South Texas metal juggernauts OVERT ENEMY have released their explosive new single, "Fire in the Skies," along with a gripping lyric video that captures the chaos and urgency of all-out war. The track is the eighth on their upcoming concept album Insurrection, and it marks the second chapter in a three-song arc chronicling an alien invasion.
"Fire in the Skies" brings a heavy dose of hardcore-inspired riffing and battlefield energy. Originally nicknamed “hardcorish” in demo form, the song pulses with a frantic, boots-on-the-ground urgency. It is a musical call to arms for when the invasion hits home.
“This one’s about the invasion and a Red Dawn sense of urgency,” the band explains. “You roll up to your buddy’s house and you’re like, ‘dude, it’s time to go to war.’ The riffs are definitely hardcore inspired, and we’ve been playing this one live for a while now. We even dropped a live version on our Thunder in the Hill Country album.”
The new lyric video puts a visual exclamation point on the track’s unrelenting pace, pairing the high-octane riffing with images of conflict, resistance, and the looming unknown. Fans who’ve seen the band perform the song live will recognize the energy, but now it’s been captured and cranked up for the studio version.
"Fire in the Skies" continues to unfold the storyline of Insurrection, which lands September 26, 2025.
OVERT ENEMY is hitting the road in support of LOCKJAW on select dates of "The Monster Inside Texas Tour:"
May 23 – Houston, TX
May 24 – Corpus Christi, TX
May 25 – Austin, TX
Tickets Available at: OvertEnemy.com
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 atovertenemy.com.
