Review Summary: Rust In Peace II
Never, Neverland is a superb album that many missed. Canada has a lot of good music but not aren't particularly known for their thrash scene, however if you hear this album you might just change your mind. This album is nearly unmatched in terms of guitar quality, and bear a sound resembling early Megadeth. Unlike the likes of the big 4 however this band was left behind in the dirt. Forgotten maybe, however if you are one of the lucky few to hear this band then you will certainly not be forgetting it any time soon.
The vocals flow great with the music something most acclaimed thrash bands can’t say for themselves. His voice is really powerful and at times he sounds like a one man gang vocal, shouting and blasting his way through the record.
This album unlike a lot of thrash has more predominate bass. The evidence of more base oriented music is present upon the introduction of the first song ‘The Fun Place’ named appropriately so. The bass is never unheard the whole song, and it adds a great depth to the song. Everything can be heard clearly on this record, rare for an old and thrash record but greatly appreciated. The bass isn’t the only instrument this band can play well though, there also happens to be a little thing called guitar. Riffs, riffs and more riffs are to be found on this album. No matter which song or moment you choose the instrumentation is always top notch. Solos are frequent throughout and they add a lot to the songs and never stray away from the theme of the songs, they keep a similar pattern to the song and never feel irrelevant. Also unlike most thrash records there is a large amount of diversity, no two songs sound a like and they all flow excellently. Occasionally when the band isn't throwing out some fresh and original riffs they utilize softer acoustic passages that often build in a crescendo like nature generally quite heavy in bass. They feel soft but also push with a lot of energy and never feel disjointed, showing they can pull of both sides of the spectrum.
This band is full of charm, atop all of the great riffs. This band shows they don’t take themselves too seriously with the likes of a funny thrash hard hitting song called ‘Kraf Dinner’ displaying the band’s love for the delicious college snack. I couldn’t even make up the stuff on this album if I wanted to, because I sure aren’t as creative or fun as the guys writing this music. It isn't uncommon for the singer to go out on left field and throw in some crazy noises, or fading out laughs, this band is not afraid to claim insanity. Here we have a truly unique thrash album that shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone. Annihilators have everything you could want from a thrash band: attitude and riffs.
