has also been the first album to be recorded after both Joe Comeau and guitarist Sebastian Marino had left the band; instead, Dave Linsk joined the band on guitar. Also, it was the first time since 1989’s The Years of Decay that Overkill recorded as a four-piece. Although it had a modest first-week commercial draw of less than 2,450 copies, Bloodletting remains one of the best thrash metal records ever put together, particularly in songs like “Thunderhead” and “Death Comes Out to Play.” Riffage is aggressive as can be, yet the rhythms are for the most part complex, giving Overkill plenty of metal-era credentials.
12. Killbox 13 (2003)
Tracklist:
- Devil by the Tail
- Damned
- No Lights
- The One
- Crystal Clear
- The Sound of Dying
- Until I Die
- Struck Down
- Unholy
- I Rise
Killbox 13 is the 12th studio release from thrash metal legends Overkill in 2003. This was the first with rhythm guitarist Derek Tailer. It was also their first since their comeback from hiatus to sound like raw, unpolished thrash – a style that can only be characterized as following the same route they began years ago. The count and title reflect their non-traditional counting of discography, regarding it as their 13th with the inclusion of the 1984 EP and the covers album Coverkill. Praised for its energetic revival of the band’s classic sound, Killbox 13 features ten tracks, including standout cuts like “Devil by the Tail” and “The Sound of Dying,” and was produced by Colin Richardson. It peaked at No. 31 on the Top Independent Albums chart.
13. ReliXIV (2005)
Tracklist:
- Within Your Eyes
- Love
- Loaded Rack
- Bats in the Belfry
- A Pound of Flesh
- Keeper
- Wheelz
- The Mark
- Play the Ace
- Old School
ReliXIV is the 13th Overkill American thrash metal album, released in spring 2005. The Roman numeral XIV means 14; the method of counting the Overkill EP in their studio album catalog by the band. The title pronunciation is ambiguous, but lead singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth called it “Relics” during live shows. The album includes the song “Old School,” which had been included in Overkill’s touring repertoire for so long. By end of 2007, ReliXIV had sold nearly 16,000 copies in America. The CD has a complete ten tracks and also a Japanese bonus track recorded live. The record was produced by Overkill, mixed by John D’Uva, and mastered by Roger Lian.
14. Immortalis (2007)
Tracklist:
- Devils in the Mist
- What It Takes
- Skull and Bones
- Shadow of a Doubt
- Hellish Pride
- Walk Through Fire
- Head On
- Chalie Get Your Gun
- Hell Is
- Overkill V… The Brand
Immortalis is the 14th studio album from Overkill, recorded in 2007 and released by Bodog Records. This was a highly important entry point into their discography as they featured a new lineup with drummer Ron Lipnicki, who joined them after their previous full-length release, ReliXIV. The band’s album “Immortal15” is almost a play on the song “Immortal15,” following the band’s “Killbox 13,” which sold over 2,800 in its first week in the U.S., building up to over 15,000 copies by 2009. Some interesting tracks are “Skull and Bones,” with Randy Blythe on vocals for Lamb of God, and “Overkill V. The Brand.” The album reached as high as 9 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers and 33 on Top Independent Albums. These additions to the thrash metal disc include the Asian bonus track along with special edition live recordings.
15. Ironbound (2010)
Tracklist:
- The Green and Black
- Ironbound
- Bring Me the Night
- The Goal Is Your Soul
- Give a Little
- Endless War
- The Head and Heart
- In Vain
- Killing for a Living
- The SRC
Ironbound Overkill January 29, 2010 Nuclear Blast, their first release in more than two years since 2007’s Immortalis, marked the 15th album for the New Jersey thrashers; it was met with both critical acclaim and attention to vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s unique vocals. Their first attempt since 17 years back in the Billboard 200 was Ironbound, sold over 15,000 copies in the U.S. by May 2010. Tracklist includes goodies such as “The Green and Black” and “Bring Me the Night,” showing tremendous mix of thrash and groove metal influence.
16. The Electric Age (2012)
Tracklist:
- Come and Get It
- Electric Rattlesnake
- Wish You Were Dead
- Black Daze
- Save Yourself
- Drop the Hammer Down
- 21st Century Man
- Old Wounds, New Scars
- All Over but the Shouting
- Good Night
It is Overkill’s 16th studio album, and was released on March 27, 2012 in the United States by eOne Music and in Europe by Nuclear Blast. Praised by critics with regard to the thrash metal intensity of the record, it debuted at #77 on the Billboard 200, this being the third highest chart position for the band. Its first week it sold 6,700 copies, outdoing the previous record’s first week of sales. Additionally, the album received very good reviews, with notable ratings coming from sources such as Blabbermouth.net of 9.5/10 and Metal Storm 8.9/10. With the inclusion of tracks like “Come and Get It” and “Electric Rattlesnake,” this record features Overkill’s old-school sound with current zeal.
17. White Devil Armory (2014)
Tracklist:
- XDM
- Armorist
- Down to the Bone
- Pig
- Bitter Pill
- Where There’s Smoke…
- Freedom Rings
- Another Day to Die
- King of the Rat Bastards
- It’s All Yours
- In the Name
“White Devil Armory” is Overkill’s 17th studio album. It was out in Europe on July 18 and in North America on July 22, 2014. Praises for classic thrash metal roots brought deserved positive reviews from the critics. Scores were given as 8.5/10 by Blabbermouth.net and 9/10 by All About The Rock. It is Overkill’s highest-charting album, peaking on the Billboard 200 at number 31 and selling over 13,000 copies in its first three weeks. More tracks on this album feature strong performances from bassist D.D. Verni, including “Armorist” and “Bitter Pill.” It won the 2014 Metal Storm Award for Best Thrash Metal Album.
18. The Grinding Wheel (2017)
Tracklist:
- Mean, Green, Killing Machine
- Goddamn Trouble
- Our Finest Hour
- Shine On
- The Long Road
- Let’s All Go to Hades
- Come Heavy
- Red, White and Blue
- The Wheel
- The Grinding Wheel
The Grinding Wheel, released on February 10, 2017, was Overkill’s 18th studio album, an American thrash metal band. The record was the band’s last recording session with drummer Ron Lipnicki, who left the band and was eventually replaced by Jason Bittner. It was an album of traditional heavy metal and music with just a touch of melody, which was the signature of Overkill in their style. Originally set for October 2016, Overkill rescheduled the album to February to coincide with their US tour. Reviews were fantastic and various authors complimented its thrash relentless and inventive sound, which gave the album a high score on pages like Blabbermouth.net and KNAC. Grinding Wheel came in at number 69 on the Billboard 200, proving just how staying power Overkill has within the realm of the thrash metal genre.
19. The Wings of War (2019)
Tracklist:
- Last Man Standing
- Believe in the Fight
- Head of a Pin
- Bat Shit Crazy
- Distortion
- A Mother’s Prayer
- Welcome to the Garden State
- Where Few Dare to Walk
- Out on the Road-Kill
- Hole in My Soul
- In Ashes
Produced on 22 February 2019 is the 19th full-length studio album of the American thrash metal band Overkill under the title The Wings of War. The album signifies new beginnings as Jason Bittner is at the drums for this record, replacing Ron Lipnicki, who quit the band after recording The Grinding Wheel. It’s actually produced with a lot of zeal, combining all the elements of the established heavy metal roots of the band and the new dynamics brought to the table by Bittner. Production began mid-2018, culminating into what the frontman Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth described a sound as both familiar yet still novel. Although it received rave critical reviews and charted respectably with peaks in several countries, with the highest being number five on the German Albums Chart, it also flopped commercially in the U.S.
20. Scorched (2023)
Tracklist:
- Scorched
- Goin’ Home
- The Surgeon
- Twist of the Wick
- Wicked Place
- Won’t Be Comin’ Back
- Fever
- Harder They Fall
- Know Her Name
- Bag o’ Bones
Scorched, Overkill’s twentieth studio album, was released on April 14th of this year. It marks the longest gap between studio albums from Overkill since The Wings of War in 2019, the band’s first work since four years. It is also the last drumming album by the group to feature Jason Bittner, who left in August 2024. The release of the album was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it was postponed from April 2021 to early 2023. Recording occurred in September 2020, drum tracks were done in October, and mixing was overseen by Colin Richardson. Scorched debuted at No. 10 on the German Albums chart.
Conclusion:
The hard-hitting catalog of Overkill memorably solidifies the legacy of one of the early thrash metal pioneers. Overkill’s discography over the years chronologically details the band’s evolution and growth from their debut Feel the Fire in 1985 to the newest addition, Scorched, of 2023. The many changes in its members will seem minor with consistency at the helm with founders D.D. Verni and Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth dominating much of the discography. Overkill has not only influenced the East Coast thrash scene but accepted around the world to sit among one of the most relentless and enduring bands in the history of metal.
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