One of the true 'defenders of the faith' when it comes to the heavier metal, the most requested and revered guests in the history of "Jim Haggerty's Rock N Roll Party" return with another rocking record.

What's great about Overkill is their Motorhead-like tendency to evolve, yet not to change, per se. Overkill 1999 is worlds away from Overkill 1989, but Overkill is Overkill is Overkill. And what's great is that age and time have not softened the band one iota. Necroshine is as decimating a metal record as they've ever done.

Kicking off with the brilliant title track the record never lets up or slows down. Propelled by the constant songwriting team of D.D. Verni - with his ever thumping, clunking bass bottom - and, of course, the nicest guy in metal, Bobby 'Blitz' Ellsworth - who has maintained one of the most recognizable and unique voices in the metal world - Necroshine is chock full of REAL metal. When you're listening to songs like "Forked Tounge Kiss" and "Let Us Prey," you know you've got 100% genuine metal in your stereo. And it is heaven.

Necroshine is filled with energy and breakneck pacing, probably due to a rather intense period in the band-members' personal lives. They use their aggression in the music and it works. The only drawback is that the songs here aren't all as grabbing and memorable as they need to be. Granted, the songs will tend to grow on you once you've heard it a few times, but it feels like the energy was put more into the performances rather than the writing. The track that sticks in memory best is "Black Sunshine" with its anthemic, almost sing-song chorus. Its great, because its one of the few places on Necroshine where Ellsworth and Verni explore something new to the band, and it clicks.

But even though there's not that much that we haven't heard before, its a total Overkill record played for maximum impact with complete angst and trademark fervor. What makes Overkill great are their dedication to what they are and the satisfaction with it that doesn't have them chasing bizarre trends and alienating their fans. Its that obvious comfort they have with themselves that allows them to make a straight-out Overkill record that kicks your ass without any apologies, explanations, or alterior motives. As I said, Overkill is Overkill is Overkill. And if it were any less, I'd be pissed.

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