Under the Influence

by Overkill

Overview

Originally released in 1988, Under the Influence is another confident, if unremarkable Overkill recording. Highlights include the punk-ish "Overkill III (Under the Influence)," as well as trademark pseudo-thrash numbers like "Shred," "Never Say Never," and the minor hit single/video "Hello From the Gutter." One subtle, but very consistent problem with Overkill's brutal riffing sticks out just a little bit more than usual on Under the Influence. That is, the clanky ringing and exaggerated attack of bassist D.D. Verni's instrument. Verni bogs down the group's sound, weakening Overkill's otherwise tight and unified rhythmic signature. As usual, the real problem with Under the Influence is vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's overdone vocals. Ellsworth is a singer of rare ability, but his cartoon approach takes Overkill way over the top, eroding the band's technically impressive, musical base. But despite this consistent challenge to their listenability, Overkill still cranks out their own brand of first-class metal on Under the Influence, a record that, while respectable, might only interest the most passionate fans of the band. ~ Vincent Jeffries

Product Details

Release Date:	05/17/2003
Label:	Megaforce / Warner Bros.
UPC:	0075678186523
Rank:	27617

Tracks

1. Shred
2. Never Say Never
3. Hello From the Gutter
4. Mad Gone World
5. Brainfade
6. Drunken Wisdom
7. End of the Line
8. Head First
9. Overkill III (Under the Influence)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Overkill   Primary Artist
Bobby Gustafson   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (12 String),Vocals (Background)
Sid Falck   Drums
Blitz   Vocals
Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth   Vocals
D.D. Verni   Bass,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

D.D. Verni   Composer
Bobby Gustafson   Composer
Rob "Wacko" Hunter   Assistant Engineer
Michael Wagener   Mixing
Overkill   Producer
Alex Perialas   Engineer,Producer
George Marino   Mastering
Ron Akiyama   Photography
Marsha Zazula   Executive Producer
Dan Muro   Photography
Lori Fumar   Mixing Assistant
Jon Zazula   Executive Producer
Pat Calello   Art Direction
Rich Larson   Illustrations
Carlo Verni   Composer,Lyricist
Robert Ellsworth   Composer,Lyricist
Frank White   Photography
Lee Kundrat   Composer,Lyricist
Robert Wayne Gustafson   Composer,Lyricist
Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth   Composer