OVERT ENEMY returns with their most powerful and aggressive work to date, the new full-length album Insurrection, out now. 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.
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.
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