Under the Influence is the third studio album by thrash metal band Overkill, released on July 5, 1988 through Megaforce Records and Atlantic Records."Over Kill;". metallipromo.com. Retrieved 2015-12-27. This was Overkill's first album to feature drummer Sid Falck, who had replaced Rat Skates when the latter left the band in 1987 during the Taking Over tour.

Touring and promotion Overkill toured for six months to promote Under the Influence, touring alongside thrash acts Nuclear Assault, M.O.D., Destruction and Testament. From October to December 1988, the band toured the United States with Slayer and Motörhead, followed by a European tour with Slayer and Nuclear Assault, which took place in January 1989.

Reception and legacy

Jason Anderson at AllMusic awarded Under the Influence three stars out of five, calling it "another confident, if unremarkable Overkill recording", while listing "Overkill III (Under the Influence)", "Shred", "Never Say Never" and "Hello from the Gutter" as highlights. The album reached No. 142 on the U.S. Billboard 200"Under the Influence - Overkill | Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 2015-12-28. and remained on that chart for thirteen weeks, making it Overkill's longest Billboard run.[ "Overkill - Chart history"]. Billboard. Retrieved 2015-12-28. It is also their third highest-charting album to date, with over 300,000 copies sold worldwide as of 1997.Nalbandian, Bob (1997). "Interview with Bobby Blitz". HardRadio. Retrieved 2014-01-03.

In 2021, Simon Young of Kerrang! included the album on his list compiling "50 of the worst album covers ever".

Track listing

Personnel Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth – lead vocals D.D. Verni – bass, backing vocals Bobby Gustafson – guitars, backing vocals Sid Falck – drums

Additional personnel Overkill – production Alex Perialas – engineering, production Rob Hunter – engineering assistance Michael Wagener – mixing Lori Fumar – mixing assistance George Marino – mastering Jon Zazula, Marsha Zazula – executive production Dan Muro, Pat Calello – art direction Rich Larson, Steve Fastner – cover illustration

Charts Chart (1988) Peak position Finnish Albums (The Official Finnish Charts) 10

References