Texas thrashers OVERT ENEMY have released a cover of SLAYER's "Angel of Death". The song is from their album Overt Enemy: Official Live Thunder In the Hill Country which will be released on September 22, 2023 via Vault 32 Media/Confused Records.
The band comments: "SLAYER’s classic “Angel of Death” is an undisputed Thrash masterpiece and one of our all time favorite songs to play live. Brilliantly composed by guitarist Jeff Hanneman it manages simultaneously be absolutely brutal and groovy as hell setting the bar for every metal song written after. While initially controversial due to graphic nature of the lyrics it’s actually a grim history lesson about a real monster and atrocities committed during the Holocaust in WWII. We’ve always viewed it as a documentary-style cautionary tale in the same way a band like IRON MAIDEN writes about historic events. George Santayana said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”. The song is a macabre reminder of humanity’s capacity for unimaginable cruelty and how sadistic “scientists” or “physicians” can be if left unchecked."
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1yqZNnNNpA
On March 25th 2023 modern thrash metal outfit OVERT ENEMY performed at the 21st annual "Thunder In The Hill Country" Biker Rally in Bandera, Texas. To celebrate the occasion OVERT ENEMY recorded their entire 75 minute-long set which includes songs from both EP's, their favorite SLAYER covers and three brand new songs from their upcoming album. The live album Overt Enemy: Official Live Thunder in the Hill Country 2023 will be released on Sept 22nd, 2023.
"Unsuspecting victims no warnings, no signs….. That’s a pretty accurate way to describe what went down in Bandera, Texas at the 'Thunder in the Hill Country' Biker Rally. We’ve been chopping away at our new album for a bit, really missed playing live and figured what better way to break in the new guy (drummer Saul Castillo) than to road test some new songs with a bunch of rowdy bikers! So we packed our recording gear into the rental van, grabbed the crew and hit the road for the 'biggest little party in Texas'. Apparently we were the first metal band to play the event in its 21 year history and we kicked off Saturday night's concerts with a proper Texas thrashing…75 minutes of pure face melting aggression….and captured the whole damn thing! Rather than wait for our new album release we thought the longtime OVERT ENEMY family would appreciate some new blood in their ear holes so we had our brother Rob Canales at Red Barn Studios mix the whole set. We appreciate you guys and hope you’ll crank it up in the car or at your next BBQ and have a good time…make sure you stretch your necks appropriately" - OVERT ENEMY
About OVERT ENEMY:
Emerging from the vibrant culture and sweltering heat of Mission, Texas, along the volatile US/Mexico border, OVERT ENEMY has made their mark with a relentless thrash metal onslaught since their inception in 2013. Creating a unique style "Modern Texas Thrash," the band harnesses a dual-guitar and vocal attack, coupled with thunderous drums, groovy basslines, and thought-provoking lyrics. Musically influenced by metal titans like SLAYER, PANTERA, SEPULTURA and FEAR FACTORY, they have carved their own path in the genre. The band is deeply impacted by their community. This vibrant tapestry of culture and conflict fuels their music with authenticity and vivacity that echo far beyond the Texan border, solidifying their position in the New Wave of Thrash Metal (NWOTM) and as one of the top underground bands to watch post-pandemic.
Epitomizing a DIY ethos and staunch professionalism, OVERT ENEMY has risen as a vital player in the metal community, fostering positivity and unity through their music and actions. Their journey began as a tribute to SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman, and they have since transformed into a global thrash metal powerhouse. Their dedication to fan engagement and community enrichment, as well as support for charitable causes, is testament to their values. Such commitment has earned them endorsements from leading names like Sawtooth Guitars, Emperor Cabs, FU-Tone, and GODPS Music, and a growing engaged fan base spanning over 100 countries.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with praise from metal icons like Max Cavalera who hailed them as 'Grade A Texas Thrash', and winning the appreciation of metal elites like Ice-T, Brian Posehn, and Charlie Benante. With two critically acclaimed EPs and their music featured in multiple independent films, regular rotation on Sirius XM Liquid Metal, Internet and FM Radio, OVERT ENEMY's influence continues to expand. Despite adversities faced by individual band members, including health issues and personal setbacks, the band displays a remarkable resilience that embodies their music. As they step into 2023 with renewed vigor, their upcoming live album and studio album, Insurrection, the band is primed to explode. OVERT ENEMY continues to lead the thrash metal resurgence, shaping a new era of metal music on their own terms, fueled by their resilient spirit, fan-focused approach, and an unyielding commitment to their craft.