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Annihilator (band)
Encyclopedia
Annihilator is a Canadian heavy metal
band hailing from Ottawa
, Ontario
, also from Vancouver
, British Columbia
between 1987-2002 by founding member, vocalist, guitarist and bassist Jeff Waters
. The band has been around since 1984 and is the biggest selling heavy metal artist from Canada in history, yet most of the sales have not been in the band's home country. Dave Padden
joined Annihilator in 2003 as lead vocalist and has continued his career with the band since, as rhythm guitarist/vocalist.
, Ontario
, Canada
by Jeff Waters in 1984. He wrote and recorded the song "Annihilator" (different to the track of the same name released on the 1994 album, King of the Kill
) with singer John Bates
. This original version of "Annihilator" was released on the special edition of the 2005 album Schizo Deluxe
.
Waters and Bates then recruited drummer
Paul Malek and bassist
Dave Scott. This lineup lasted a year and a demo titled "Welcome To Your Death" was produced during this time. Attention worldwide was given to this demo and it was a sought after/highly acclaimed cassette demo tape. After John Bates and Dave Scott left the band (before the WTYD demo was released and citing "artistic differences" and "personality conflicts"), Jeff Waters and drummer Paul Malek recorded the well-known demo titled "Phantasmagoria, in 1986. This was said to be the 3rd most-traded cassette tape in metal in the 80's, along with Metallica and Megadeth's demos. Some tracks written at this time, by Jeff Waters and John Bates, ended up on Annihilator's first 2 official studio cds (Alice In Hell and Never, Neverland).
A 3rd demo was recorded by Waters/Malek in 1987 and was sent only to labels. It included songs that would end up on the first 2 Annihilator studio cds. Waters relocated to Vancouver
in 1987, where he assembled a whole new line-up, including former D.O.A.
bassist Randy Rampage, on vocals.
The band took the metal scene by storm with their debut 1989 release "Alice in Hell
", with reported sales in the hundreds of thousands upon release. Annihilator embarked on their first world tours and, after a succesful tour with Testament in the USA and Canada, singer Randy Rampage quit the band to retain his seniority at a job in North Vancouver, working on the shipping docks. Without a singer, Jeff Waters found ex-Omen singer Coburn Pharr and the band surprised even their label by releasing Never, Neverland, a cd with sales that quickly surpassed the debut. After tours with Judas Priest, Pantera and headline tours around the world, the band was dealt by Roadrunner Records to Sony USA. The 3rd release from the band in 1993 "Set The World On Fire" did well in Europe and Asia but was not as well received in the USA. Roadrunner Records (and most other labels) dropped many metal acts that year and Annihilator was dropped. While most late-80’s era metal bands disappeared, Annihilator went on to forge 10 more studio CDs, DVDs and live releases, all consistently selling well in Europe/Asia and some (like "King Of The Kill 1995 and 2010's self-titled release) had very impressive sales figures.
Annihilator has been touring Europe and Asia constantly since 1989. Despite no touring, proper releases, virtually no press and label interest in Canada and the USA, Annihilator has become the biggest selling Canadian Metal band of all-time, yet sales in the millions are mostly due to Asia and Europe. Most of Annihilator's catalogue cannot even be found in the band's home country of Canada. Jeff Waters was quoted saying "I live a few blocks from the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. One day, a few years ago (2005) I contacted the Entertainment editor by email and introduced myself, gave him links to our web site and info, and asked if he might spare a few minutes to talk with me about the band (as I live a few minutes walking from his office). He told me to mail him a cd and he would consider reviewing it. He didn't. It actually made me a bit sad, as I have been waving the flag for Canadian metal and Canadian music for over 21 years abroad and also have sold more than any other metal band from this fine land. Yet I could not even get a review or interview with our nation's capital newspaper, when local artist's with no deal and no cd releases, were actually getting full page/front page stories. The last thing I needed was coverage in Ottawa but I thought, out of principle, I should try. Shot down in flames! ha!"
In 2007, Annihlator released the cd titled "Metal". It's ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (long-time vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). Metal also features sensational performances by some of metal’s finest players and Annihilator’s good friends, like Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom), Danko Jones (Danko Jones), Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Corey Beaulieu (Trivium), William Adler (Lamb Of God), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Jesper Strømblad (In Flames), Steve ´Lips` Kudlow (Anvil), Anders Bjørler (The Haunted), Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Extreme, Annihilator), Jacob Lynam (Lynam) and more.
"If you pick up only one metal cd this year, pick this one up! If it wasn't for Annihilator, there wouldn't be an In Flames." - Jesper Strömblad (In Flames)
"I listen to Jeff's new Annihilator cd 'Metal' in my car while zipping my son, Justis, off to high-school each morning. He puts it in the cd player and shows me all his favorite spots; it makes me proud that he digs good metal!" - Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
"Annihilator's ‘Metal’ is, and will live on as, a classic record." - Willie Adler (Lamb Of God)
"The whole concept of the album is definitely fun and you don't have to be a guitar player to enjoy it either. It's Annihilator, it's Metal. End of story." - Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom)
"With all the guests on the new Annihilator album, 'Metal', it's obvious how much of an influence Jeff Waters has had on musicians everywhere. Now it's time for the next generation to find out how great this band is." - Danko Jones (Danko Jones)
Jeff Waters has been cited by a vast majority of metal musicians worldwide as an influence on their own music. Artists from bands as diverse as 3 Doors Down, Slipknot, Nickleback, Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, In Flames, Danko Jones, H.I.M., Children Of Bodom, Trivium and many more acknowledge either being influenced by Waters' writing or guitar playing or simply just being a fan of the band or his guitar playing. Most all agree that Annihilator and Jeff Waters have had a huge influence on the metal scene while receiving little credit in the USA and Canada for this.
The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists is a best-seller book by British author Joel McIver, released in 2009. It cites Jeff Waters as the 3rd best guitar player. Jeff Waters is also commonly described on the internet as the most under-rated guitar player and metal songwriter of all time. These are mostly from North American media outlets and postings however European and Asian metal fans, press and metal forum's have been very familiar with Annihilator and Jeff Waters' work since the 80's to present. He is also compared often Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters as being a genius multi-instrumentalist and writer.
Jeff Waters is reported to have written many "hit" songs for other artists, under an assumed name, in the country ballad and pop ballad genre.
Waters has frequently changed Annihilator's line-up throughout its run. In the early days of Annihilator, a stable line-up was a goal of Jeff Waters, however members leaving due to family issues, substance abuse and work commitments left Jeff Waters seemingly always searching for replacements. In fact, Waters had taken on the role of guitar player, bass player, engineer, producer and writer, almost from the very first years of the band. After some time, Waters decided to embrace the idea of working with as many other musicians as possible, attracting the likes of some of the world's greatest musicians (ex. Mike Mangini -drummer for Annihilator, Steve Vai, Dream Theater
, Extreme) and Waters performed all the bass guitar on all Annihilator cds as well as guitars, vocals and engineering, mixing, producing and mastering duties. Jeff Waters performed as lead vocalist for 3 cds and on the songs "Holding On" from 2004's All for You
, "Too Far Gone" from the 2005 album Schizo Deluxe
and "Operation Annihilation" from 2007's Metal
.
Watersound Studios Inc. has been Waters' studio since 1994, recently (2003) relocated from Maple Ridge, BC to Ottawa, ON. A well-known and sought-after mixing engineer, engineer, producer and mastering engineer, Jeff Waters continues to thrive with Annihilator in Europe. The latest Annihilator cd, 13th studio release and self-titled, has been the band's biggest selling cd in a decade. Touring and audience attendance has grown dramatically for Annihilator in the last 4 years, bringing the band in front of massive crowds at summer festivals and headlining tours.
Annihilator has "returned" to Canada for 2 live shows; the first time the band has played live in North America since 1993. On July 10, 2011, Annihilator headlined the Quebec City Imperial Theatre to a sold-out crowd and there was close to 700 people that could not get in the packed venue. Annihilator played the main stage (along with KISS and Motorhead) on July 24, 2011 at Montreal's Heavy MTL Festival.
Bass
Drums
Guitar
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band hailing from Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, also from Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
between 1987-2002 by founding member, vocalist, guitarist and bassist Jeff Waters
Jeff Waters
Jeff Waters , is the guitarist and mastermind of the metal band Annihilator. He was born in and resides in Ottawa, Canada. As the main member and songwriter for Annihilator, Jeff is considered among the most influential guitarists in the world and as a top songwriter. He is also a well-known mix...
. The band has been around since 1984 and is the biggest selling heavy metal artist from Canada in history, yet most of the sales have not been in the band's home country. Dave Padden
Dave Padden
- History :David James Padden , is the vocalist for Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator. He currently also plays rhythm guitar for the band - all studio guitars had previously been played by the band leader Jeff Waters for some years, but after Padden performed in a dual role on tour he...
joined Annihilator in 2003 as lead vocalist and has continued his career with the band since, as rhythm guitarist/vocalist.
History
Annihilator was born in OttawaOttawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
by Jeff Waters in 1984. He wrote and recorded the song "Annihilator" (different to the track of the same name released on the 1994 album, King of the Kill
King of the Kill
King of the Kill is the fourth album by heavy metal band Annihilator. It was recorded at Watersound Studios, Maple Ridge, Canada.- Track listing :...
) with singer John Bates
Big John Bates
Big John Bates began recording for Germany's Rookie Records and Glitterhouse Records in 2010 with upright bassist Brandy Bones. They moved away from their original punkabilly style to follow their rustic, southern influences with dark, rural lyrics & melodies...
. This original version of "Annihilator" was released on the special edition of the 2005 album Schizo Deluxe
Schizo Deluxe
Schizo Deluxe is the eleventh studio album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 2005.-Track listing:-Credits:*Jeff Waters - Guitars, Bass, Lead Vocals on "Too Far Gone"*Dave Padden - Vocals*Tony Chappelle - Drums...
.
Waters and Bates then recruited drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Paul Malek and bassist
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
Dave Scott. This lineup lasted a year and a demo titled "Welcome To Your Death" was produced during this time. Attention worldwide was given to this demo and it was a sought after/highly acclaimed cassette demo tape. After John Bates and Dave Scott left the band (before the WTYD demo was released and citing "artistic differences" and "personality conflicts"), Jeff Waters and drummer Paul Malek recorded the well-known demo titled "Phantasmagoria, in 1986. This was said to be the 3rd most-traded cassette tape in metal in the 80's, along with Metallica and Megadeth's demos. Some tracks written at this time, by Jeff Waters and John Bates, ended up on Annihilator's first 2 official studio cds (Alice In Hell and Never, Neverland).
A 3rd demo was recorded by Waters/Malek in 1987 and was sent only to labels. It included songs that would end up on the first 2 Annihilator studio cds. Waters relocated to Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
in 1987, where he assembled a whole new line-up, including former D.O.A.
D.O.A. (band)
D.O.A. is a hardcore punk band from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They are often referred to as the "founders" of hardcore punk, along with Black Flag, Bad Brains, Teen Idles, and Minor Threat. Their second album Hardcore '81 was thought by many to have been the first actual reference to...
bassist Randy Rampage, on vocals.
The band took the metal scene by storm with their debut 1989 release "Alice in Hell
Alice in Hell
Alice in Hell is the first album by the Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator, released in 1989. The album was re-released twice: 1998 with 3 demo tracks as bonus tracks and again on September 9, 2003 in a two-disc compilation set along with Never, Neverland, entitled Two From The Vault...
", with reported sales in the hundreds of thousands upon release. Annihilator embarked on their first world tours and, after a succesful tour with Testament in the USA and Canada, singer Randy Rampage quit the band to retain his seniority at a job in North Vancouver, working on the shipping docks. Without a singer, Jeff Waters found ex-Omen singer Coburn Pharr and the band surprised even their label by releasing Never, Neverland, a cd with sales that quickly surpassed the debut. After tours with Judas Priest, Pantera and headline tours around the world, the band was dealt by Roadrunner Records to Sony USA. The 3rd release from the band in 1993 "Set The World On Fire" did well in Europe and Asia but was not as well received in the USA. Roadrunner Records (and most other labels) dropped many metal acts that year and Annihilator was dropped. While most late-80’s era metal bands disappeared, Annihilator went on to forge 10 more studio CDs, DVDs and live releases, all consistently selling well in Europe/Asia and some (like "King Of The Kill 1995 and 2010's self-titled release) had very impressive sales figures.
Annihilator has been touring Europe and Asia constantly since 1989. Despite no touring, proper releases, virtually no press and label interest in Canada and the USA, Annihilator has become the biggest selling Canadian Metal band of all-time, yet sales in the millions are mostly due to Asia and Europe. Most of Annihilator's catalogue cannot even be found in the band's home country of Canada. Jeff Waters was quoted saying "I live a few blocks from the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. One day, a few years ago (2005) I contacted the Entertainment editor by email and introduced myself, gave him links to our web site and info, and asked if he might spare a few minutes to talk with me about the band (as I live a few minutes walking from his office). He told me to mail him a cd and he would consider reviewing it. He didn't. It actually made me a bit sad, as I have been waving the flag for Canadian metal and Canadian music for over 21 years abroad and also have sold more than any other metal band from this fine land. Yet I could not even get a review or interview with our nation's capital newspaper, when local artist's with no deal and no cd releases, were actually getting full page/front page stories. The last thing I needed was coverage in Ottawa but I thought, out of principle, I should try. Shot down in flames! ha!"
In 2007, Annihlator released the cd titled "Metal". It's ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (long-time vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). Metal also features sensational performances by some of metal’s finest players and Annihilator’s good friends, like Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom), Danko Jones (Danko Jones), Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Corey Beaulieu (Trivium), William Adler (Lamb Of God), Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Jesper Strømblad (In Flames), Steve ´Lips` Kudlow (Anvil), Anders Bjørler (The Haunted), Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Extreme, Annihilator), Jacob Lynam (Lynam) and more.
"If you pick up only one metal cd this year, pick this one up! If it wasn't for Annihilator, there wouldn't be an In Flames." - Jesper Strömblad (In Flames)
"I listen to Jeff's new Annihilator cd 'Metal' in my car while zipping my son, Justis, off to high-school each morning. He puts it in the cd player and shows me all his favorite spots; it makes me proud that he digs good metal!" - Dave Mustaine (Megadeth)
"Annihilator's ‘Metal’ is, and will live on as, a classic record." - Willie Adler (Lamb Of God)
"The whole concept of the album is definitely fun and you don't have to be a guitar player to enjoy it either. It's Annihilator, it's Metal. End of story." - Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom)
"With all the guests on the new Annihilator album, 'Metal', it's obvious how much of an influence Jeff Waters has had on musicians everywhere. Now it's time for the next generation to find out how great this band is." - Danko Jones (Danko Jones)
Jeff Waters has been cited by a vast majority of metal musicians worldwide as an influence on their own music. Artists from bands as diverse as 3 Doors Down, Slipknot, Nickleback, Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, In Flames, Danko Jones, H.I.M., Children Of Bodom, Trivium and many more acknowledge either being influenced by Waters' writing or guitar playing or simply just being a fan of the band or his guitar playing. Most all agree that Annihilator and Jeff Waters have had a huge influence on the metal scene while receiving little credit in the USA and Canada for this.
The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists is a best-seller book by British author Joel McIver, released in 2009. It cites Jeff Waters as the 3rd best guitar player. Jeff Waters is also commonly described on the internet as the most under-rated guitar player and metal songwriter of all time. These are mostly from North American media outlets and postings however European and Asian metal fans, press and metal forum's have been very familiar with Annihilator and Jeff Waters' work since the 80's to present. He is also compared often Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters as being a genius multi-instrumentalist and writer.
Jeff Waters is reported to have written many "hit" songs for other artists, under an assumed name, in the country ballad and pop ballad genre.
Waters has frequently changed Annihilator's line-up throughout its run. In the early days of Annihilator, a stable line-up was a goal of Jeff Waters, however members leaving due to family issues, substance abuse and work commitments left Jeff Waters seemingly always searching for replacements. In fact, Waters had taken on the role of guitar player, bass player, engineer, producer and writer, almost from the very first years of the band. After some time, Waters decided to embrace the idea of working with as many other musicians as possible, attracting the likes of some of the world's greatest musicians (ex. Mike Mangini -drummer for Annihilator, Steve Vai, Dream Theater
Dream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
, Extreme) and Waters performed all the bass guitar on all Annihilator cds as well as guitars, vocals and engineering, mixing, producing and mastering duties. Jeff Waters performed as lead vocalist for 3 cds and on the songs "Holding On" from 2004's All for You
All for You (Annihilator album)
All for You is the tenth studio album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 2004 and was the first album to feature Dave Padden on vocals. It was also the second to feature Mike Mangini on drums.-Track listing:-Credits:...
, "Too Far Gone" from the 2005 album Schizo Deluxe
Schizo Deluxe
Schizo Deluxe is the eleventh studio album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 2005.-Track listing:-Credits:*Jeff Waters - Guitars, Bass, Lead Vocals on "Too Far Gone"*Dave Padden - Vocals*Tony Chappelle - Drums...
and "Operation Annihilation" from 2007's Metal
Metal (Annihilator album)
Metal is the twelfth studio album by the Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator. It was released on April 16, 2007. However, it wasn't released in the United States until January 15, 2008...
.
Watersound Studios Inc. has been Waters' studio since 1994, recently (2003) relocated from Maple Ridge, BC to Ottawa, ON. A well-known and sought-after mixing engineer, engineer, producer and mastering engineer, Jeff Waters continues to thrive with Annihilator in Europe. The latest Annihilator cd, 13th studio release and self-titled, has been the band's biggest selling cd in a decade. Touring and audience attendance has grown dramatically for Annihilator in the last 4 years, bringing the band in front of massive crowds at summer festivals and headlining tours.
Annihilator has "returned" to Canada for 2 live shows; the first time the band has played live in North America since 1993. On July 10, 2011, Annihilator headlined the Quebec City Imperial Theatre to a sold-out crowd and there was close to 700 people that could not get in the packed venue. Annihilator played the main stage (along with KISS and Motorhead) on July 24, 2011 at Montreal's Heavy MTL Festival.
Studio albums
- Alice in HellAlice in HellAlice in Hell is the first album by the Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator, released in 1989. The album was re-released twice: 1998 with 3 demo tracks as bonus tracks and again on September 9, 2003 in a two-disc compilation set along with Never, Neverland, entitled Two From The Vault...
(1989) - Never, NeverlandNever, NeverlandNever, Neverland is the second album by heavy metal band Annihilator. It was released on September 12, 1990 under the label Roadrunner. The album was re-released twice: 1998 with 4 demo tracks as bonus tracks and again on September 9, 2003 in a two-disc compilation set along with Alice in Hell,...
(1990) - Set the World on Fire (1993)
- King of the KillKing of the KillKing of the Kill is the fourth album by heavy metal band Annihilator. It was recorded at Watersound Studios, Maple Ridge, Canada.- Track listing :...
(1994) - Refresh the DemonRefresh the DemonRefresh the Demon is the fifth album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 1996 .-Track listing:-Personnel:*Jeff Waters - Vocals, Guitars, Bass*Randy Black - Drums*Dave Davis - Guitar...
(1996) - RemainsRemains (Annihilator album)Remains is the sixth album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 1997 . All parts were performed by Jeff Waters except where noted in personnel.-Track listing:-Personnel:...
(1997) - Criteria for a Black WidowCriteria for a Black WidowCriteria for a Black Widow is the seventh album by the Thrash metal band Annihilator. It was released in 1999. For this LP Jeff Waters reunited the first Annihilator line-up .-Track listing:-Personnel:*Jeff Waters - Guitar, Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Liner...
(1999) - Carnival DiablosCarnival DiablosCarnival Diablos is the eighth studio album by Annihilator. It was released in 2001 and is the first to feature Joe Comeau, formerly of Overkill and Liege Lord on vocals.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Joe Comeau - Vocals...
(2001) - Waking the FuryWaking the FuryWaking the Fury is the ninth album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 2002.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Jeff Waters - Guitar*Joe Comeau - Vocals*Russ Bergquist - Bass*Randy Black - Drums*Curran Murphy - Guitar...
(2002) - All for YouAll for You (Annihilator album)All for You is the tenth studio album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 2004 and was the first album to feature Dave Padden on vocals. It was also the second to feature Mike Mangini on drums.-Track listing:-Credits:...
(2004) - Schizo DeluxeSchizo DeluxeSchizo Deluxe is the eleventh studio album by the band Annihilator. It was released in 2005.-Track listing:-Credits:*Jeff Waters - Guitars, Bass, Lead Vocals on "Too Far Gone"*Dave Padden - Vocals*Tony Chappelle - Drums...
(2005) - MetalMetal (Annihilator album)Metal is the twelfth studio album by the Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator. It was released on April 16, 2007. However, it wasn't released in the United States until January 15, 2008...
(2007) - AnnihilatorAnnihilator (album)Annihilator is the thirteenth studio album by the Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator. It was released on May 17, 2010 in Europe.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Jeff Waters - guitars, bass and backing vocals*Dave Padden - lead and backing vocals...
(2010)
Members
Current
- Jeff WatersJeff WatersJeff Waters , is the guitarist and mastermind of the metal band Annihilator. He was born in and resides in Ottawa, Canada. As the main member and songwriter for Annihilator, Jeff is considered among the most influential guitarists in the world and as a top songwriter. He is also a well-known mix...
– guitar, vocals, bass (1984–present) - Dave PaddenDave Padden- History :David James Padden , is the vocalist for Canadian thrash metal band Annihilator. He currently also plays rhythm guitar for the band - all studio guitars had previously been played by the band leader Jeff Waters for some years, but after Padden performed in a dual role on tour he...
– vocals, guitar (2003–present)
Session
- Alberto "Al" Campuzano – live bass (2010-present)
- Flo Mounier – live drums (2011-present)
- Dave Sheldon – live bass (for 22 concerts - 2007/08)
- Ryan Ahoff – live drums (for 22 concerts - 2007/08)
Former
Vocals- John BatesBig John BatesBig John Bates began recording for Germany's Rookie Records and Glitterhouse Records in 2010 with upright bassist Brandy Bones. They moved away from their original punkabilly style to follow their rustic, southern influences with dark, rural lyrics & melodies...
– (1984–1985) - Dennis Dubeau – (1987–1989)
- Randy RampageRandy RampageRandy Rampage is a founding member, bass player and occasional vocalist of the Canadian hardcore band D.O.A.. He played on D.O.A.'s seminal early punk albums Something Better Change and Hardcore '81, along with vocalist/guitarist Joe Shithead, drummer Chuck Biscuits and guitarist Dave Gregg in...
– (1989, 1999–2000) - Coburn Pharr – (1990–1992)
- Aaron Randall – (1992–1994)
- Joe ComeauJoe ComeauJoe Comeau is an American singer, guitarist and songwriter from Rochester, New York. He best known for his work with Annihilator, Liege Lord and Overkill.-With Overkill:The Killing Kind - From The Underground And Below - Coverkill -...
– (2000–2003)
Bass
- Dave Scott – (1984–1985)
- Wayne Darley – (1989–1993)
- Dave Davis – (1993), [guitar (1990–1991, 1993–1996, 1999–2001)]
- Cam Dixon – (1994–1995)
- Lou Budjoso – (1996)
- Russell Bergquist – (1999–2003, 2005–2007)
- Sandor de Bretan – (2004)
Drums
- Paul Malek – (1984–1985, 1986)
- Richard Death – (1985)
- Ray Hartmann – (1987–1992, 1999–2001)
- Mike ManginiMike ManginiMike Mangini is an American drummer, and the current drummer for the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He has played for Annihilator, Extreme, James LaBrie, and Steve Vai, among others. He lectured at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is also known for his work as a session musician...
– (1993, 2004–2005, 2007) - Randy BlackRandy BlackRandy Black is a Canadian-born rock drummer and recording artist known best for his stints as the drummer for Bif Naked, Annihilator, and Primal Fear...
– (1993–1996, 2002–2003) - Dave Machander – (1996)
- Rob Falzano – (2004)
- Tony Chappelle – (2005)
- Alex Landenburg (2007)
Guitar
- Neil Goldberg – (1992–1993)
- Curran Murphy – (2002–2005)
- Dave Davis - (1989–1991, 1993–2001)