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The Grinding Wheel Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: The 18th full-length release for the New Jersey thrash metal band was self-produced and mixed by Andy Sneap.
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Top Track

Goddamn Trouble
I felt a little better when the sun went down I felt a little taller when I got up off the ground Think I hurt my back when reaching for the top This... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 80
    It’s on par with recent great stuff by Testament, Exodus or Death Angel. It’s another excellent addition to the already impressive Overkill discography.
  2. Mar 9, 2017
    80
    Grinding Wheel never feels like anything less than vital. Overkill, or to be more specific, founding vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni, have been at this racket for nearly four decades now, and the fact they're continuing to dial up the intensity instead of resting on their considerable laurels is impressive, to say the least.
  3. Mar 9, 2017
    70
    “Our Finest Hour” is a speedy thrasher about being able to accept yourself in new situations. Actually, Overkill did just that with “Shine On,” which features fresh areas of groove, dynamics and lyrical contemplation.
  4. Kerrang!
    Mar 9, 2017
    60
    While the album does lose focus at times, loosening its initial invigorating grip, the jovial bounce of Let's All Go To Hades is a surefire live hit when you've had a few pints. [11 Feb 2017, p.52]
  5. 50
    Almost every song plods along for six minutes or more. It’s punishing. The beauty of middleaged Overkill is that they weren’t middle-aged Metallica. Sigh.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of