Overkill – RELIXIV

Solid (mind-numbing) album highlighted by “Wheelz,” “Old School” and a couple other songs

Released in 2005, RELIXIV was Overkill’s 13th full-length studio album and 14th if you count their debut self-titled platter, which was an EP (later included on their 1997 compilation). This explains the album’s title: Relix with the Roman numeral XIV at the end. As far as the diction goes, Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth pronounced it as “Relics” on stage, so the full pronunciation would be “Relics 14.”

I was mainly interested in RELIXIV for “Wheelz,” which is the top track on the album and one of Overkill’s best songs, sort of akin to Judas Priest’s “You Got Another Thing Coming” (not that it sounds like that song).

In an interview Ellsworth seemed to write-off RELIXIV for its dubious production, which the band did themselves. I personally don’t have a problem with it because the instruments are all clear, the mix is fine and the guitars are crushing, albeit raw and thin. My only issue is that the production is so one-dimensional the album becomes mind-numbing after about 4-5 songs. But, again, I don’t have a problem with it, perhaps because I appreciate bands experimenting with their sound so their recordings don’t come across as “same old, same old.”

The punkish “Old School” is probably the most popular song and became a live staple. It’s sort of a joke song, but one that’s actually good with a fun sing-a-long chorus. Who says Overkill can’t be lighthearted and amusing? The catchy “Bats in the Belfry” is the next most memorable track, although it’s not on the level of “Wheelz.” The opener “Within Your Eyes” begins akin to “For those about to Rock We Salute You” before it morphs into pummeling thrash with great groovin’ post-chorus followed by a mind-blowing lead solo by Dave Linsk (easily Overkill’s all-time best lead guitarist). “Play the Ace” features a start/stop riff and stands out due to its Bon Scott-ish attitude. “Love” is quirky with a notable chorus. “A Pound of Flesh” is mind-numbing thrash with a catchy instrumental breakdown.

The other three songs are decent, but rather forgettable: “Loaded Rack” is kinetic with some interesting riffs; the energetic “Keeper” is thrashy with a cool opening and relatively hooky chorus; and the solid “The Mark” is mostly memorable for fading out with a curious blues metal sequence.

While RELIXIV may not stand with Overkill’s top albums (e.g. THE KILLING KIND, FROM THE UNDERGROUND AND BELOW and KILLBOX 13), it’s not one of their worst either. It’s somewhere in the middle — a solid release with a few highlights.

GRADE: B