Why?: I bought this with five other CDs for $10 at a second-hand stall at a market. For that price I was willing to buy a few things on a whim, and late 80s metal was on my mind.
Tell me more!:
I'm faintly surprised to see that Annihilator are still around, although I read they did basically disband in the early 90s as did so many "hair-metal" bands of the era. This album is apparently highly influential in Canadian metal circles.
Certainly the music is riffing is fast and furious, this is good thrash. Riffing is fast and complex, songs have quiet instrumental parts, build ups, huge duelling solos. The vocals are a little too thrash for my liking, the band being closer to the punkier Anthrax side of metal. Lyrics are spat, with occasional high screams. I'm reminded of early Metallica (Kill 'Em All and their early covers), with higher vocals, less melody.
I really enjoy the classical acoustic intro song Crystal Ann, followed by the hilariously punny title track Alice In Hell, and very Metallica "W.T.Y.D." (Welcome To Your Death). But by the time I get to "Burns Like A Buzzsaw Blade" I'm getting bored. Variety in style isn't easy to find on this album, and it outstays its welcome quickly.
Interesting enough, excellent riffing, but not melodic or vocally varied enough to keep my interest.
4/10
