Annihilator are putting the “rash” back in “Thrash” for 2020. Their new album, “Ballistic, Sadistic,” is possibly the best of their long careers, finding them in classic form, channeling their peers, influences, and influencees. Think Metal Church, Helstar, Exodus, Overkill, Nuclear Assault, Anthrax, Testament, and 80s Metallica/Megadeth.

The musical and lyrical tone are brashly extroverted, as in-your-face as a lively pit, defiant, aggressive, but never losing the fun, amidst the brutality. Another nice added touch is the occasional clean guitar. These moments don’t break down into lighter-raising, Lionel Ritchie balladry, they just give your neck a moment to rest. It also conveys the sensitive side of Annihilator, as in the song "Lip Service," about giving cunnilingus to a woman he's just met. For the most part, whether chugging, strummed, or arpeggio, the bridge sections are expertly-designed to get your blood pumping.
The subject matter gets dark and occasionally real, but there’s always a sense of a sneer, a leer, or a “fuck-you” smile behind it all. “Psycho Ward,” for example touches on a domestic abuser, but it’s really a mockery of its subject, fantasizing about locking him up in. . . you guessed it. . . a psycho ward. This is a good one, but “I Am Warfare” right after it is even better.
“The Attitude” seems like it’s just OK, until you realize it’s not really intended for your Air Pods at your desk; it’s intended for you to shout “Fuck!” along with the band, while swinging your hair (or your bald head) around.
Whether it’s teen anger or middle-aged frustration, this is a great one to release all of your pent- up frustrations. It’s not all mindless banging, though; this is a solid work of musicianship and riffery, rooted in the present without disrespecting the past. It will scratch your Thrash itch.