ANNIHILATOR
Ballistic, Sadistic SILVER LINING MUSIC
Canada’s thrash battalion still replenishing its ranks
AS RECENT RELEASES by Overkill and Destruction have proved, the members of thrash’s old guard who have consistently and prolifically added to their catalogue are attaining a new level of respect and acclaim for their efforts. Jeff Waters and his hired hands are another to add to that list, with a glut of celebrated touring over the last few years putting many of their more revered peers in their place.
Invigorated by a line-up that was either still in nappies or not even born when Annihilator’s debut landed in 1989, album number 17 follows on from 2017’s For The Demented in being full of energetic abandon while still having the astute frontman reining it in. As such, from the opening notes of Armed To The Teeth onwards the record harks back to the old school in terms of both feel and subject matter, but with Waters’ meticulous attention to detail ensuring every double kick and impressive lead is airtight in its delivery.
Though Waters has never been the genre’s best vocalist, there are hooks everywhere you care to look, with the high-tempo hair metal bent of Psycho Ward hitting a guilty mark, and Out With The Garbage and The Attitude’s snotty insolence both delivered with conviction that’s crucially backed up by some startling guitar work.
The full-throttle I Am Warfare’s breakdown – complete with machinegun fire and shell explosions – passes despite its heavy nod to a certain war-themed thrash classic, while Riot
inescapably has a whiff of Bullet For My Valentine’s clanger of the same name. The melodic flourish that interrupts the mid-tempo chug of One Wrong Move and Lip Service’s regal twin leads add more dimensions to the full-on thrash assault, before The End Of The Lie closes the alum with a suitably galloping flourish. Those familiar with Annihilator’s recent output won’t be surprised by another solid showing from the Canadian crew, while the uninitiated can use Ballistic, Sadistic as a worthy introduction. ■■■■■■■■■■
FOR FANS OF: Overkill, Gama Bomb, Megadeth
ADAM REES