Is For the Demented a good place to start with Annihilator?

Yes, For the Demented is recommended as a starting point for new Annihilator listeners. Aggressive riffs and frenetic solos collide with dark narratives, embodying thrash metal's relentless energy and Annihilator's technical prowess. For the Demented is Annihilator's 16th studio album, released after a decade of fluctuating lineups and evolving musical styles. Following the release of their previous album, Suicide Society in 2015, this record marked a return to a more aggressive sound reminiscent of their earlier work while showcasing the band's enduring influence in the heavy metal scene.

Who is For the Demented for?

For the Demented works well if you're into steady mid-tempo aggression, immersive psychological exploration and intense riffs for focus.

How many songs are on For the Demented?

For the Demented has 10 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

For the Demented

Annihilator · 2017

48 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

Aggressive riffs and frenetic solos collide with dark narratives, embodying thrash metal's relentless energy and Annihilator's technical prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Twisted Lobotomy Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its frantic pace and intricate guitar work, capturing the essence of Annihilator's style.
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For the Demented — The title track showcases both lyrical depth and dynamic shifts in tempo, blending aggression with melody and highlighting the band's signature sound.
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The Demon You Know — With its memorable chorus and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies the balance between accessibility and technical complexity that defines the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines technical skill with varied song structures, making it a solid entry in Annihilator's discography.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature aggressive tempos and complex guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several songs incorporate tempo changes that shift from fast-paced thrash to slower, more melodic sections, creating dynamic contrasts.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo aggression
immersive psychological exploration
intense riffs for focus
relentless energy throughout
engaging narrative progression

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer lighthearted listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Reaffirms Annihilator's relevance after a decade of fluctuating lineups.
Themes: mental health struggles· twisted narratives
Career context: For the Demented is Annihilator's 16th studio album, released after a decade of fluctuating lineups and evolving musical styles. Following the release of their previous album, Suicide Society in 2015, this record marked a return to a more aggressive sound reminiscent of their earlier work while showcasing the band's enduring influence in the heavy metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Megadeth· Metallica· Slayer