Annihilator--Carnival Diablos

Annihilator--Carnival Diablos (2001/Metal-Is) Rating--8.7

An interesting lineup change, as former Overkill guitarist Joe Comeau joins the band--as the vocalist. The results are just fine, however, as Comeau is a natural at the job, sounding like a mix between Fight-era Rob Halford and guys like T.J. Berry (Catch 22) and Wicked Angel's lead singer. Musically, this disc rips. Shredding, old-school thrash is well represented, and there are splashes of various other metal styles as well. A very satisfying ride.
A host of songs lead the way as solid fare, including "Denied," "The Perfect Virus," "Insomniac," "Epic of War," and the two mega rip-fests "Battered" and "The Rush".
"Time Bomb" provides a doomsday chug-march for a change of pace, and speaking of changes, check out "Shallow Grave". I'm not sure if the band actually set out to pay homage to Bon Scott, but the track is pure, nasty, and cranking old-school AC/DC, with rough Annihilator distortion. Nice!!
TRACK LIST: Denied/The Perfect Virus/Battered/Carnival Diablos/Shallow Grave/Time Bomb/The Rush/Insomniac/Liquid Oval/Epic of War/Hunter Killer

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