The Electric Age cover

The Electric Age

Overkill · 2012

50 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and intricate solos that epitomize the thrash metal resurgence of the early 2010s.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Electric Rattlesnake — This track features aggressive rhythms paired with intricate guitar work, encapsulating the band's signature energy and lyrical themes of defiance.
  • →
    Drop the Hammer Down — With its anthemic chorus and driving tempo, this song exemplifies Overkill's blend of melody and aggression, making it a standout for live performances.
  • →
    Old Wounds, New Scars — This track dives into themes of resilience and reflection, offering a deeper lyrical narrative alongside a powerful instrumental arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album features strong riffs and solos typical of thrash metal, with some dynamic shifts but maintains a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing slightly in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, shifting from aggressive sections to more melodic interludes, creating dynamic contrasts.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with intensity
  • cathartic release through aggression
  • dynamic progression with resolution
  • gritty themes reflecting urgency

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer laid-back listening
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2012, The Electric Age marked Overkill's 14th studio album, coming after their successful release Ironbound in 2010. This album continued to solidify their presence in the thrash metal scene, showcasing their ability to evolve while retaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Testament· Anthrax· Megadeth

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Come and Get It 6:18
  • 2 Electric Rattlesnake 6:20
  • 3 Wish You Were Dead 4:19
  • 4 Black Daze 3:55
  • 5 Save Yourself 3:44
  • 6 Drop the Hammer Down 6:25
  • 7 21st Century Man 4:13
  • 8 Old Wounds, New Scars 4:12
  • 9 All Over but the Shouting 5:30
  • 10 Good Night 5:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata