Metal
Annihilator · 2007
58 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal
A relentless fusion of thrash riffs and melodic hooks, showcasing Annihilator's signature heavy metal prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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Clown Parade Start here — This opening track sets a fierce tone for the album, blending intricate guitar work with sharp lyrical commentary on societal norms. Its aggressive tempo encapsulates the band's classic thrash sound.
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Operation Annihilation — With its complex arrangements and dynamic shifts, this track exemplifies Annihilator's technical proficiency and ability to balance melody with intensity. It showcases the band's signature style effectively.
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Chasing the High — This song stands out with its reflective lyrics paired with anthemic instrumentation, highlighting not just the band's musicality but also their thematic depth regarding addiction and desire.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic thrash elements with melodic hooks, showcasing solid songwriting and performance.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features intricate guitar solos and rapid drumming, setting a high-energy tone.
- Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, alternating between aggressive thrash sections and melodic choruses, creating dynamic contrasts.
- The last three tracks maintain a consistent intensity but vary in complexity, with 'Heavy Metal Maniac' serving as a straightforward anthem to close the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- long, immersive listening sessions
- intense focus and engagement
- energetic workout motivation
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reestablished the band's presence after lineup changes, showcasing strong songwriting.
- Themes
- societal critique· addiction struggles· thrash metal resurgence
- Career context
- Released on April 16, 2007, 'Metal' marked Annihilator's eleventh studio album, positioning the band within a resurgence phase after a series of lineup changes. This album followed their 2005 release, 'All for You', and signaled a return to their thrash roots while exploring new musical territories.
Tracklist
- 1 Clown Parade Start here 5:14
- 2 Couple Suicide 3:54
- 3 Army of One 6:01
- 4 Downright Dominate 5:13
- 5 Smothered 5:09
- 6 Operation Annihilation 5:16
- 7 Haunted 8:05
- 8 Kicked 5:56
- 9 Detonation 3:54
- 10 Chasing the High 6:16
- 11 Heavy Metal Maniac 3:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Rust in Peace
Megadeth
Shares aggressive thrash riffs and sharp societal critiques, embodying the same high-energy metal spirit.
The Legacy
Testament
Combines melodic hooks with thrash intensity, reflecting similar themes of personal and societal struggles.
Ironbound
Overkill
Features relentless riffing and a return to thrash roots, resonating with the same energy and lyrical depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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