Brutal Texan thrashers Overt Enemy have shared a new single and lyric video for “The Truth!” 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. returns with their most powerful and aggressive work to date, the new full-length album Insurrection, set for release on September 26, 2025. The Mission, Texas-based band has carved a name for itself in the global metal scene by blending gnarly Texas groove with relentless twin guitar attacks and a triple vocal assault. With Insurrection, Overt Enemy has refined their sound, evolving into a band that draws on the energy of the past while pushing the boundaries of modern metal.

Insurrection didn’t come easy. Originally planned as an EP after the band’s 2019 release Possession, the global pandemic forced the band to pivot, transforming the project into a full-length album. Add to that the personal battles faced by the band members, from Leo “Lizard” Ortiz’s major back surgery to the struggle of keeping momentum during worldwide lockdowns, and you have an album born out of perseverance and pure passion. This is an album about resilience, rebellion, and the power of the riff—because, at its core, Overt Enemy is a riff band, driven by face-melting guitar solos, raw intensity, and unapologetic metal fury.

The band—composed of Leo Ortiz (guitar/vocals), Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz (bass/vocals), Robert Hahn (guitar/vocals), and Saul Castillo (drums)—takes the listener on a sonic journey across Insurrection. The album is anchored in thrash but refuses to be defined by any one style. From the devastating opening track “Resinated”, which blends sinister grooves with epic overtones inspired by Leo’s battles with chronic back pain, to the deeply conceptual “Eradication”, part of a three-song narrative about alien invasion, the record pushes boundaries while staying true to the ethos of the genre.

With the political protest anthem “The Truth”, a track that took years to finalize, the band has created what could be one of the most important protest songs of recent years. Featuring the unexpected vocal prowess of Laura Ortiz, whose performance on the chorus adds a chilling dynamic to the track, “The Truth” channels rage and resistance in a way that feels fresh in today’s turbulent political climate.

Insurrection also features a stellar collaboration with Texas metal veteran Marcos Leal (Swim The Current, Shattered Sun, Ex-Ill Niño) on “Bleed Like I Do”, a track for anyone who has ever dealt with haters or doubters. Leal’s contributions helped break the song wide open, turning it into a dynamic powerhouse that merges melody with pure aggression.

The lyrical content across Insurrection is as diverse as its musical scope. From cautionary tales like “Go Hard or Go Home”, which draws inspiration from ‘90s after-school specials and the dangers of substance abuse, to the intense commentary on the mental health system in “Psychotic Episode”, the band explores real-life struggles alongside conceptual and fantastical themes. In tracks like “Even Murder”, a Stephen King-esque story of a YouTube serial killer manipulating his victims, the band stretches its narrative muscles, blending brutal riffs with dark, yet plausible, storytelling.

The heart of the album is the three-part saga of alien invasion, told through the tracks “Eradication”, “Fire in the Skies”, and the title track “Insurrection”. Inspired by concept albums like Rush’s 2112 and Mastodon’s epic sagas, Overt Enemy tells the story of an alien force invading Earth, eventually leading to a full-scale rebellion. From the technical wizardry of “Eradication” to the battle-ready urgency of “Fire in the Skies”, the narrative builds to the ferocious climax of “Insurrection”, where humanity rises against its oppressors. It’s a sonic assault that’s equally heavy in its music and its storytelling.

The creation of Insurrection wasn’t just a musical journey but also a visual one. The band partnered with Colombian artist Santiago Yanez, who crafted the album’s cover art and a unique illustration for each track, bringing their music to life in a visual form. This art was integrated into the lyric videos produced by Ven Scott (Runescarred/Vs Filmworks), enhancing the storytelling aspect of the album.

For the band members, the making of Insurrection was as much about personal growth as it was about pushing the limits of their sound. “It’s surreal thinking about everything we went through to get this album made,” says Robert Hahn. “Leo could have died on the operating table, and that would have been it. But here we are, with an album that represents the best music we’ve ever created.” The band’s determination shines through every track, from the thrashy riffs of “Eradication” to the melodic complexities of “Bleed Like I Do”, ensuring that no song sounds the same, and no topic is off-limits.

For Overt Enemy, Insurrection marks the culmination of years of hard work, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. As Laura Ortiz puts it, “This album made me grow as a musician, and you can hear it in my playing and in my vocals. It challenged all of us, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved.” For drummer Saul Castillo, who transitioned from drum tech to full-time band member in a matter of months, the experience was equally rewarding.

In a world where fear and division seem to rule, Overt Enemy is not afraid to speak up, to push boundaries, and to deliver metal with a message. With Insurrection, they’ve created a record that is not only a musical triumph but a testament to their resilience as a band. Their story is far from over—this is only the beginning of the next chapter.

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.

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

 

Overt Enemy is:
Leo “Lizard” Ortiz – Guitar/Vocals
Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz – Bass/Vocals
Robert Hahn – Guitar/Vocals
Saul Castillo – Drums