Throughout their career, they have released outstanding albums filled with technique and virtuosity. Jeff Waters, the guitarist, and currently the vocalist, is the mastermind behind this group, a guitar and production enthusiast who, from a very young age, began studying to become one of the best guitarists in the scene, if not the best.
In 1989, Waters and the company released “Alice In Hell,” an album that surpassed bands like Testament, Megadeth, or even Metallica in terms of technique. The album was highly innovative due to its excellent technical execution.
What can we hear?
If we could define this album with one word, it would be precision and technique. Every guitar riff and solo is very purposeful and complex. Playing them in 2022 remains a real challenge. The album is fast and powerful, but it is meticulously planned to breathe and keep the listener expectant of what’s coming.
An important note about this work is that it is credited with all the band members, but it was only recorded by Jeff Waters on guitars, bass, mixing, and production, Randy Rampage on vocals, and Ray Hartmann on drums. The three of them brought to life a musical masterpiece: the bass takes on a prominent role when needed, the guitars are forceful and harmonious, featuring classical guitar fragments like in the intro “Crystal Ann” or clean guitars in pleasant passages like in “Alison Hell” or “World Salad.” The drums are always present with impressive precision, considering the fewer resources available for correcting such details at that time.
Randy Rampage’s vocals fulfill their role well. However, over the years, he did not establish himself as an iconic voice in the genre or even as a band emblem, as the band has changed vocalists several times.
Jeff Waters' emblem
With this album, Jeff Waters debuted as one of the best guitarists in Thrash Metal, also becoming one of the most underrated. Currently, mainstream audiences consider guitarists like Dave Mustaine or Kirk Hammett as the thrash masters. However, Annihilator’s lack of commercialization has kept them in a more underground position, making them one of the less-known bands in the scene.
The guitar harmonies on this album are truly spectacular, as heard in the solo of “Schizos (Are Never Alone),” which, despite its speed, has a very interesting harmony arrangement. The tempo changes and silences make this album a work of art that requires careful attention. While not tedious, it does feature many very interesting details. Listen closely to “Ligeia” for a perfect example.
Despite its technical touches, this work has a significant influence from blues rock, similar to bands like AC/DC. Jeff Waters even mentions that his guitar playing style is more akin to Angus Young (AC/DC) than to high-caliber guitarists like Jeff Loomis (currently with Arch Enemy).
A must-listen for all Thrash lovers
Undoubtedly, this album is a gem that stands up to, or even surpasses, albums like Megadeth’s “Rust In Peace” or Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” For a proper listen, it is highly recommended to pay close attention, especially to the powerful guitar and bass arrangements by Jeff Walkers. Annihilator proudly represents Canada, a country full of resources for creating art and living from it.
In ‘Alice In Hell,’ Jeff Waters played a pivotal role not only as a guitarist but also took on the responsibilities of bass, mixing, and production. How do you think his multifaceted role influenced the album’s sound and overall impact? Additionally, how does this album showcase Jeff Waters’ contribution to the Thrash Metal scene? Leave us your comments! Leave us your comments!
