Watch Rat Skates - Born in the Basement

This engaging documentary about the birth of Overkill and the Thrash scene is told by Overkill's founding drummer RAT SKATES. In 1980, the East Coast of North America experienced a massive culture clash of Punk, Disco, Stoner Music, New Wave and Heavy Metal. Frustrated by this Suburban identity crisis and fueled by "The New Wave of British Heavy Metal", a small group of energetic youths were unknowingly creating the most extreme music ever to assault global eardrums: THRASH METAL. One of the movements' most recognized pioneers was RAT SKATES. This is a drive through his tunnel vision to success, and the philosophy that turned his dreams into reality...THE "DIY" MINDSET! This movie boldly goes well behind the scenes, deep into the NY/NJ cover band circuit and pre-digital tape-trading underground to candidly reveal the hidden hurdles that every young musician must jump in the quest for rock stardom, the passion of their vision, and dedication to their family.