Criteria for a Black Widow

Criteria for a Black Widow is a work on which Annihilator, using sharp chopping riffs, dramatic sudden developments and precise guitar work, builds extremely tense thrash metal. That Randy Rampage, the vocalist of the debut Alice in Hell, returned also drew attention among fans. The songs, while technical, keep their weight firmly on heavy groove and aggressive drive. From the aggression of the opener “Bloodbath” and the drama of the title track “Criteria for a Black Widow” to cuts like “Back to the Palace” and “Sonic Homicide,” the songs are full of a sharp tension evoking the early madness. “Schizos (Are Never Alone) Part 3,” a sequel to the debut, is also included. The contrast of fine phrase exchanges and greatly undulating rhythm makes the album truly exciting. Its appeal is showing sure playing matured through the 1990s while also holding a back-to-origin element toward the early classic style. On which intelligence and roughness contend head-on, it is a record in Annihilator’s manner. With Rampage’s return, it is a powerful, fulfilling thrash-metal work that delighted longtime fans — a tension-filled record.