I have been following Annihilator since hearing Alice In Hell many years ago. This Canadian thrash metal band has quite a list of releases behind them, but has also gone through so many personnel changes. Almost like the Thrash version of Yngwie J Malmsteen's band, as you never know who is going to appear next, though that core sound has remained. With lyrics ranging from topics about devastation and horror, or even humorous songs with food topics such as "Kraf Dinner" and "Chicken And Corn". Plus that distinctive style of founder and guitarist Jeff Waters, staying faithful to the metal fans, Annihilator continues on their path of heavy metal annihilation.
Annihilator's last effort titled Metal was a patchy release at best, even with so many guest appearances; though it wasn't a total train wreck as such 2007's Metal was not one of Annihilator's better CDs. To the present year and once more we are invited to the land of Annihilator, so is the band back on track? I was optimistic especially with this being a self titled release; I thought just maybe they had revitalized their music. As expected Jeff Water's guitar playing is the focal point, and Dave Padden is still Annihilator's vocalist having first appeared on All For You.
My first issue with this album is too much of it just doesn't grab or truly excite me like a good thrash release would, and Annihilator at their best always had plenty of hooks to warrant many repeated listens. Secondly, besides a few times which held my interest I just ended up tuning out, as it's been done before and better by this very band. As for the closing track, I just don't want to hear Annihilator covering a Van Halen tune. Maybe I am being too critical, and I didn't mind a few of the songs like "25 Seconds", "Death In Your Eyes" and "Payback", but Annihilator is a band I have got so much enjoyment from in the past, I just want all their music to continue kicking my ass. I haven't totally given up on this CD, and will continue to listen in the hope that my opinion changes. I doubt it, but time will tell.
Both Overkill and Heathen have returned with two splendid thrash metal albums, but Annihilator trails behind.
Track list:
1. The Trend
2. Coward
3. Ambush
4. Betrayed
5. 25 Seconds
6. Nowhere To Go
7. The Other Side
8. Death In Your Eyes
9. Payback
10. Romeo Delight (Van Halen Cover)
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
