Set the World on Fire

Released in 1993, Set the World on Fire is the third studio album by Annihilator and marks a significant stylistic shift from the raw thrash of Alice in Hell. Following the departure of vocalist Coburn Pharr, the band recruited Aaron Randall, whose smoother, more melodic range allowed mastermind Jeff Waters to explore hard rock and power ballad territories. While the album alienated some purists, it became a massive success in Japan and Europe, solidifying Waters' reputation as a guitar virtuoso who could write hooks as well as riffs. The recording is notable for its clinical production and the inclusion of the Judas Priest cover 'Hell Bent for Leather.' Despite being dropped by Roadrunner shortly after due to the changing tides of the US market, the album's title track and 'Knight Jumps Queen' remain staples of the band's live set, representing a unique bridge between technical thrash and 90s heavy metal.