Welcome to The Saw’s Butcher Shop! You already know that Metal and horror movies go together beautifully. Well, there is a New Single by an old school Thrash band that’s been released, the plot of which reminds me of one of my favorite classic horror films. “The Surgeon,” by Overkill is a New Single from their upcoming new album, Scorched (Nuclear Blast), due out on April 14, 2023. It reminds me of Hellbound: Hellraiser 2, and Dr. Channard as he torments his patients in hell!

In the film, Dr. Channard solves the Lament Configuration (the puzzle box) and opens a gateway to hell. As he attempts to takeover the labyrinth of hell, he has great one-liners, and really is an excellent Cenobite, rivaling the anti-hero, Pinhead. This is the mental picture I get when I listen to “The Surgeon,” the great, new single from Overkill.

So, Overkill have been killing it since 1980. One of the East Coast Thrash bands (NJ), they have been one of the most successful of the genre. Known as “The Motorhead of Thrash Metal,” the band has released 19 full-length albums, their winged skull mascot (“Chaly”) is famous on it’s own, their distinct style and sound are unmatched, and their legendary partying dispositions are known around the world.

Through many, many lineup changes, Overkill have two original members, today – D.D. Verni (bass) and Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth (vocals). The two have collected an excellent band around them over the years, including the excellent drummer, Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall). This line-up is poised to crush it! And “The Surgeon” is a vicious leading single for their new album!

 Overkill have a unique style, influenced steeply in punk and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal of the 80s. Their sound is fronted by a wildman, both in performance and personality. Ellsworth has a wicked voice, and his delivery and timing are incredible! He has been consistent throughout the band’s 40+ years, both in his distinct style, and his over-the-top personality! His nickname, “Blitz” describes both characteristics!

“The Surgeon” is a great song! Pure (modern) Thrash, no more – no less; with that Overkill style. A wicked riff drives the main theme. Fast-paced and nasty, the music is matched only by Ellsworth vocals and lyrical content. “The Surgeon” has blood and bodies everywhere! The track turns in the middle to a darker, slower groove, while “bleed out in the morning air, in the evening I don’t care… When I hold you near” float over the carnage. A screaming solo sores over a quicker pace as the song gains speed again, returning to the crushing main riff.

Ya Girl is excited for this new album from Overkill! I have argued, before, concerning a “Big Five, or Six, or Eight.” Exodus dropped a banger of a record in 2021, Testament in 2020 and, if “The Surgeon” is any indication, Overkill are fixing to show us all that they can rule the Labyrinth of hell, too! Their 20^th studio album, Scorched, is scheduled to drop on April 14, 2023.

Overkill

• Carlo “D.D.” Verni – bass and backing vocals (1980 – present)
• Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth – lead vocals (1980 – present)
• Dave Linsk – lead guitar and backing vocals (1999 – present)
• Derek “The Skull” Tailer – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (2001 – present)
• Jason Bittner – drums (2017 – present)

Stay Metal,

THE SAW