ANNIHILATION COMPLETE

"Annihilation Complete" is the first demo recording by US thrash metal act Anacrusis. The demo was independently released in 1986. Anacrusis was founded in 1984 in St. Louis, Missouri and they released a couple of demos before being signed for the release of their debut full-length studio album "Suffering Hour" (1988). Four of the seven tracks featured on the 36:01 minutes long demo would be re-recorded and included on "Suffering Hour".

Stylistically Anacrusis play a raw and aggressive type of thrash/speed metal. But while it´s certainly both savage and gnarly, Anacrusis still have an occasional melodic edge (the use of guitar harmonies included) and lead vocalist/guitarist Kenn Nardi performs some clean singing in addition to his raw shouting thrash metal vocals. Considering that this is a demo recording and that it´s the band´s first demo recording, Anacrusis are a very well playing unit. The lead guitar work is especially impressive but it´s audible that all members of the band know how to handle their instruments. The vocals are pretty time-typical and standard for the genre. They get the job done but not much more than that.

"Annihilation Complete" features a well sounding demo production, which is rough around the edges, but still clear enough for all instruments and vocals to be audible in the mix. Upon conclusion it´s hard not to be a little impressed by the professionalism that Anacrusis show here and "Annihilation Complete" is arguably a promising debut demo. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).