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Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium |
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Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium |
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ANNIHILATOR: Metal |
| Cover |
Release |
Style |
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2007-04-16 | thrash metal |
| Label | ||
| SPV / Steamhammer | ||
| Website | ||
| www.annihilatormetal.com | ||
| Contact | ||
| - | ||
| Playing Time | Cat. N° | |
| 55:03 | 98012 CD / 98010 2CD | |
| Review by / Translated by | Rating | |
| Vera | 9/10 | |
| nederlands | Review | |
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For many years Jeff Waters is the mastermind of Canadian thrash formation Annihilator. Again and again this inventive musician surprises us with albums that can be labelled as energetic thrash metal for the greatest part, but they always include any surprises. This simply called ‘Metal’ has some great background stories as well. We start at the time of the writing process. Last years were not that easy for Jeff, but instead of talking with everybody about his problems (for instance with label AFM), he focused himself on composing to utter his pent-up rage. When Waters was ready with ten cool compositions, singer Dave Padden and drummer Mike Mangini were invited and the album was completed. But even a famous musician leaves the house from time to time. Jeff Waters was invited to a party of a great American label and he met a large number of friends/musicians. Many of them appeared to have admiration for Jeff’s work for many years. He liked to invite them all to contribute on his newest album. Everything was reconsidered and that’s why you can hear fantastic guest appearances on all of the ten new tracks. Detailed information can be found at the track list; here we go for a general impression. ‘Metal’ has the real, undisputable Annihilator sound, despite of all these different contributions and that’s fine. It did not end up being a straight thrash metal album, but there is space for all styles of metal. It is an open question if this is due to the guest appearances. I don’t think so, for every Annihilator album included a few deviating songs. This time, the second song ‘Couple Suicide’ is the different one, it is sung by Danko Jones and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy). Danko wrote the lyrics and this song leans to (alternative) rock. There is even a track where Jeff does the lead vocals himself, the vehement ‘Operation Annihilation’ with Mike Amott on guitars. For the rest it is great to headbang on the cutting ‘Downright Dominate’, the melodic ‘Clown Parade’ and the firm ‘Chasing The High’ that showcases a surprising calm turn to slower pacers. Highlights are numerous, but I select a few. ‘Haunted’ seems like a “two in one” song. It starts and ends ultra tight, but the long centrepiece is totally different and really amazing. Also ‘Kicked’ has a guitar sound that you do not immediately identify with an Annihilator record. The solid mid-paced rock of ‘Detonation’ reminded me of Black Sabbath, until the roared title if you know what I mean. In brief, this is an essential album in every Annihilator collection or even in every metal collection. Soon they embark for a European tour with Trivium. Do not miss this unique chance, for Canada is not nearby. The limited edition includes a bonus “best of” CD and a trailer of the ‘Ten Years In Hell’ DVD. |
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Clown Parade ft. Jeff Loomis (Nevermore)
(5:13) |
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| Discography | ||
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Last updated:
12/04/2007 . |
