Overkill

Overkill formed in New Jersey in 1980 and are among the most successful East Coast thrash bands, alongside Anthrax and Nuclear Assault. Their sound mixes thrash with punk and the new wave of British heavy metal, which is why they have been called "the Motörhead of thrash metal". Singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni are the only original members left, and a skeletal bat mascot called Chaly turns up on many of their sleeves.

They were among the first thrash bands to sign to a major label, joining Atlantic Records in 1986. Taking Over (1987) brought their first mainstream success, and Under the Influence, The Years of Decay and Horrorscope followed. After leaving Atlantic in 1995 they kept a steady following, especially in Europe and Japan, and enjoyed a US resurgence in the 2010s. Scorched (2023) is their twentieth studio album.