Oh sweet memories... 'Never, Neverland' (1990) was one of the first thrash metal albums that reached my ears. After that, it's been ups 'n' downs for Canada's Annihilator. Some of the stuff should have been released under a different moniker. Yep, that applies totally to 'Remains' (1997). So, how is Annihilator's 12th album 'Metal'?

Annihilator is axeman Jeff Waters. His leads and tricks are still amazing, a real joy to listen to. But, his riff pen has become rather blunt by now. He is once again recycling his own stuff heard on previous albums (check out 'Chasing the High'), plus 'Detonation' is a dreadful Black Sabbath rip-off. It all feels too safe on most of the songs. Mr. Waters has stopped being very adventurous, except on his solos and a few exceptions here and there ('Chasing the High's fantastic slow melodic part is a fine example). Another problem is the vocals, for third time sung by Dave Padden. His voice is nasal, and he's not a skillful singer. He's just not offensive, not even when he does shouting. At times, his voice sounds like it was corrected by utilizing auto-tuning! True, Padden has a unique voice, but I've never gotten into it, and probably never will. Not that I can't listen to Annihilator releases he sings on, but he definitely is my least favourite Annihilator vocalist.

Seriously, I gotta stop waiting for another 'Never, Neverland', even though 'Operation Annihilation' takes me away to that album's mood for a short time. Plus Jeff himself handles the vocals with passion on it and Michael Amott's (of Arch Enemy) lead work is unforgottable, really fine. It is the lead guitar parts that rock on this album; Nevermore's Jeff Loomis (on 'Clown Parade') and In Flames' Jesper Strömblad (on 'Haunted') are worthy of mention of many a visitor appearing on 'Metal'. Too many times a song sounds dull until the soloing commences, 'Army of One', 'Detonation' and 'Kicked' are examples of this. Only 'Chasing the High's high speed dirt and nice melodic part saves the album from total nose-dive after 'Haunted'. 'Couple Suicide' featuring Danko Jones (yep, you read it right!) and Angela Gossow of Arch Enemy is the most unlikely Annihilator song on offer, but actually is a small gem.

Soundwise this is modern. A bit too refined for my liking, missing edges. It's all very clear, but feels like something is missing. That something could be the real kick to the balls one's expecting from a metal album. Mike Mangini (World's Fastest Drummer Champion & Current World Record Holder in five categories) handles the drums. He is fast, he is precise, but maybe not too adventurous during most of the songs. But Annihilator has always been precision-metal, right?! But the biggest problem is the plastic drums sound.

Lyrically, Mr. Waters deals with his own experiences in music business and life, then there's his favourite theme: Madness. Plus drugs, relationships, human stupidity... Jeff's lyrics taste life. So basically they are good and they're bad. Just like life. The Gyula Havancsák cover artwork is really cool (minus the advertising part of the booklet...). And the special edition's glittering digipak looks fantastic. The special edition bonus CD includes 11 songs from Annihilator's SPV/Steamhammer era albums. Nothing new for the Annihila-followers.

'Metal' is an album, that I like and I don't like. Definitely enjoyable for a big part, but sameness to the previous albums, and the vocalist issue weight heavily on the other end of the scales. Annihilator has always been an important band for me, and 'Metal' doesn't topple them from that position. 'Remains' almost did. When I'm in need for some Annihilator, I can easily pick up 'Metal' and spin it for some headbanging action. It still feels cosy, because as I mentioned; Annihilator = Jeff Waters.

Rating: 6½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
06/23/2007 16:27