Annihilator--Criteria For a Black Widow

Annihilator--Criteria For a Black Widow (1999/Roadrunner) Rating--8.2

Good, no-nonsense, old school thrash, as the band returns to its roots. Fast, rapid, and tight, and power-packed with the classic Bay Area sound (yes-- I know the band originated in Canada). A splendid return!
The thrashing and groovy "Back to the Palace" sets the pace early, and is followed by "Punctured" and its rolling and nasty chorus. The title track features some nice melodic rhythms, while "Double Dare" is solid as well.
A fast pace highlights "Loving the Sinner," and a flowing groove puts on the exclamation point. The band also hearkens back to its 'Alice in Hell' days, as it continues the "Schizos" rip-fest with "Schizos (Are Never Alone) Part III".
Top-notch, old-school thrash; a nice trip back to the sound of the scene when it was first exploding---but with an updated feel and energy source. Kudos to Jeff Waters!
TRACK LIST: Bloodbath/Back to the Palace/Punctured/Criteria For a Black Widow/Schizos (Are Never Alone) Part III/ Nothing Left/Loving the Sinner/Double Dare/Sonic Homicide/Mending

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