Overkill in Austin

About Overkill

Overkill is a thrash metal band from New Jersey that's been consistently loud since 1980. They're one of the few bands from the original wave who never broke up, which says something about their work ethic if nothing else. Their sound is straightforward thrash with the kind of production that lets every guitar riff land hard. Bobby Blitz's vocals are an acquired taste—aggressively nasal, impossible to ignore. Albums like Ironbound and Feel the Fire showcase a band that never got precious about their formula, just kept refining the brutality. They've released enough records to fill a decent-sized discography, and most of them don't embarrass them. Overkill exists in that sweet spot where they're respected enough by metal heads to keep touring constantly, but unknown enough to a general audience that their shows feel like they're for people who actually care about thrash metal. They treat every venue like it matters.

Overkill shows move. No tuning breaks, minimal talking, just sustained aggression for ninety minutes. The pit is serious but not violent. Blitz's voice cuts through everything live. These crowds are there specifically for this band, not just passing through.

Known for Rotten to the Core, Ironbound, Mean, Green, Killing Machine, Come and Get Me, Infectious

Overkill + Austin

Overkill rolled into Come and Take It Live in September 2017 and tore through fourteen songs like they had something to prove. The Jersey thrash legends opened with "Mean, Green, Killing Machine" and kept the momentum relentless—"Rotten to the Core," "Electric Rattlesnake," and "Hello From the Gutter" came early, establishing the kind of controlled chaos Overkill does better than almost anyone. Deep into the set, they hit "Wrecking Crew" and "Ironbound," songs that showcase why four decades in, they still matter. The closer "Fuck You" was less a song title and more a statement, the kind of final word that made sense in that room.

Overkill in Austin News

• Actress Zoe Kravitz has told Austin Butler what she reckons is the true meaning of Pearl Jam's name, and he looks pretty shocked Louder · Aug 21, 2025
• MAIDEN TO MAKE BRIEF RETURN TO THE USA ON MAIDEN ENGLAND TOUR 2013 INCLUDING A MAJOR EVENT IN SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA! Iron Maiden · Aug 22, 2024
• THE METAL ALLIANCE TOUR, FEATURING OVERKILL, ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER TOUR DATES Eddie Trunk · Jun 15, 2017
• Scarlett Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock, is the main villain in Minions. CultureMap Austin · Jul 10, 2015
• Testament, Overkill, Flotsam and Jetsam + 4ARM – 2013 Must-See Metal Concerts Loudwire · Jan 19, 2013

Live Music in Austin

Austin's live music ecosystem has always been more country and indie-rock focused, but the city's venues have long accommodated metal and thrash when the right bands came through. There's a hardcore contingent here who appreciate technical musicianship and relentless energy—the kind of crowd that shows up for Overkill because they respect the craft, not because it's trendy. It's not New York or LA, but Austin's music community understands that good heavy music deserves a stage.

Austin road trip to see Overkill?

Stay in East Austin, where you'll find better restaurants and a neighborhood that actually feels alive. Dinner at Suerte—confident, creative food in a space that doesn't try too hard. During the day, wander the galleries and vintage shops along East 6th, or head to Zilker Park to sit with a coffee and watch Austin be itself. If you've got time, catch live music at Mohawk or Hotel Vegas—smaller rooms where you can see how Austin's songwriting community actually operates. The city's best asset isn't any single thing; it's the density of good people doing interesting work.