After suffering through Sepultura's latest, 'Roorback' (2003), I had to get some old thrash to heal the wounds of Brazilians' non-metal album. Cure was close, because I'd been spinning it for some weeks. Annihilator's 'Never, Neverland' was one of my first thrash metal experiences.

Annihilator have always been a synonym for "precision thrash/speed". There is nothing sloppy on this album, but still it all manage to sound thrashy, minus some atmospheric parts. Production job is roomy, which also wiped out some rawness for sure. The only thing I can compare Annihilator's sound and style is Megadeth during 'Rust in Peace' (1990), but 'Never...' was out before 'Rust...'. On 'Never, Neverland' Annihilator slowed pace when compared to the debut album 'Alice in Hell' (1989) and mastermind Jeff Waters introduced more melodic and very coherent song writing. Mr. Waters showed incredible guitar playing skill in riffs, solos and melodies. Even his solos are catchier than a really catchy thing! Real guitar magic. Well, Waters has one of the fastest wrists in metal, so of course here's loads of ultra-fast shredding too. His guitar partner on this one was Dave Scott Davis. Wayne Darley's bass is everywhere, so to speak. Drummer Ray Hartmann is fast when needed, and totally accurate.

Mid-paced 'The Fun Palace' gets the album on its way, offering some godly riffs and fantastic melodies. It's clear from the beginning, that music is deep. 'Road to Ruin' and 'Sixes and Sevens' show more bad-ass speed/thrash metal. Video hit 'Stonewall' is my favourite Annihilator song, thanks to its ultimate catchiness and chorus "stonewall - go to bat unless you want to live like that" (what?!?!). And that suffering seagull croaking! 'Never, Neverland' is a haunting piece, at times picking some pace. If you want some warped stuff, then 'Imperiled Eyes' is the thing; its tempo changes and many varying parts will surely lose you off during a first few listenings! More punky speed metal song 'Kraf Dinner' is the album's funny piece, but not playingwise. The most bad-ass songs are placed at the end. 'Phantasmagoria' tears me a new arsehole every time I hear this blasting shredder! 'Reduced to Ashes' and especially 'I Am in Command' tear two holes more..! Album has many moods, which are placed unevenly throughout the album. That doesn't really matter a bit.

I like Coburn Pharr's voice much more than Randy Rampage's. Mr. Pharr hits the right notes with ease and he put his soul into the performance, seemingly living the songs with screams, whispers and such. Usually his voice is raspy, but he also sings some lines with fantastic clean voice. I'm happy to hear, that Waters and Pharr are going to create some more music together! This wouldn't be thrash without angry shouting backing choir, right?! Lyrics are kindly explained on covers by Mr. Waters. Psychological illnesses, drinking and driving, confusion, pollution, evil religious aunt, fear of annihilation, cheese dinner (food was quite regular topic in speed metal, hehe, remember Assassin for example?) and greedy televangelists.

This album is one energetic riff-monster, and not that alone, because the songs are really good. The production sounds old, as it lacks some power, but there's another side to it also and that's a feel of handi-craft. A true classic with no average song in sight. A must for every thrash/speed metal maniac.

Rating: 10- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/27/2005 12:34