"Annihilation of the wicked" CD by Nile

by Stefan Müller (April 2005) To make the result the beginning: with "Annihilation Of The Wicked", Nile go into regions where the air becomes very thin and where only bands, like Morbid Angel or once Death, Cynic and Atheist are and were. While with their six predecessor albums, the Americans energetically knocked on the door of the death metal Olympus, they now finally want to break it and kick in the whole entrance of the holy death metal halls. The formula, though, hasn't changed in comparison to the last six albums. The technical level is very high without them losing the common thread. The pace is high as usual, the new drummer, George Kollias uses all his might - with arms and feet. In difference to the former records, the Egypt influence is better embedded in the compositions. The probably most important bonus is the state-of the art production in which Neil Kernon managed to create a very clean and still extremely powerful pictures. The play of drums, guitar and bass can still be divided also in the fastest passages. Especially the guitar and bass by Karl Sanders and Dallas Toler-Wade impressive in every pace conceive a breathtaking level of intensity. Great harmonies and fine leads round off "Annihilation Of The Wicked" for an absolute masterpiece of the genre. Hat off!