Overkill is an American thrash metal band from Old Bridge Township, New Jersey. Formed in 1980, the group was co-founded by bassist Carlo "D.D." Verni and drummer Lee "Rat Skates" Kundrat, with vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and guitarist Robert "Riff Thunder" Pisarek joining afterwards. The current lineup of Overkill features Verni and Ellsworth alongside lead guitarist Dave Linsk (since 1999) and rhythm guitarist Derek Tailer (since 2001).

History

Overkill was formed in 1980 by D.D. Verni and Rat Skates, with Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and Robert Pisarek joining afterwards.[1] During 1981, Dan Spitz and Anthony Ammendola took over on guitars.[2] In 1982, Spitz and Ammendola were replaced by Rich Conte and Mike Sherry, before Bobby Gustafson took over as the band's sole guitarist before the end of the year.[1][3] After the band released its first two albums Feel the Fire and Taking Over, Skates left in December 1987.[4] He was replaced by Robert "Sid" Falck, formerly of Paul Di'Anno's Battlezone.[5] The new lineup issued Under the Influence in 1988 and The Years of Decay in 1989, before Gustafson parted ways after an argument with Verni regarding an upcoming show he wanted to play.[6] To replace the guitarist, Overkill returned to a five-piece lineup with the additions of Rob Cannavino and Merritt Gant.[7]

During the promotional tour for Horrorscope in 1992, Falck left the band to pursue other musical styles and was replaced by former M.O.D. drummer Tim Mallare.[8] The new incarnation released I Hear Black, W.F.O. and live album Wrecking Your Neck, before Cannavino and Gant were replaced by Sebastian Marino and Joe Comeau.[9] Marino recorded The Killing Kind, From the Underground and Below and Necroshine, before leaving in March 1999.[10] He was replaced by Dave Linsk, who debuted on the covers album Coverkill.[11] After a European tour in early 2000, Comeau left Overkill to join headliner Annihilator as its new lead vocalist, but returned after the remaining four-piece recorded Bloodletting that summer.[12][13] By early 2001, Comeau had left again and been replaced on tour by Derek Tailer.[14]

After releasing Wrecking Everything, Killbox 13 and ReliXIV, Overkill changed drummers in May 2005 when Mallare was replaced by Ron Lipnicki.[15] The new lineup remained stable for over ten years, before the band's road crew member Eddy Garcia temporarily replaced Lipnicki on tour from April 2016, after he was "forced to stay home due to undisclosed family issues".[16] By May 2017, Lipnicki had been replaced on a permanent basis by Flotsam and Jetsam drummer Jason Bittner.[17] The new lineup released The Wings of War in 2019.[18] Bittner departed in August 2024 due to scheduling issues.[19] His replacement was Jeramie Kling (ex-Venom Inc.).[20][21]

Members

Current

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
D.D. Verni1980–presentbass · backing vocalsall Overkill releases
Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworthlead vocals
Dave Linsk1999–presentlead guitar · backing vocalsall Overkill releases from Coverkill (1999) onwards
Derek Tailer2001–presentrhythm guitar · backing vocalsall Overkill releases from Wrecking Everything: An Evening in Asbury Park (2002) onwards
Jeramie Kling2024–presentdrumsnone to date

Former

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Lee "Rat Skates" Kundrat1980–1987drumsall Overkill releases from Power in Black (1983) to Fuck You (1987)
Robert "Riff Thunder" Pisarek1980–1981lead and rhythm guitarnone
Anthony Ammendola1981rhythm guitar
Dan Spitzlead guitar
Rich Conte1981–1982
Mike Sherrylead and rhythm guitars
Joe1982
Bobby Gustafson1982–1990lead and rhythm guitar · backing vocalsall Overkill releases from Power in Black (1983) to The Years of Decay (1989)
Robert "Sid" Falck1987–1992drumsall Overkill releases from Under the Influence (1988) to Horrorscope (1991) · Coverkill (1999)
Rob Cannavino1990–1995lead and rhythm guitar · backing vocalsHorrorscope (1991) · I Hear Black (1993) · W.F.O. (1994) · Wrecking Your Neck (1995) · Coverkill (1999)
Merritt Gant1991–1995
Tim Mallare1992–2005drumsall Overkill releases from I Hear Black (1993) to ReliXIV (2005)
Joe Comeau1995–2000 · 2000–2001rhythm guitar · backing vocalsall Overkill releases from The Killing Kind (1996) to Coverkill (1999)
Sebastian Marino1995–1999 (died 2023)lead guitar
Ron Lipnicki2005–2017drumsall Overkill releases from Immortalis (2007) to The Grinding Wheel (2017) · The Wings of War (2019)
Jason Bittner2017–2024The Wings of War (2019) · Scorched (2023)

Touring

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsDetails
Eddy Garcia2012 · 2016–2017drumsGarcia temporarily replaced Lipnicki on the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise in 2012, and later from April 2016.[16]
Waldemar Sorychta2016lead guitarSorychta stepped in for lead guitarist Linsk on a European tour in late 2016 for undisclosed reasons.[22]
Phil Demmel2021–2023Demmel played one show with Overkill in place of Linsk in November 2021, due to scheduling conflicts.[23] He continued to do so their 2022 spring tour with Prong.
David Ellefson2024bass · backing vocalsEllefson played bass for the band on their "Scorching Latin America 2024" tour while Verni was recovering from shoulder surgery.[24]
Christian "Speesy" GieslerGiesler joined the band for a European tour.[25]
Christian Olde Wolbers2024 · 2026Wolbers joined the band for a North American tour.[26] And again in 2026[27]

Lineups

PeriodMembersReleases
1980–1981rowspan="3"
1981
  • D.D. Verni – bass
  • Rat Skates – drums
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Dan Spitz – lead guitar
  • Anthony Ammendola – rhythm guitar
1981–1982
  • D.D. Verni – bass
  • Rat Skates – drums
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Rich Conte – guitars
  • Mike Sherry – guitars
Late 1982 – December 1987
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Rat Skates – drums
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Joe – guitars (1982)
  • Bobby Gustafson – guitars, backing vocals
December 1987 – late 1990
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Bobby Gustafson – guitars, backing vocals
  • Sid Falck – drums
Late 1990 – March 1991
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Sid Falck – drums
  • Rob Cannavino – guitars, backing vocals
March 1991 – summer 1992
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Sid Falck – drums
  • Rob Cannavino – guitars, backing vocals
  • Merritt Gant – guitars, backing vocals
Summer 1992 – summer 1995
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Rob Cannavino – guitars, backing vocals
  • Merritt Gant – guitars, backing vocals
  • Tim Mallare – drums
Summer 1995 – March 1999
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Tim Mallare – drums
  • Sebastian Marino – lead guitar
  • Joe Comeau – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Spring 1999 – spring 2000
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Tim Mallare – drums
  • Joe Comeau – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Coverkill (1999) – remaining tracks
Mid – late 2000
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Tim Mallare – drums
  • Dave Linsk – guitars, backing vocals
Late 2000 – early 2001
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Tim Mallare – drums
  • Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Joe Comeau – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Early 2001 – May 2005
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Tim Mallare – drums
  • Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Derek Tailer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
May 2005 – May 2017
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Derek Tailer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Ron Lipnicki – drums
April 2016 – May 2017
(temporary touring lineup)
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Derek Tailer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Eddy Garcia – drums (substitute)
  • Live in Overhausen (2018)
May 2017 – August 2024
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Derek Tailer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Jason Bittner – drums
August 2024 – present
  • D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals
  • Bobby Blitz – lead vocals
  • Dave Linsk – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Derek Tailer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Jeramie Kling – drums
  • none to date

References

  1. ^ Leslie, David (May 3, 2008). "Interview with Rat Skates". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  2. ^ Baphomet, Elpida (July 29, 2015). "Tributes: Overkill – Feel The Fire". Metal Invader. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  3. ^ Dovgy, Timothy. "Interview with Bobby Gustafson". Voices from the Darkside. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  4. ^ "Update". Modern Drummer. Vol. 11, no. 12. Cedar Grove, New Jersey: Modern Drummer. December 1987. p. 9. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  5. ^ Coly (July 16, 2018). ""I never really intended to return to the metal scene"". Rattle Inc. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  6. ^ EvilG. "Ex-Overkill Axeman Bobby Gustafson Returns To Metal With New Band Response Negative". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  7. ^ Henderson, Alex (March 16, 1991). "Ch-Ch-Changes". Cash Box. Vol. 54, no. 31. New York City, New York: Cash Box. p. 6. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  8. ^ "Overkill reutgivelser". Eternal Terror. November 10, 2009. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  9. ^ Larkin, Colin (2007). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Bish Bash Books. ISBN 978-1846098567. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  10. ^ "Overkill". metalupdate.com. March 9, 1999. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  11. ^ "Discography". Dave Linsk. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  12. ^ Ehrhardt, Claudia (July 14, 2004). "Overkill - November, 16th 2000 - Bochum (Germany), Matrix". Ice Vajal. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  13. ^ Thelen, Christopher (November 17, 2000). "Overkill: Bloodletting". Daily Vault. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  14. ^ UltraBoris. "Concert Reviews – Overkill". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  15. ^ "It's Official: Drummer Tim Mallare Quits Overkill". Blabbermouth.net. May 13, 2005. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  16. ^ "Overkill Taps Pissing Razors Drummer Eddy Garcia For European Tour, DVD Shoot". Blabbermouth.net. April 16, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  17. ^ "Overkill Joined By Shadows Fall And Flotsam And Jetsam Drummer Jason Bittner". Blabbermouth.net. May 4, 2017. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  18. ^ "Overkill Singer On Lineup Changes: 'New Blood Is A Good Thing'". Blabbermouth.net. October 26, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  19. ^ "Drummer JASON BITTNER Announces His Departure From OVERKILL". bravewords.com. August 5, 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
  20. ^ "OVERKILL Recruit Former VENOM INC. Drummer JERAMIE KLING For Upcoming European Tour". bravewords.com. August 24, 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
  21. ^ "OVERKILL Is 'Writing' And 'Demoing' Material For Follow-Up To 'Scorched' Album". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2025-08-18. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  22. ^ "Overkill Taps Ex-Grip Inc. Guitarist Waldemar Sorychta For European Tour". Blabbermouth.net. November 9, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  23. ^ "Former Machine Head Guitarist Phil Demmel Fills In For Dave Linsk At Overkill Concert: Video, Photos". Blabbermouth.net. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  24. ^ "DAVID ELLEFSON To Play Bass For OVERKILL On 2024 Latin American Tour". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2024-03-11. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  25. ^ "OVERKILL Recruits Ex-KREATOR Bassist CHRISTIAN 'SPEESY' GIESLER For European Shows". blabbermouth.net. September 13, 2024. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  26. ^ "Former FEAR FACTORY Bassist CHRISTIAN OLDE WOLBERS Joins OVERKILL For North American Tour; Video". bravewords.com. October 23, 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
  27. ^ Blabbermouth (2026-01-18). "OVERKILL Recruits Ex-FEAR FACTORY Bassist CHRISTIAN OLDE WOLBERS For March/April 2026 'Thrash Of The Titans' Tour". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2026-01-18.