Overkill is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in New Jersey, known for their unique punk-influenced style and longevity. With bassist D.D. Verni and vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth as the only original members, Overkill has maintained a steady presence in the thrash metal scene, alongside bands like Nuclear Assault and Anthrax. Their debut on Atlantic Records in 1986 marked them as one of the first thrash metal acts to sign with a major label, and their album "Taking Over" (1987) solidified their status as part of the genre's mid-to-late 1980s movement. Overkill's subsequent albums, including "Under the Influence" (1988) and "Horrorscope" (1991), continued to chart well, and the band's resurgence in the 2010s with albums like "The Electric Age" (2012) and "White Devil Armory" (2014) has ensured their relevance. Overkill's mascot, "Chaly," a skeletal bat, has become a recognizable symbol of the band's enduring legacy.
