Feast

Feast represents the fourteenth studio outing for Annihilator, further cementing Jeff Waters' reputation as one of thrash metal's most meticulous architects. Released in 2013, the album arrived during a period of renewed interest in technical thrash, yet it stands apart from the 'retro-thrash' movement by embracing a hyper-modern, clinical production aesthetic. The record features Dave Padden on vocals, whose versatile delivery handles both the aggressive barks of 'Deadlock' and the melodic requirements of 'Perfect Angel Eyes.' Sonically, the album is a showcase for Waters' guitar innovations, utilizing high-gain but extremely clear tones that highlight his complex alternate picking and staccato rhythms. Critical reception noted the album's consistency and its ability to blend the band's 80s roots with 21s-century technicality. It is particularly notable for its longer compositions, like the eight-minute closer 'One Falls, Two Rise,' which demonstrates the band's progressive tendencies within a thrash framework.