Texas-based metal warriors OVERT ENEMY are set to shake the foundations of the metal world with the release of their brand-new single, “The Truth,” dropping October 4, 2024. The politically charged anthem is the first track from their highly anticipated album, Insurrection, set for release on September 26, 2025. “The Truth” is a visceral, hard-hitting statement that captures the band’s relentless energy and their unflinching perspective on the state of the world.
“The Truth” combines searing riffs, thunderous grooves, and the standout vocal performance of bassist Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz, whose impassioned chorus drives home the song’s message of defiance against systemic oppression. With politically charged lyrics and a relentless sonic assault, the track channels the frustration of the masses, delivering a modern metal anthem for resistance.
“‘The Truth’ is the last song completed for our new album. We didn’t intend to pen our generations protest anthem but after a couple decades of non-stop war, domestic surveillance programs, unending political corruption, genocide, censorship and a global pandemic…it wrote itself but took for-FKN-ever to finish. Leo’s always dumping riffs into our “riff box” so the ideas that made it into ‘The Truth’ were marinating for a few years. Rob had a couple sets of incendiary lyrics that we combined in the studio at the end of the album sessions. The magic part happened on the final day of tracking vocals when we convinced Slayerella to get in the booth and do the chorus…absolute chills we had no idea she could do that.” the band shares.
Alongside the single, OVERT ENEMY has released a stunning lyric video directed by Ven Scott (Runescarred/VS Filmworks), featuring custom artwork by Santiago Yanez, the artist behind the visual concept for Insurrection. The video delivers an equally striking visual companion to the song’s hard-hitting message, immersing fans in a visceral experience.
“The Truth” is the first taste of what’s to come on Insurrection, an album that promises to be the band’s most ambitious and diverse work to date. While thrash metal is at its core, the record explores broader sonic landscapes and more complex songwriting, with “The Truth” offering a glimpse of OVERT ENEMY’s politically-charged edge.
About OVERT ENEMY:
Formed in 2013 in the heart of Mission, Texas, OVERT ENEMY has become a formidable presence in the global metal scene, known for their raw intensity, technical precision, and relentless pursuit of musical evolution. What began as a tribute to SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman quickly grew into something much larger, as the band developed their own unique sound, blending Texas groove with thrash metal’s speed and aggression. Drawing influence from titans like SLAYER, PANTERA, FEAR FACTORY, and SEPULTURA, OVERT ENEMY has crafted a musical identity that pays homage to these greats while pushing the boundaries of modern metal.
At the core of the band’s sound is a dedication to the power of the riff. Whether it’s the crushing, groove-laden guitar work or their innovative dual-lead guitar harmonies, OVERT ENEMY delivers a high-energy, brutal assault that fans of traditional thrash, groove metal, and even modern progressive metal will appreciate. Their triple vocal approach, featuring vocals from Leo Ortiz, Laura Ortiz, and Robert Hahn, sets them apart from many other bands, giving them a diverse range of vocal textures that perfectly complement their hard-hitting instrumentation.
The band’s journey has been fueled not only by their passion for music but also by a deep sense of resilience. Despite personal challenges—including Leo “Lizard” Ortiz’s battle with chronic back issues, Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz’s triumph over cancer, and other life-altering obstacles—the members of OVERT ENEMY have continually pushed forward, proving that their commitment to their craft is unwavering. This tenacity is reflected in their live performances, which have earned them the admiration of heavyweights like MAX CAVALERA of SOULFLY, DINO CAZARES of FEAR FACTORY, and ICE-T of BODY COUNT. OVERT ENEMY has also built a cult following through their tireless dedication to engaging with fans, using every opportunity to connect with their audience on and off stage.
The band’s early work, including the critically acclaimed Inception EP (2018) and Possession EP (2019), laid the groundwork for what was to come, demonstrating their ability to blend thrash’s raw energy with groove metal’s more deliberate, headbanging pace. Their commitment to the old-school metal ethos combined with a modern, forward-thinking approach has made OVERT ENEMY one of the most exciting underground metal bands in the post-pandemic era.
While thrash metal certainly runs through their veins, OVERT ENEMY refuses to be confined by genre. The release of Insurrection marks a new chapter for the band, as they delve into broader sonic landscapes and thematic complexity. The album reflects their growth both musically and personally, touching on themes ranging from personal struggle and mental health to global political unrest and conceptual sci-fi narratives. Every track offers something unique, showing the band’s ability to experiment with diverse sounds and ideas without losing their aggressive edge.
Outside of the studio, OVERT ENEMY has built a reputation as a DIY powerhouse, handling much of their own production, marketing, and fan engagement. Their strong DIY ethic has earned them endorsements from leading brands like Sawtooth Guitars, Emperor Cabs, FU-Tone, and GODPS Music. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the band has used their time wisely, staying connected with their fans through live streams, social media, and consistent content releases. Their music has also found its way into independent films, further expanding their reach beyond the metal scene.
As they look to the future, OVERT ENEMY remains committed to creating music that not only reflects their personal experiences but also resonates with fans around the world. They are driven by faith, family, and a passion for their art, and they continue to be a beacon of the metal resurgence, blazing their own trail in the genre.
OVERT ENEMY is:
- Leo “Lizard” Ortiz – Guitar/Vocals
- Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz – Bass/Vocals
- Robert Hahn – Guitar/Vocals
- Saul Castillo – Drums
Album Credits:
- Produced by: Joshua Lopez (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN), Leo Ortiz & Robert Hahn
- Recorded at: Widowmaker Studios, McAllen, Texas
- Engineer/Mixing/Mastering: Joshua Lopez
- Album Cover Art: Santiago Yanez
- Album Formats: Digital, CD, Vinyl
Connect with OVERT ENEMY and learn more at overtenemy.com.
Track Listing:
- Resinated
- No One Left to Die
- The Truth
- Bleed Like I Do
- Psychotic Episode
- Go Hard or Go Home
- Eradication
- Fire in the Skies
- Insurrection
- Even Murder