The Sweden Rock Festival is in full swing, and the legendary thrash metal band OVERKILL is taking the stage by storm 🌪️. But, you might be wondering, what’s going on with the band’s lineup? 🤔 Well, let us fill you in on all the juicy gossip 🍿. It seems that longtime guitarist Derek Tailer is sitting out the current tour for reasons that have not been disclosed 🤐. But don’t worry, the show must go on, and OVERKILL is performing as a four-piece, with Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth on vocals, Christian Olde Wolbers (ex-FEAR FACTORY) on bass, Jeramie Kling on drums, and Dave Linsk on guitar 🤘.
As it turns out, OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni is taking a break from touring due to some physical issues 🤕. He recently had surgery on his shoulder and is still recovering 🏥. But, being the trooper that he is, Verni is still writing new music and is expected to join the band in the studio soon 🎸. In fact, he’s already demoed out most of the new album, and it’s just waiting for Ellsworth to add his magic ✨. Verni told The New York Hardcore Chronicles Live! that he’s just trying to avoid having to get a shoulder replacement 🤣, which is fair, because who wants to go through that? 🤷♂️.
Meanwhile, Christian Olde Wolbers is filling in for Verni on bass, and he’s doing a great job 🙌. This isn’t the first time Olde Wolbers has helped out OVERKILL, as he previously filled in for Verni on a North American tour with KING DIAMOND 🤘. And, let’s not forget, OVERKILL also recruited ex-KREATOR bassist Christian “Speesy” Giesler for some European shows 🇪🇺. It’s like they say, “the show must go on,” and OVERKILL is not letting a little thing like a bassist’s shoulder surgery get in the way 🎭.
But wait, there’s more! 🤔 OVERKILL is working on a new album, and it’s expected to be released early next year 📆. Ellsworth told SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk” that the songwriting sessions are going great, and they’re looking to record the album soon 🎧. Verni also confirmed that he’s still a full-fledged member of the band and is writing new music 🎸. So, fans can expect more of the same thrash metal goodness that OVERKILL is known for 🤘.
In other news, Jeramie Kling is the band’s new drummer, and he’s doing a fantastic job 🥁. Kling has a long history of playing with various metal bands, including VENOM INC., FORE, RIBSPREADER, GOREGÄNG, and NECROMANCING THE STONE 🤘. He’s also a recording engineer, producer, and live sound engineer, so he’s a multi-talented dude 🎧.
So, there you have it, folks 🎉. OVERKILL is still alive and kicking, despite some minor setbacks 🤘. They’re still thrashing, still touring, and still making new music 🎸. And, with a new album on the horizon, fans have a lot to look forward to 🎉. So, go ahead and get excited, because OVERKILL is back and better than ever 🤘! 🎸🔥💥
And, check out the photo of the Sweden Rock Festival lineup below 📸:
