Overkill
White Devil Armory

Overkill is one of the few legendary bands that began in the early '80s and has survived to this day without a break. Judge for yourself: 17 studio albums in 29 years is quite a remarkable achievement. Of course, not all of these works were successful, and in the 2000s, it was clear that the musicians were growing tired. Or perhaps it was due to another recent lineup change. It was all the more surprising when the less-than-successful "Immortalis" was followed by the masterpiece "Ironbound." Yes, in 2010, these veterans surprised many with their agility and, in one fell swoop, showed the numerous young bands that had sprung up like mushrooms after rain six or seven years earlier on the wave of the thrash revival how to play this style. The subsequent "The Electric Age" confirmed that the band is in good shape and has no intention of retiring. Given the established trend, it was clear before the release of "White Devil Armory" that Overkill would not deviate from their chosen path. This was confirmed by the single "Armorist." The song turned out to be such a typical Overkill smash that it even felt somewhat derivative. However, Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's words that the upcoming release would be less straightforward than "The Electric Age" were intriguing. And, it must be said, that proved to be true. The music on "White Devil Armory" is the band's signature old-school thrash with NWOBHM influences. The first three songs (not counting the short intro) fly by in a flash, though initially unmemorable. But with "Bitter Pills," things get considerably more interesting – a leisurely introduction, interesting guitar riffs, a predominantly mid-tempo that accelerates mid-song, and a chorus that seems to be hammered into the listener's head. I won't single out the guitar solo on this song specifically, as the guitarists did a fantastic job throughout the entire album. In my opinion, "Bitter Pill" is definitely the centerpiece of "White Devil Armory." It's no surprise that the second music video for it was shot for this song. Also among my favorites are the album's longest track, almost seven minutes long, but still powerfully hurricane-like "Freedom Rings," and, of course, the closing "In The Name"—one of the most interesting songs not only on the album, but in the band's entire career. It begins, I'd say, epically, transitions into a sort of military (and quite aggressive) march, and ends with unexpected polyphonic singing. Cool!!! By singling out these three tracks, I don't mean to suggest that the rest of the album is dead weight. Quite the contrary, they are all of the highest quality. And with repeated listening, new sides are revealed. So, you realize that "Armorist" is the perfect opener for this album, "Pig" isn't as simple as it initially seemed, and "King of the Rat Bastards" captivates with its chorus and instrumental interludes, etc. In fact, the entire "White Devil Armory" deserves praise for its perfection. Not a single wasted note, not a single drawn-out composition. The rhythm section works precisely and harmoniously, while Ron Lipnicki's drumming is as varied as practically possible. Dee Dee Verni's exceptional skill goes without saying. Bobby "Blitz"'s vocals are so precise, polished, and simply unpredictable and interesting that they evoke boundless admiration for this Master with a capital M. I think Ellsworth's vocals have only become stronger and more varied with age. The guitar work is also beyond praise. I've already mentioned the wonderful solos, but the guitar riffs on every song are far from contrived. It's no wonder the guitar pairing of Dave Learsk and Derek Tyler has been playing together for almost 15 years. The album's sound is very lively and spacious. While it's similar to previous releases, I felt that Dee Dee Verni's thunderous bass, the band's signature sound, was somewhat subdued on "White Devil Armory," giving the guitars more space.

What should one say about legends and a band which is followed for 40 years, and never disappoints? Yet another great album, pretty even in songwriting. Must mention few songs that stand up, though: Armorist, Bitter pill, King of the rat bastards. Inner is also very well done.

The music on White Devil Armory is a typical old school trash with NWOBHM influence. The first three songs of the album (apart from a short intro) fly by in one breath, however, at first they are not particularly remembered. But with "Bitter Pills" everything is already much more interesting - a leisurely introduction, interesting guitar riffs, a prevailing average tempo with acceleration in the middle of the song, a refrain, as if driven into the listener's head. I will not single out the guitar solo of this particular song, since the guitarists did their best on the whole album. In my opinion, “Bitter Pill” is definitely the central composition of “White Devil Armory”. It is not surprising that the second clip in support of him was shot specifically for this song. Also among my favorites are the longest song on the album, almost seven minutes, but that does not lose its hurricane power "Freedom Rings", and, of course, the ending "In The Name" is one of the most interesting songs not only on the album, but also the group in general. It begins, I would say, epic, goes almost into a kind of military (and very aggressive) march, and ends with an unexpected polyphonic singing. Class !!! Highlighting these three compositions, I do not want to say at all that the rest of the things on the album are ballast. On the contrary, they are all of the highest quality. And with repeated listening, they are revealed from new angles. So, you understand that “Armorist” is the perfect “opener” for this album, “Pig” is not as simple as it seemed at first, and “King Of The Rat Bastards” captivates with its chorus and instrumental losses, etc.