Hello from the Gutter

by Greg Prato

Despite releasing albums steadily since 1985, Overkill has never been the subject of a true best-of collection, in which all of their best known studio tracks are neatly compiled. And while the 2002 import double-disc set Hello from the Gutter shows great promise, it ultimately falls short, since quite a few of Overkill's best tracks are included here as live versions. It's not to say that they're not worth hearing, just that when you plunk down the ducats for a compilation, you're expecting the best known renditions to be included. Still, as of the time of this album's release, it is the closest thing to an Overkill compilation out there, as such thrash metal favorites as the title track, "Elimination," "Overkill," and "Fuck You" are all included. Hello from the Gutter will have to do until the chaps at all of Overkill's labels past and present put on their thinking caps and compile a true career spanning set.