Metal

Metal is the twelfth album on which Annihilator, with sharp riffs and varied developments at its core, powerfully puts forward head-on its deep love for heavy metal itself. Its greatest distinction is that many famous guest musicians participate with guest solos and more. Jeff Waters’s guitar, while technical, always prioritizes the songs’ powerful drive. From the aggression of the opener “Clown Parade” and the drama of “Operation Annihilation” to cuts like “Downright Dominate,” “Couple Suicide” and “Detonation,” the songs take in the gorgeous guests’ character, yet at their core are always strong hooks and aggressive playing. Varied guest solos add flamboyant color to the work. Its appeal is that, while looking back on the band’s long history and love for heavy metal, it never stops at nostalgia, sounding with ongoing, powerful intensity. A pure love for the genre fills the whole. With enjoyable collaboration with a gorgeous guest cast, it is a powerful, fulfilling technical-thrash work — a record packed with love for metal.