Entitled simply "Metal" ANNIHILATOR's umpteenth album makes a clear statement from the off of what to expect. More of the razor sharp guitars somewhere between the heavier end of JUDAS PRIEST and the original breakthrough acts of the thrash genre accompanied by, refreshingly given the current flavor for growlers at the heavier end of rock music, clear, legible vocals and intelligent lyrics. Perhaps more surprisingly though is how well this whole album hangs together given that it features at least one "special guest" on each track and overall more interlopers than the average Registry Office wedding. Initially I was skeptical that JEFF WATERS had discovered a new marketing tool here rather than developed a decent album. My suspicion was rather than the cover album route or "Best Selling Album Title" vol.2, there was a ploy in place here to get sales by bringing in members of a number of newer generation metal band that's selling.

Surprisingly though, the contributing members of IN FLAMES, NEVERMORE, TRIVIUM et al, all fit in nicely on an album that retains coherence despite so many interlopers. "Downright Dominate" featuring ALEXI HAIHO from CHILDREN OF BODOM impresses greatly as does the finale onslaught of "Chasing The High" where LAMB OF GODS' WILLIE ADLER is featured. Actually so much of this is excellent although in picking one above all I'd go for the DANKO JONES and ARCH ENEMY's ANGELA GOSSOW featured track "Couple Suicide". Whether the additional names bring an increase in sales and open up a new audience for the veteran band remains to be seen, but it's one of those albums that does exactly what it's meant to and succeeds in representing within the tracks exactly what the title promises, and actually leaves you wondering whether all the guests were necessary.

- Leslie

OFFICIAL SITE: www.annihilatormetal.com

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