I’ve long joked with Blitz that ‘In Union We Stand’ refers to the Jersey city of the same name, a short drive from their old (Bridge?) stomping grounds. However vehemently he denies it, NJ landmarks have once again subconsciously crept into the OverKill lexicon: Ironbound (the restaurant district of Newark that also sports the Devils’ new hockey arena). The fact both rousing 8:14 lead track ‘The Green And Black’ and ‘The Goal Is Your Soul’ begin with DD Verni’s solo bass notes has given way to pre-release Internet buzz claiming there’s an I Hear Black vibe. Incorrect, as the sludgy heaviness of said platter is absent those tracks, as well as anywhere else on Ironbound (brief breakdown on the second aforementioned tune?). If anything, the staccato riffage recalls W.F.O. However, there are fresh elements, albeit subtly, amongst the OverKill trademarks: punk, NWOBHM (soloing and Maidenish guitars of ‘Endless War’), thrash, etc. (Hell, it’s been twenty five years, there’s bound to be some “heard it before” moments). Particularly noteworthy nuances are the almost acoustic/bluesy guitar segment within ‘Ironbound’, a spoken narrative delivery in ‘Killing For A Living’ and the multi-voice ‘Give A Little’ (gang chorus and Danzig crooning). Anyone concerned about Blitz’ voice need only hear the vintage yelps within ‘The Green And Black’ and ‘Ironbound’ to allay such (nonsensical) fears. Speedsters, start to finish? Just a few (Hey, the guys are over 50 now!), try old school metal of ‘Bring Me The Night’, ‘Endless War’, ‘In Vain’ or ‘The SRC’ (Subterranean Resistance Cult). Paradoxically, most come in the later half. Regardless, easily the best OverKill disc of the new millennium!
