The Wings of War
Overkill · 2019
56 min · 11 tracks · thrash metal
A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and aggressive rhythms, embodying the essence of classic thrash metal with modern precision.
Top tracks — play these first
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Last Man Standing — This opening track sets a fierce tone for the album with its driving rhythms and powerful vocals, encapsulating Overkill's signature blend of aggression and melody.
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Believe in the Fight — An anthem of resilience, this track features uplifting lyrics paired with high-octane instrumentation that highlights the band's ability to inspire through music.
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A Mother’s Prayer — This poignant song diverges from typical thrash themes, offering a reflective and emotional narrative that showcases the band's lyrical depth and versatility.
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Batshitcrazy — With its frenetic pace and chaotic energy, this track stands out as a quintessential example of Overkill's ability to blend humor with intensity in their songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong thrash elements with intricate riffs and solid production, appealing to genre fans.
What we noticed
- The first four tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with complex guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, while the fifth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
- Several tracks feature dual guitar harmonies that create a dense soundscape, characteristic of thrash metal.
- The album includes multiple tempo changes within songs, shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, heavier breakdowns.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- aggressive energy for workout sessions
- cathartic release through intensity
- celebration of resilience and defiance
Maybe skip if you
- seeking calm and gentle sounds
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Wings of War is Overkill's nineteenth studio album, released in 2019, following their 2017 effort, The Grinding Wheel. At this point in their career, Overkill was solidifying their legacy within the thrash metal genre, showcasing both consistency and evolution in sound as they continued to attract a dedicated fanbase.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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A Mother’s Prayer
The lyrics shift from personal reflection to a broader commentary on hope and perseverance amidst adversity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Last Man Standing 5:49
- 2 Believe in the Fight 5:03
- 3 Head of a Pin 5:56
- 4 Batshitcrazy 4:33
- 5 Distortion 6:09
- 6 A Mother’s Prayer 3:58
- 7 Welcome to the Garden State 4:42
- 8 Where Few Dare to Walk 5:25
- 9 Out on the Road-Kill 4:41
- 10 Hole in My Soul 4:47
- 11 In Ashes 5:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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