Originally released in 1988,
Under the Influence
is another confident, if unremarkable
Overkill
recording. Highlights include the
punk-ish
"Overkill III (Under the Influence),"
as well as trademark pseudo-
thrash
numbers like
"Shred,"
"Never Say Never,"
and the minor hit single/video
"Hello From the Gutter."
One subtle, but very consistent problem with
's brutal riffing sticks out just a little bit more than usual on
. That is, the clanky ringing and exaggerated attack of bassist
D.D. Verni
's instrument.
Verni
bogs down the group's sound, weakening
's otherwise tight and unified rhythmic signature. As usual, the real problem with
is vocalist
Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth
's overdone vocals.
Ellsworth
is a singer of rare ability, but his cartoon approach takes
way over the top, eroding the band's technically impressive, musical base. But despite this consistent challenge to their listenability,
still cranks out their own brand of first-class
metal
on
, a record that, while respectable, might only interest the most passionate fans of the band. ~ Vincent Jeffries