The Wings of War are staying sky high

In their long list of impressive discography, The Wings of War will be Overkill’s 19th studio album and 26th overall album including live and compilation ones. With almost forty years under their belts, they continue to prove why they’re one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal bands around. Even with a new member added last year, the band clearly wasn’t fazed and delivered a kickass album.

Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth, the lead vocalist since the band formed, said to nuclearblast that this album, “is something old feeling new again, as our chemistry was altered by the addition of Jason Bittner.” Being the new drummer in a band that has so much history is a tall order to fill, but everyone “embraced the new chemistry.” Honestly, their ability to adapt and appear seemingly unfazed shines through in the album. 

Judging from their last four albums, which have all reached peak chart positions in the United States and many other countries, Overkill shows no signs of weariness. Ultimately, The Wings of War could very well continue the peak chart trend for this band.

From the first track, “Last Man Standing,” fans can hear the familiar fast tempo that’s heavily associated with thrash metal. Also, fans are met with the recognizable vocals of Ellsworth that bring nostalgia because of the history of all the music they’ve produced as well as an appreciation for creating new and different material.  

Being from the East Coast, a lot of fans from Jersey will be particularly interested in this album because the band clearly shows their Jersey pride with the song, “Welcome to the Garden State.” It’s the only song that starts off with a conversation in the beginning and then transitions into a headbanging anthem for New Jerseyans. Throughout the song, references to iconic places, myths and people can be heard and appreciated by folks from the area. Also, the song can really speak volumes to anyone about being proud of their roots and never forgetting where they come from.  

Overall, Overkill clearly knows how to keep their place as one of the top thrash metal bands, and they only seem to be picking up, not slowing down.