Live at Masters of Rock cover

Live at Masters of Rock

Annihilator · 2009

72 min · 14 tracks · heavy metal

A blistering live performance that captures the raw energy and precision of thrash metal's relentless spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    King of the Kill Start here — This track exemplifies Annihilator's signature blend of aggressive riffs and intricate solos, making it a highlight of their live shows.
  • →
    Never, Neverland — The song stands out for its melodic yet heavy approach, showing the band's versatility while resonating strongly with longtime fans.
  • →
    Alison Hell — As one of Annihilator's most iconic tracks, its inclusion serves as a nostalgic moment that connects both old and new fans during live performances.

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 effectively captures Annihilator's live energy and musicianship, appealing to fans of thrash metal.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent setlist of fan favorites, with each track maintaining a high tempo and aggressive energy throughout.
  • The performance includes extended guitar solos that showcase technical proficiency, particularly in tracks like 'King of the Kill' and 'Alison Hell'.
  • Crowd interaction is evident, with the band engaging the audience between songs, enhancing the live atmosphere.
  • The production captures the raw sound of a live setting while ensuring clarity in instrumentation, allowing for intricate details to be heard.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • relentless energy for headbanging
  • dynamic live performance atmosphere
  • wave-like pacing with intensity shifts
  • engaging sing-along crowd moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer soft, mellow sounds
  • want predictable, steady rhythms

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Captures live energy and fan favorites, but not a primary entry or breakthrough album.
Themes
Canadian thrash legacy· live metal intensity
Career context
By 2009, Annihilator had established themselves as a prominent force in the heavy metal scene with their previous album, 'Metal', released in 2007. 'Live at Masters of Rock' showcases their enduring appeal and technical prowess during a resurgence period, solidifying their legacy as one of Canada's thrash legends.
Stylistic neighbors
Megadeth· Metallica· Slayer

Tracklist

  • 1 Intro 1:49
  • 2 King of the Kill Start here 4:43
  • 3 Blackest Day 5:24
  • 4 Operation Annihilation 6:02
  • 5 Clown Parade 4:47
  • 6 Set the World on Fire 5:17
  • 7 I Am in Command 4:41
  • 8 Never, Neverland 5:38
  • 9 Fun Palace 5:39
  • 10 Phantasmagoria 5:07
  • 11 W.T.Y.D. 5:09
  • 12 Wicked Mystic 4:33
  • 13 Alison Hell 6:53
  • 14 Shallow Grave 7:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata