But it’s clear they were somewhat struggling to get back on track with just one guitarist, after spending more than a decade with two. The loss of Würzel meant a return to the classic trio style line-up for the band. It was as if there was no enthusiasm in the studio, maybe a measure of over-confidence. But the fact is that the tracks sound rushed and lacklustre. Exactly why Motörhead fell down so badly remains a mystery. Apart from Eat The Rich, it’s a collection of misaligned songs which never get close to emulating the precision and energy that had made the band such a major global phenomenon. However, it turned out to be something of a disaster.
Rock ‘N’ Roll (1987)Īfter the impressive Orgasmatron, and with ‘Philthy’ back on drums, much was expected of this record. And remember, as Lemmy often said, “We are Motörhead, we play rock’n’roll”. Here are all 23 ranked from worst to best. However, there are certainly a number of landmark records, ones that appealed to punks, metalheads, rockers… something for all music lovers. And not all of the albums are cast iron classics. Overkill have released a lot worse and it is surely less repetitive than more popular albums from the likes of Slayer.Only Lemmy was an ever-present, of course, with 10 other musicians appearing at various stages of the band’s recording career. I wouldn't say the album is great but it is definitely a good time if you like this sort of thing. If you want some good consistent thrash metal, you have came to the right place. It is the albums main downfall, one which I would love to hear fixed. The guitars sound a little thin and the drums have no impact behind them. The sound for this album is a little weak but being an album from 1988, that is to be expected. They rock from start to finish, not caring what gets in their way. Overkill show some skill in these songs, even if they're not very original. I really enjoyed the songs, Hello From The Gutter, Mad Gone World and the seven minute long End of the Line, which features some great guitar playing. It is about as standard as thrash metal will ever get but it is a good fun time whilst it lasts. Under The Influence is the third album to be released by the thrash metal band Overkill.
But it is still a quality 1980's thrash metal album that fans of the genre will enjoy. Ultimately, a handful of mediocre songs and a less than stellar production prevent 'Under The Influence' from hitting the same heights as Overkill's next two albums (1989's 'The Years Of Decay' and 1991's awesome 'Horrorscope'). Highlights include the undisputed Overkill classic 'Hello From The Gutter', 'End Of The Line' (which flat out rocks, despite borrowing heavily from early Metallica and Iron Maiden) and 'Head First'. '.Influence' is a solid slab of fast, heavy and technically accomplished thrash, featuring some brilliant riffs.
Kicking off with the appropriately titled 'Shred'. Released in 1988, the band's third effort 'Under The Influence' remains one of their most popular records. While they may not have achieved the huge success and fame of metal's big-hitters, New York's Overkill have enjoyed an incredibly prolific and consistent recording career that has yet to yield a truly bad album.