About this album

Sound: "A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and aggressive rhythms, laced with darkly humorous lyrics and a thrash metal backbone."

Where they were

By 2005, Annihilator had experienced significant lineup changes and faced varying degrees of commercial success. 'Schizo Deluxe' was their eleventh studio album, arriving after a five-year gap since 'All for You' in 2001. This release marked a return to form, showcasing Jeff Waters’ technical prowess and a blend of classic thrash elements with modern production techniques.

Why it matters

'Schizo Deluxe' was noted for its critical reception, with many praising its complex arrangements and lyrical content. The album reached notable positions on various charts, helping to solidify Annihilator's standing in the heavy metal scene while influencing a resurgence in interest within the thrash genre during the mid-2000s.

Essential tracks

  • "Maximum Satan" — This opening track sets the tone with blistering speed and intricate guitar work, encapsulating the album's dark humor and technicality.
  • "Drive" — 'Drive' showcases a more melodic approach while maintaining the band's thrash roots, illustrating the versatility that defines this album.
  • "Warbird" — A standout for its anthemic chorus and driving rhythms, 'Warbird' captures the essence of Annihilator's ability to blend aggression with catchy hooks.
  • "Like Father, Like Gun" — This track features sharp lyrical commentary wrapped in complex musical arrangements, highlighting Jeff Waters' songwriting prowess.

Release Date

November 8, 2005

Artist Origin

Canada

Tracklist

  1. 1 Maximum Satan 4:36
  2. 2 Drive 4:58
  3. 3 Warbird 4:41
  4. 4 Plasma Zombies 4:45
  5. 5 Invite It 4:57
  6. 6 Like Father, Like Gun 4:19
  7. 7 Pride 4:56
  8. 8 Too Far Gone 4:23
  9. 9 Clare 6:46
  10. 10 Something Witchy 5:23
  11. 11 Weapon X 3:32
  12. 12 I Am in Command (demo 1990) 3:52
  13. 13 Annihilator (demo 1985) 4:03
  14. 14 Second to None (demo 1994) 5:05