OVERKILL Confirms New Album in the Works, Drum Tracks Underway

Thrash metal veterans OVERKILL are actively working on the follow-up to their 2023 album, “Scorched,” with drum tracks currently being recorded despite bassist D.D. Verni’s recent shoulder surgery.

Vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth revealed in a recent interview that the band has completed the demoing process and is moving forward with new drummer Jeramie Kling, who officially joined the group in August 2024 following the departure of Jason Bittner. “We’re demoed out… We’re going to start recording before the first of the year,” Ellsworth stated. “We’ll get some stuff done, I’m sure just the drum tracks; we’re working on those as of right now.” Verni previously indicated that approximately nine to ten song ideas were presented to Ellsworth for development, with a projected release sometime in 2026.

Kling, a prolific drummer and recording engineer, has previously collaborated with bands like Venom Inc. and The Absence, bringing a wealth of experience to OVERKILL. Bittner, who contributed to the band’s last two studio albums, “The Wings Of War” (2019) and “Scorched,” left the band citing dissatisfaction with his role and financial compensation, stating he could earn more playing fewer shows with other groups like Shadows Fall. This change in lineup marks a new chapter for the New Jersey-based thrash metal institution, which has been a mainstay in the genre since its formation in 1984.

Ellsworth emphasized that the songwriting process is proceeding smoothly, stating, “It’s kind of business as usual at this point.” The band plans to continue recording throughout the coming months, with an anticipated release window sometime next year. Nuclear Blast Records, who released “Scorched,” has not yet commented on the upcoming album.

Officials have stated that further updates regarding the album’s progress and release date will be announced as they become available.