Overkill at The Agora Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio on November 6, 2024.
Photos and Review by The Pit Magazine Contributor David Desin Photography
The Agora Theatre, a legendary venue that’s hosted some of metal’s most iconic acts, was set to become the battleground for a double dose of heavy music when Overkill opened up for King Diamond on their highly anticipated tour.
Overkill Brings the Thrash Fury
By the time Overkill hit the stage, the crowd was already primed for a sonic assault and the room was erupting in a frenzy of thrashers and headbangers. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth’s shrill shrieks cut through the air, and the force of Overkill’s signature brand of thrash metal—raw, unrelenting, and brimming with energy—was a perfect warm-up for what was to come.
The Overkill setlist was a ruthless blend of old-school thrash and newer material, with classics like “Elimination,” “Ironbound,” and “Fuck You” proving that they still reign supreme in the thrash pantheon. The relentless double bass of drummer Jason Bittner kept the rhythm tight and propulsive, while D.D. Verni’s bass was a pulsating backbone, providing a groove that was as menacing as it was catchy.
In true Overkill fashion, the band wasn’t just playing songs—they were performing a full-throttle show. The stage presence of Bobby “Blitz” was as commanding as ever, his voice razor-sharp as he prowled the stage like a man possessed. Between the tight, rapid-fire guitar riffs from Dave Linsk , and the precision of Bittner and Verni, the band’s thrash roots were firmly on display. The crowd fed off the energy, raising their fists and headbanging in synchronicity, as Overkill took no prisoners.
Despite their decades of thrash mastery, the band never let up. They had the crowd in the palm of their hands, and they weren’t letting go. Overkill had always been a force to be reckoned with. And with “Fuck You,” the closing song of their set, the band left the stage with one final crushing blow, ensuring that Cleveland knew they had been in the presence of thrash royalty.
Photos by The Pit Magazine photographer David Desin Photography, in Eerie, Pennsylvania. ©2024.
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