On Immortalis Bobby's voice is a little deeper than usual, a good thing for me, and the band has detuned to match, also a good thing. Overall, this is a pure thrash album that has a classic style, but has bit of a darker edge with the detuning at work. When compared to the other Overkill disk I own, this clearly has the edge. It seems to be a better album all around from production to songwriting to musicianship. I cannot say how it compares to the earlier Overkill output, as I never really listened to it all that much.

This album gets off to a strong start with "Devils in the Mist," a thrash track that lets you know what you should expect from everything else on the album. Speedy riffs, furiosu double bass, and Blitz’s voice soaring in over the instruments dominate the song. The pace never lessens, never lets up, and never lets you catch your breath. The second track, "What it Takes," sees to it that the speed is kept up.

Business really picks up with the third track "Skull and Bones." The song opens with a very heavy riff, accompanied by some fantastic double bass. It gets extra points for Bobby employing a lower vocal register. Then there are always the guest vocals by Randy Blythe (of Lamb of God). It is a strong song with nice vocal interplay and demonstrates just how compatible the old school style of Overkill can mesh with the much more modern stylings of Blythe's delivery. This is quite possibly my favorite song on the disk.

There are other songs to keep an ear on. The mid-tempo "Hellish Pride" provides a great gallop riff, its tempo may be slowed but the thrashy energy is still quite evident. "Head On" opens with a DD Verni (bass) led instrumental before kicking the energy in. There is an interesting progressive thrash bent to "Charlie Get Your Gun" that sounds really good and adds another dimension to the album. To close the album out on a strong note is "Overkill V.... The Brand." I cannot quite put my finger on it, but this song is just cool, I love the guitar sound and the relentless drums.

Bottomline. It is not my favorite thrash album, nor will it be yours. Still, this is undeniably a good album with some strong songs and plenty of catchiness. Those who would be quick to write them off, would be doing themselves a great disservice — something I did for many years. On the strength of Immortalis, I may need to go back and investigate some of their earlier offerings.

Recommended.