Overkill is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in New Jersey. The group has undergone numerous line-up changes, with bassist D. D. Verni and vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth remaining the only original members. The band has been associated with the East Coast thrash metal scene alongside groups such as Nuclear Assault and Anthrax, and their musical style has been influenced by punk rock and the new wave of British heavy metal. A recurring visual element in the band’s imagery is their mascot “Chaly”, a skeletal bat-like figure that has appeared on many of their releases.

Overkill were among the early thrash metal bands to sign with a major label, joining Atlantic Records in 1986. They gained wider recognition during the mid-to-late 1980s thrash metal movement, contemporaneous with bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus and Testament. The band achieved their first chart success with their second studio album "Taking Over" (1987), which entered the Billboard 200. Subsequent releases including "Under the Influence" (1988), "The Years of Decay" (1989), "Horrorscope" (1991), "I Hear Black" (1993) and "W.F.O." (1994) also charted in the United States. After parting ways with Atlantic Records in 1995, Overkill continued recording and touring, maintaining a presence particularly in Europe and Japan. During the 2010s, albums such as "The Electric Age" (2012), "White Devil Armory" (2014) and "The Grinding Wheel" (2017) marked a renewed level of chart success. The band has released more than twenty studio albums and has sold millions of records worldwide.

The band originated from members of the punk band the Lubricunts, including Verni and drummer Rat Skates. Early line-ups included guitarist Robert Pisarek and vocalist Ellsworth. In their initial period, Overkill performed cover versions of songs by punk and heavy metal artists such as the Ramones, Motörhead and Judas Priest, before developing original material. By the early 1980s, the group had established themselves in the club scene in New York and New Jersey. Their 1983 demo "Power in Black" circulated widely in underground tape trading networks and led to compilation appearances and a recording contract with Megaforce Records. Their debut album "Feel the Fire" was released in 1985 and was followed by extensive touring in Europe and North America.

The release of "Taking Over" in 1987 brought increased exposure, supported by airplay for the song "In Union We Stand". That same year, the band released the EP "!!!Fuck You!!!" and underwent a line-up change with the departure of Rat Skates. Their third album "Under the Influence" (1988) continued their commercial momentum, followed by "The Years of Decay" (1989), which featured longer compositions such as "Elimination" and expanded their audience. After the subsequent tour, guitarist Bobby Gustafson left the band and was replaced by Rob Cannavino and Merritt Gant.

The 1991 album "Horrorscope" introduced a heavier sound and was followed by further touring. Drummer Bob “Sid” Falck departed after the tour and was replaced by Tim Mallare. The band experimented stylistically on "I Hear Black" (1993), incorporating elements influenced by traditional heavy metal and rock. In response to mixed reactions, they returned to a faster thrash-oriented approach on "W.F.O." (1994). Following declining mainstream exposure for heavy metal in the United States, Overkill left Atlantic Records in 1995 and released the live album "Wrecking Your Neck".

In the late 1990s, further line-up changes occurred, including the addition of Joe Comeau and Sebastian Marino. Albums such as "The Killing Kind" (1996), "From the Underground and Below" (1997) and "Necroshine" (1999) incorporated a variety of stylistic elements while retaining a thrash metal foundation. The band also released "Coverkill" (1999), a collection of cover versions. During this period, Ellsworth underwent treatment for cancer but subsequently returned to recording and touring.

In the early 2000s, Overkill released "Bloodletting" (2000), "Killbox 13" (2003) and "ReliXIV" (2005), alongside live recordings including "Wrecking Everything". The band continued to tour internationally and underwent further personnel changes, including the addition of drummer Ron Lipnicki. Their 2007 album "Immortalis" featured contributions from guest musicians and marked a continuation of their established style.

Overkill experienced renewed attention with the release of "Ironbound" (2010), which entered the Billboard 200 and was followed by extensive touring. The band continued this period with "The Electric Age" (2012), achieving their highest chart position at the time. Subsequent releases included "White Devil Armory" (2014), which became their highest-charting album in the United States, and "The Grinding Wheel" (2017). During this era, the band maintained a consistent touring schedule and participated in major festivals.

Drummer Jason Bittner joined the band in 2017. Overkill released "The Wings of War" in 2019 and continued touring internationally. Work on their twentieth studio album was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though recording progressed during this period. The album "Scorched" was released in 2023, followed by further touring activity. Temporary substitutions in the line-up occurred during tours due to health-related absences of members.

In 2024, Bittner departed the band and was replaced by Jeramie Kling. Overkill continued touring and began work on new material for their twenty-first studio album, with recording planned for the mid-2020s.

Studio albums Feel the Fire (1985) Taking Over (1987) Under the Influence (1988) The Years of Decay (1989) Horrorscope (1991) I Hear Black (1993) W.F.O. (1994) The Killing Kind (1996) From the Underground and Below (1997) Necroshine (1999) Bloodletting (2000) Killbox 13 (2003) ReliXIV (2005) Immortalis (2007) Ironbound (2010) The Electric Age (2012) White Devil Armory (2014) The Grinding Wheel (2017) The Wings of War (2019) Scorched (2023)