Although “The Big Four” (Slayer, Anthrax, Metallica and Megadeth) represent the ’80s thrash metal era for the history books, many of the bands that ruled their regional scenes are still active. Testament, Exodus, Death Angel and Nuclear Assault are among the bands that burst forth from nightclub dominance to national prominence during that scene’s golden era and continue to headbang, but if we’re talking New Jersey, then we’re talking Overkill. Uncompromising for the duration of its nearly 40-year career, Overkill has come to represent what grass-roots thrash is all about to fans that want their metal fast, loud, aggressive and rebellious.

Overkill formed before any of the Big Four did, with members finding common ground in punk and the extreme hard rock that was evolving into thrash metal. Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth snarled more than he sang, his high-register vocals indicating how AC/DC singer Bon Scott might have sounded in a speed metal band. Ellsworth’s voice has held up, enabling Overkill to enjoy a resurgence in the 2010s that found the band’s last three albums charting in the Billboard 200. Those albums have been critically acclaimed as well, making it all the more appropriate that Overkill headlines this year’s 20-date Metal Alliance tour.

Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq, 7 p.m. Sept. 24, starting at $25 plus fee, 18+. 702.862.2695