The sleepy notes of a prolonged bass intro start this sixteenth album from America's preeminent working-man's band, Overkill. It isn't until the tempo picks up that the quintet reach back to their 80's roots and do thrash that's resplendent in riffs and speed. For the sprawling opener 'The Green And Black' these old farts prove how relentless they can be despite the wrinkles. Speaking of wrinkles, while Bobby "Blitz" and the gang are afflicted by receding hairlines, middle aged paunches, and advancing years in general, they sound their absolute best on this 'Ironbound'. Blame it on the competition (Hirax, Paradox, At War, Sacrifice, Contradiction, Exodus, etc.) or an urge to stay relevant in a rapidly globalized metal scene; whatever the reason, 'Ironbound' smokes from beginning to end.

The title track itself doesn't take any prisoners with its punishing heaviness and the orgasmic tidal wave of wailing guitar harmonies around its middle. The next song 'Bring Me the Night' doesn't let down either, ernergized as it is with a frantic pace and an anthemic chorus. The band step on the brakes for the less furious 'The Goal Is Your Soul', which builds into a bulldozing number past its menacing intro. Featuring a more hook-centric Overkill, it's here that they once again swim in the waters of epicness. 'Give a Little' is its opposite, a chugging groove-fest blessed by its fair share of machine gun drums. Its frantic counterpart 'Endless War' moves at a breakneck pace as the gritty fivesome contemplate thrash metal's favorite topic (uh, war).

Pulling a quick 180 towards the end, 'The Head and Heart' sees Overkill in "rock" mode before standard fare thrashers like 'In Vain' and 'Killing for a Living' take command. Endowed with crystal clear production and musicianship without fault, by the time the whole show wraps on 'The SRC' Overkill have secured a revered place in modern heavy metal alongside both peers and progeny. Perhaps the album's only flaws are a forgettable song or three but this isn't so much a problem considering the dearth of solid material here.

The band is in fine form, the music is tighter than a 12-year-old virgin, and their songwriting chops are impeccable. What more could a metalhead ask for? 'Ironbound' actually transcends its hype, so don't miss it.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Miguel Miranda
03/17/2010 13:13