As a long time fan I am pleased to write that Feast is Annihilator's strongest album in years, something I couldn't say about their last two that didn't deliver the goods not like Feast does. Guitarist Jeff Waters who founded the metal group in 1984 hasn't mellowed his approach over time, since the early days with their classic release Alice In Hell Annihilator have recorded so much potent metal and Feast is no exception. Annihilator showed that they were more than a thrash metal group also incorporating other styles such as speed and melodic heavy metal with songs that were quite technical at times.
The deluxe edition features a 3D version of that zombified cover art featuring one of the walking dead feasting on its victims heart. Also included is a bonus disc titled Re Kill with re-recorded versions of many Annihilator classics not a bad extra for a small extra price, especially for newer fans who don't have their back catalogue.
Annihilator still retains their own sound whether it's that distinctive guitar style of Jeff Waters or David Padden's vocal delivery, and you can't forget those extra sometimes quirky touches that come with an Annihilator album. Feast shows the band hasn't really altered their style greatly though those additions or is that Annihifunk on track four "No Surrender" are something new. But reality is that Annihilator remains the band that so many of us grew up listening to, and why would you change your ways when you do it so well.
With more metal hooks on Feast the Canadian thrashers take flight with an Annihilator classic styled speedster "Deadlock". So push up that volume as Waters' is on fire unleashing his blistering speed metal riffs, and showing that he is still a serious talent. Annihilator has the media in its sights with the multi tempo metal of "Smear Campaign", "Fight The World" is one of my pick of the songs on Feast from the extended instrumental beginnings to that pummelling brisk chorus this is traditional Annihilator through and through. Annihilator drop the metal for "Perfect Angel Eyes" the lightest inclusion on Feast and while "One Falls, Two Rise" starts out calm that tranquil state doesn't last long when Annihilator switches to metal mode.
Feast is Annihilator staying in familiar territory and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Track Listing
1. Deadlock
2. No Way Out
3. Smear Campaign
4. No Surrender
5. Wrapped
6. Perfect Angel Eyes
7. Demon Code
8. Fight The World
9. One Falls, Two Rise
Bonus disc: Re-Kill
1. Fun Palace
2. Alison Hell
3. King Of The Kill
4. Never, Neverland
5. Set The World On Fire
6. Welcome To Your Death W.T.Y.D.
7. Nozone
8. Bloodbath
9. 21
10. Stonewall
11. Ultra Motion
12. Time Bomb
13. Refresh The Demon
14. Word Salad
15. Brain Dance