Most under-rated metal band ever...

Annihilator

If you know me then you know I am a fan of all types of music, especially metal. I'm gonna bring to light a band that up until last year that I had heard of but had never heard. The band is Annihilator from Canada. I came across a collection of their music from a friend of mine at work who told me to give them a shot as he was aware of my motto when it comes to metal, "the heavier, the better!". The band features guitarist Jeff Waters and he is the lifesblood of this project. He is, by far, one of the greatest metal guitarist that has ever shredded a fretboard. The band are known in the music industry as pioneers of thrash metal and are often referred as influences to many of today's younger metal generation of bands. Annihilator formed back in 1984 and have been putting out great metal ever since. I only wish I would have given them a chance all those years ago when I first heard the name. How would I describe them? Try mixing Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Testament and you might be able to imagine the sound that is Annihilator. In my research of Annihilator's history and origins I have come across one particular subject that comes up over and over. Jeff Waters is a friend to the fans of Annihilator. I have not come across one story of Waters being an ass or a jerk. I come across countless tales of how he is completely friendly and takes time to talk to people when he is off stage. For that reason alone I must say I regret not trying to catch a live show by them years ago. My buddy Renfro likes to rates albums and I'm gonna take a page from his book and list Annihilators works over the years and give a top 5.
Here is a list of Annihilator's albums:

Studio albums
Alice in Hell (1989)
Never, Neverland (1990)
Set the World on Fire (1993)
King of the Kill (1994)
Refresh the Demon (1996)
Remains (1997)
Criteria for a Black Widow (1999)
Carnival Diablos (2001)
Waking the Fury (2002)
All for You (2004)
Schizo Deluxe (2005)
Metal (2007)

Here is my top 5:
1. Alice in Hell. This album was the beginning of a beautiful start. Incredible guitar playing and catchy riffs. This is a must own.



2. Never, Neverland. Album #2 and this is no sophomore slump. Waters and crew continue where they left off on Alice. Shred + Thrash = Classic

3. Schizo Deluxe. I realize that most fans regard the first three albums as the best of the best but Schizo and All For You hit me just right. Schizo has vocalist Dave Padden and for some reason I really dig his vocals.

4. All For You. This album may have turned off a few fans with the introduction of Dave Padden on vocals, but I love it. Great music and great mix of thrash and metalcore. Probably the most commercial album they have ever released.



5. King of the Kill. Jeff Waters does the vocals on this one. Great album, great sound. Thrashtastic!



I really wanted to add more than a few videos but when I was surfing youtube there was a ton of good stuff and it became very hard to pick and choose. I recommend checking out his NAMM show videos and his Hughes and Kettner amp demo tour. His interaction with the fans is a testament to his talent and true appreciation of his fans. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the new Annihilator album due out in late May of this year. Enjoy!

Counts, this is for you:
Ipod jam
Annihilator (of course)
Alice in Hell