Overloaded – Regeneration (Release Year – 2007)
To be honest I put off reviewing Overloaded for as long as I could because the sample clips I had previously heard did not impress me at all. When it came down to crunch time and I forced myself to sit down and give Overloaded a listen I realized what an idiot I was. I’m not sure what I was listening to before but “Regeneration” is loaded with in your face rock from start to finish.
When the first track “What’s In There” kicked off it took me a while to put my finger on who vocalist Chris Gillen reminded me of, so I sit back listened and enjoyed. The song has a great riff from guitarist Erik Kluiber and a ranting chorus from Gillen.
The second track “Obviously Envious” starts off and it hits me Gillen is the lovechild of Kory Clarke and Ron Keel. Which could also explain the heavy Warrior Soul influence or it could be something as simple as both bands are from Detroit. While Overloaded’s songs are not as politically charged Warrior Soul influence is dripping all over this album. If you don’t believe me just give “President’s Day” or “Ride That Feeling” a spin and it will hit you square in the face like a 2×4.
But just when you think you have Gillen figured out he throws everyone for a loop on “Don’t Leave Me This Way” channeling a little Jesse James Dupree. Other songs that impressed me were “Feeling Overloaded”, “Flashy Girl”, and “Try This One On For Size”.
Buyer beware that the band that recorded this album is not the same band you will see live now as Gillen and Kluiber replaced the rhythm section and added a second guitarist in Jan. 08. But “Regeneration” is a strong album with great playing from Kluiber and was an especially pleasant surprise to me when I was expecting the worst. Who said second impressions aren’t important?
Check out Overloaded on their myspace page! You can buy Regeneration at CD Baby.com and NEH Records.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. What’s In There
2. Obviously Envious
3. Feeling Overloaded
4. Presidents Day
5. Ride That Feeling
6. Why Don’t You Love Me Anymore
7. Don’t Leave This Way
8. Flashy Girl
9. Try This On For Size
Overloaded is:
Chris Gillen – Vocals
Eric Kluiber – Guitars
John Sullens – Rhythm Guitar
Michael Massie – Bass
Lorenzo Gonzalez – Drums
I’ve been a fan of Overloaded since about 2005. In my opinion, Hail the Kingdom is stronger than Regeneration, but there are still some strong tracks here. I think “Why Don’t You Love Me Anymore” is one of my favorite songs on the disc, largely in part because it sounds so Jackylish.