If you haven't got clue who DD VERNI is, you have not been following one of the longest lasting Thrash Metal bands from the USA. He is with OVERKILL, where he wields the bass guitar, is one of the writers in the band. In fact, together with Bobby “Blitz” Elsworth, they are the onlly two original members to still be in the band. But he also does some stuff on his own. In 2018 he released a solo album called “Barricade”. 2021 was the year that he followed that with “Let's Rattle”, whilst using the moniker DD VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND. Now, on July 26th 2024, he has given us the joy of his second solo album. The title is “Dreadful Company”, and this review should be able to shed light on the fact if this is a proper name for the album.

Oh, DD VERNI solo does not play Thrash Metal. No, he is into and originally from the New York Punk Rock scene. You will be thinking of bands like THE RAMONES, MANITOBA'S WILD KINGDOM, but also BAD RELIGION and BLACK TRAIN JACK. I for one love this kind of music, as it will pick you up when you feel down. It will put a smile on your face if you think you are going to have one hell of a bad day. And that is just the music speaking to you right there.

As for the songs themselves, they are direct lyrically, with all kinds of issues passing by. And I have to say, DD VERNI is hitting everything on the head with a vengeance. He is taking no prisoners. If you dopn't understand what he is singing you are lacking the basic knowledge of the English language. Not one word is too difficult to grasp, and he is making sure you know what he means. On top of that he is playing everything himself, except for the drums and using some guest guitarists. That makes “Dreadful Company” even more impressive in my book.

So, back to the question if DD VERNI was right to name this album “Dreadful Company”. Well, if you listen to the lyrics, you could be right on several occasions, as some of the topics raised address just that issue. Musically is awhole other ball game. Not only does this Punk Rock album make me happy, the songs are all full of the right amount of quality. So, if you are an OVERKILL fan, you might want to give this a listen. But if you are a Punk fan, you really have to listen to this one. And if you like it, go back in time and find his first solo attempt. I haven't heard it myself, but according to a lifelong OVERKILL fan I know, it is even better than this one. You might just be in for a treat.