Never, Neverland

Quite possibly the most well-known Annihilator album aside “Alice in Hell”, “Never, Neverland” is a very solid effort. It is however a big disappointment considering that people who bought this were expecting something close to Alison’s Hell. The fact is, while musically being the closest album to the debut, it is still absolutely different then the previous album.

This one is more thrash plus traditional heavy metal/NWOBHM than the speed/thrash assault that was the debut. The acoustic interludes and tempo changes are still here, as well as the amazing solos, but the direction is somewhat different. Some groove riffs make its way, but they do not compromise the album. Actually, they are placed in a very interesting way. All of this result in Annihilator’s trademark, which is not having a trademark. Jeff’s songwriting is very unusual and when you least expect, riffs and acoustic passages are thrown in (‘Imperiled Eyes’ is a great example of this).

I must admit that my first impression was a bit of a disappointment, since what I was expecting was something else. And that’s the wrong way to go for an Annihilator album. Now I find it to be one of the greatest Annihilator’s albums.

One great thing that this album offers is Coburn Pharr’s vocals. Seriously, this guy is incredible. Probably the best singer in Annihilator’s history, he is one of the main reasons why these songs have become great classics. Also, the lyrics here are very interesting and sometimes consciousness, like in ‘Road to Ruin’ and ‘Stonewall’. People always bash Annihilator’s lyrics, but I must say that during the early years of the band (probably until “Refresh the Demon” or “Remains”), Jeff had some very good ideas going.

Another thing that I must emphasize here is the fact that, while being different than “Alice in Hell”, sometimes a déjà vu feeling is born because some tracks rely on the past work. ‘The Fun Palace’ has some parts that vaguely remember ‘Alison Hell’, such as the bridge (“Look at the fun and the games that you’ve taken away” reminds a bit of “Sitting in the corner …”). Also, the chorus has one similarity, which I’ll let you find out. The main riff from Kraff dinner, although I love the song, is very similar to the one found on ‘W.T.Y.D.’ There are other moments like these, but after a couple of listens, it is not really a problem. I don’t see it as recycling riffs or stuff like that, since most songs here were written during the demo days (like the songs on “Alice in Hell”) and it is natural to some ideas being close to others.

The only thing that prevents me from giving this album the 100% rate is the production. It is very well produced, but the guitars just sound a bit weird to me. They are very aggressive, but the clear guitar sound from “Alice in Hell” would make this album a whole damm lot better. Jeff also didn’t enjoy the production and that’s the reason he’s been producing his albums ever since (with the exception of “Schizo Deluxe”).

In conclusion, this album is pretty damm good and probably the last one from the 90’ that deserve attention from all fans of heavy/thrash metal. Annihilator would get even better in some aspects, but that I would recommend only for open-minded people and die-hard fans.

Funny fact: Vocalist Coburn Pharr has become the president of a plastic manufacturer. Google him if you’re curious!