review by: Jason Thornberry

Colin Richardson is at the knobs today, and he knows how to make Overkill sound just like the New York thrash band I loved in the late eighties -- most of the time. But singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is blessed (?) with a considerably irritating voice usually, and sometimes he takes it too far (which is defined here as the 5:24 duration of the first track). Still, the presence of the bottom end is one of Richardson’s specialties; just ask Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, Carcass, Brutal Truth, Anathema, Sepultura, or Godflesh.

The bass guitar in particular is the star of Killbox 13, with D.D. Verni’s sound having grown beyond proportion to any of their material recorded “backintheday.” Ellsworth’s voice got on my fucking tits terminally this time round, unfortunately, and I had to switch it off and go outside. I returned hoping to steady my nerves by tuning him out, but by “Unholy” (#9) it was clear that Killbox 13 wouldn’t get repeat spins from me, especially with Blitz-boy attempting to scat sing his way to perdition with loud overdubs leading to the choruses. If this album were available instrumentally I’d probably set up the beginning of “Crystal Clear” as my alarm clock, but otherwise it’s a coaster or my garbage collector can give it a listen. (3/10)