Overkill Grinds the Wheel at The Glass House in Pomona, California Sept. 23 on the Metal Alliance Tour.
When you have an American thrash metal band from New Jersey come to Southern California twice in seven months, it’s an exciting event. Even more exciting, I had the privilege of covering both shows. For four decades Overkill has been thrilling their fans, releasing eighteen albums to date – their latest The Grinding Wheel released earlier this year.
As we all know once the show starts as the drummer gets the fans going. Behind the skins is newcomer to Overkill Jason Bittner (Flotsam and Jetsam/ Shadow Falls) the cheers from the packed house erupt as guitarist Dave Linsk, rhythm guitarist Derek ˈThe Skullˈ Trailer, original member bassist D.D. Verni kick it off, with his signature entrance Bobby ˈBlitzˈ front and center opening with Mean Green, Killing Machine off the current release The Grinding Wheel. That’s all it took as the moshing and the body surfing to start, keeping us photographers in the photo pit on our toes, following with Rotten to the Core Off Feel the Fire and rounding out the first three songs with Electric Rattlesnake from the album The Electric Age.
The ninety-minute set flew by, 14 songs mainly focusing on the early years from albums Feel the Fire, Taking Over, Under the Influence, The Years of Decay and Horroscope, with a handful of songs off The Grinding Wheel. Any of the fans who were at the show in February were treated to a different set of songs, an impressive choice. This show would not be complete without the Overkill encore, after a short break to catch their breath and let the fans raise the roof cheering, Bittner, Trailer, Linsk, and Verni re-enter the stage, as Ellsworth does the Blitz to the mic for Horrorscope from the song title album, followed by Elimination off The Years of Decay, closing out this hardcore show with the classic Overkill signature song FUCK YOU!! Connect with Overkill on their website for available merchandise and catch a show, it rocks!!
Three decades strong, direct support Crowbar (from New Orleans, Louisiana), were also on the bill. Having toured with Overkill in the past, they joined together one more time for The Metal Alliance tour. Rhythm guitarist/frontman Kirk Windstein, guitarist Matt Brunson, bassist Todd Strange can put on the biggest frown, as I’m photographing him I’m thinking, “wow that’s impressive!” Drummer Tommy Beckley gave the fans a taste of sludge metal during their forty minute set. This was my first time seeing Crowbar, I’ll definitely see them again. One thing I would like to make a note on, all the band’s merchandise was on the upper level of The Glass House, there were band members at each one of their merch booths, I had the pleasure or meeting frontman Kirk Windstein. He was so kind, shaking hands and taking selfies showing appreciation to the fans. I have a lot of respect for the time spent off the stage with the fans. Thank you!!
I love seeing my generation rock the youth.
The Metal Alliance Tour saw six thrash metal bands, a dream for the metalheads. Unfortunately, I was unable to catch all the bands, from what I witnessed the pumping of the fist and horns, a thrashing good time was had by all. In this day and age, it’s exactly what is needed.
Thrown Into Exile: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
Invidia: Facebook Instagram
Black Fast: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
Havok: Website Facebook
Crowbar: Facebook Twitter Instagram
Overkill: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
Setlist:
Mean Green Killing Machine
Rotten to the Core
Electric Rattlesnake
Hello from the Gutter
In Union We Stand
Goddamn Trouble
Wrecking Crew
I Hate
Shine On
Ironbound
Thanx for Nothing
Encore:
Horrorscope
Elimination
Fuck You
All photos by Tammy Greene
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