Annihilator "Alice In Hell" CD

Annihilator is probably the most inconsistent band in thrash metal history, with a shitload of lineup changes and lots of stylistic experimentation, mostly for the worse. But a downhill slide has to have its roots in a higher plane, and that peak was the band's mighty debut, Alice in Hell. Technical, heavy, dark, and occasionally brutally quick, few other thrash debuts can stand up to it, even to date.
Jeff Waters is pretty much the driving creative force behind Annihilator, considering he's been the only constant member since the band's incarnation. He recorded all guitar parts for this album, as we would go on to do for most of the band's releases. Unlike future albums, however, his playing here is nothing short of inspirational from beginning to end. His riffs are powerful and creative and his songwriting is brilliant. From the flamenco-like instrumental "Crystal Ann" that opens the album to the final crushing riffs of "Human Insecticide," his rhythm work defies convention, effortlessly hopping between clean and distorted riffs and alternating between time signatures almost on impulse. His solos are equally impressive, displaying more melodicism and talent than most of his contemporaries' work.
This album is sometimes criticized because it doesn't rely on pure speed but rather, it incorporates a lot of catchier mid-paced thrash and some clean interludes. Okay, it's not brutal non-stop lightning fast riffage from start to finish, but really, what is thrash without a little variety? The lyrics on the album are also pretty derivative, though cool in their own right. What makes up for them is the presence of one of the mightiest vocalists to ever front a thrash band, Randy Fucking Rampage. His is one of the rawest, nastiest snarls ever to grace a thrash record and he's one of the primary reasons that this album is infinitely superior to most of Annihilator's discography. Sure he's not that great of a singer, per say, but he's a hell of a vocalist. And yes, there is a difference.
This is high quality thrash at it's dirtiest. I've found it technically impressive and highly influential. If you can get past its rough exterior, you might learn to appreciate the tasty goodness within. Highly recommended for thrash fans.

Official promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...