← Back

Overkill

by Motorhead

Released: March 11, 1979

Heavy metal

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Overkill" is the second studio album by the British rock band Motörhead, released in 1979. The album is known for its fast-paced, high-energy sound and the raw, unbridled power of the band's performance. The title track, "Overkill," is one of Motörhead's signature songs and has become an anthem for the band.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It features a relentless and thunderous bassline by…

It features a relentless and thunderous bassline by Lemmy Kilmister, the founder and frontman of Motörhead, along with the distinctive drumming of Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor and the gritty guitar work of "Fast" Eddie Clarke.

The album also includes other standout tracks such…

The album also includes other standout tracks such as "Stay Clean," "No Class," and "Metropolis," each contributing to the album's reputation for its speed, aggression, and no-nonsense approach to rock and metal.

"Overkill" played a crucial role in shaping the…

"Overkill" played a crucial role in shaping the speed metal and thrash metal genres that would emerge in the following years.

Its impact on the heavy metal landscape, combined…

Its impact on the heavy metal landscape, combined with Motörhead's influential sound and attitude, has solidified the album's place in the history of rock and metal music.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Motorhead - Overkill

Open in Albums Gallery

Now

Legacy

It is widely regarded as a seminal work in the heavy metal genre and a definitive album in Motörhead's discography. "Overkill" remains a classic and a testament to Motörhead's enduring legacy.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Overkill" is the second studio album by the British rock band Motörhead, released in 1979. It is widely regarded as a seminal work in the heavy metal genre and a definitive album in Motörhead's discography. The album is known for its fast-paced, high-energy sound and the raw, unbridled power of the band's performance.

The title track, "Overkill," is one of Motörhead's signature songs and has become an anthem for the band. It features a relentless and thunderous bassline by Lemmy Kilmister, the founder and frontman of Motörhead, along with the distinctive drumming of Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor and the gritty guitar work of "Fast" Eddie Clarke.

"Overkill" played a crucial role in shaping the speed metal and thrash metal genres that would emerge in the following years. Its impact on the heavy metal landscape, combined with Motörhead's influential sound and attitude, has solidified the album's place in the history of rock and metal music. "Overkill" remains a classic and a testament to Motörhead's enduring legacy.