Taking Over is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Overkill, released in March 1987 through Atlantic and Megaforce Records."Over Kill;". metallipromo.com. Retrieved June 15, 2014. The album is Overkill's last to feature drummer Rat Skates, who left the band later in 1987 and was replaced by Sid Falck. It was also the first to be released through Atlantic, who would release all of the band's albums up to W.F.O. (1994).
Touring and promotion Overkill toured for less than a year to promote Taking Over. In March–April 1987, they opened for Helloween on their Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I tour in Europe, and supported Megadeth on their Wake Up Dead Tour in May–June. Overkill then headlined their own shows in July–August, with Testament opening.
"Wrecking Crew" and "In Union We Stand" have been played live at almost every Overkill show to date,"Wrecking Crew by Overkill Song Statistics". setlist.fm. Retrieved December 27, 2013."In Union We Stand by Overkill Song Statistics". setlist.fm. Retrieved December 27, 2013. with the former being considered one of the band's signature songs, as well as being the title of their official website (wreckingcrew.com).
Reception
John Book at AllMusic gave Taking Over four stars out of five, saying "This New York band got a lot of attention with this album, although looking back at it, the vocals of Bobby 'Blitz' Ellsworth are somewhat dreadful compared to how they sound now." The album was Overkill's first to chart on the U.S. Billboard 200, reaching No. 191"Taking Over - Overkill | Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved December 27, 2013. and remaining on that chart for a week; it remains the band's second lowest chart position to date.[ "Overkill - Chart history"]. Billboard. Retrieved June 11, 2014. In 2005, Taking Over was ranked No. 450 in Rock Hard magazine's book The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time.
Track listing
Personnel Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth – vocals D. D. Verni – bass Bobby Gustafson – guitars Rat Skates – drums
Additional personnel Overkill – production Alex Perialas – engineering, mixing, production Tom Coyne – mastering Stephen Innocenzi – mastering (CD edition) Jon Zazula – executive production Bill Benson – cover painting
Charts Chart (1987) Peak position
References