This is the band’s third album, released back in ’93, and more line-up changes were incoming. The most notable of which is future Dream Theater drummer, Mike Mangini occupying the drum stool.
The opening tune and title track is awesome. The fade in guitars with that killer riff is a total winner. Mangini is earning his money with the second track No Zone, as the pounding commences right from the off. Jeff Waters is the technical riff king!!! Bats In The Belfry has a killer eerie intro, and the riff and groove in the hook is superb. Knight Jumps Queen is my favourite track as the riff is just superb, in fact the whole song has a great vibe. Don’t Bother Me is so Hot For Teacher by Van Halen, but sped up. Brain Dance is a speed metal masterpiece, and math metal before it was a thing. It has so many differing tempos and grooves.
Annihilator are one of those bands that should have been bigger than they were. Just can’t put your finger on why not!
9/10 from The Grooveman.
