Overkill are already deep into work on their next studio album, with frontman Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth revealing the band could release new music as soon as late 2026.
Speaking during a March 11 appearance on Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM, Ellsworth shared an update on the band’s follow-up to their 2023 album Scorched, which was released through Nuclear Blast.
“I think we’re always working on new music. That’s been the motif since all the way back in the early Overkill days,” Ellsworth said. “You’re always kind of in a writing mode. You’re keeping your eyes open.”
According to the singer, the material is nearly finished musically, with only his vocal work remaining. “It’s pretty much done musically. I have to add a few melody lines and a few harmonies and melodies and a few lyrics here and there,” he explained. “But we’re looking at a ’27 tour [and] maybe a late ’26 release.”
Despite the progress on new material, fans shouldn’t expect to hear it during Overkill‘s upcoming U.S. tour with Testament and Destruction, which kicks off March 14 in Portland, Oregon. “No, we’re not,” Ellsworth said of debuting new songs live. “We’re just gonna get out there on the road and stretch our legs again. It’s gonna feel good.”
The upcoming run will also mark a return to the stage after a long period of inactivity for the band. “I think this period of time and the pandemic were the times that I’ve done the least amount of shows in my career,” Ellsworth added, recalling the early days of playing venues like L’Amours in Brooklyn and clubs throughout Staten Island and New Jersey.
One notable absence on the tour will be longtime Overkill bassist D.D. Verni, who has been recovering from multiple shoulder surgeries.
“D.D.‘s been going through rehab for a long period of time with his shoulders,” Ellsworth said. “I think he’s gone through three operations at this point – two on the right and one on the left, and all three of them are rotator cuff injuries.”
Stepping in on bass will be Christian Olde Wolbers, who previously filled the role during some 2024 performances. “D.D. did some of those shows back then, but this one, it’s just too much,” Ellsworth explained. “He just said he couldn’t do it.”
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