‘Historikill 1995-2007’ – Ranking Overkill’s Albums From Their Forthcoming Retrospective Release

1. From The Underground And Below (1997)

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From The Underground And Below may have arrived slap-bang in the middle of Overkill’s mid-period Groove Metal era but it’s arguably their most consistent release from the period covered in Historikill. 

Slamming opener “It Lives” ranks as one of Overkill’s finest moments, its rumbling intro driving to the very core of the bands Groove-Thrash aesthetic and Bobby “Blitz” and Joe Comeau are on fine from vocally; their voices complimenting each other like never before (or after). The highlights are admittedly front-loaded, from “It Lives” to “Save Me” on to the stone-cold classic – and sure-fire ‘hit single’ if released in an era that gave a sh*t about singles – “Long Time Dyin‘” to the blast and bounce of “Genocya“, Overkill’s dark grooves and ominous atmosphere remains palpable and highly impressive.

That’s not to say that the remainder of the album is merely filler of course, far from it in fact. “Half Past Dead” (wasn’t that a shitty DTV Steven Seagal film?) and “Little Bit O’ Murder” maintain the unique style of this overlooked album; polar opposites but fine examples of Overkill’s ability to flip-flop between atmospheric slow-burners and balls-out Thrashers.

Disagree with our analysis? Go and give it another listen from start to finish, you may be pleasantly surprised. From The Underground And Below is an under-appreciated masterwork in our humble opinion! 8/10