Hail metal fans. We have some information to share that deserves not one but two horns up!

Fans have been patiently waiting for years for the much sought-after and previously unavailable releases from ANNIHILATOR’s back catalog. The Canadian heavy metal/thrash metal band, founded in Ottawa in 1984, having sold more than three million albums worldwide, and lead by guitarist and founding member Jeff Waters, remains beloved by metal fans.

Now, earMUSIC has confirmed the re-release series of many releases from the catalog!

METAL II kicks off the reissue series, which, over time, will unveil special configurations, additional bonus material, and exclusive and previously unheard new tunes from the band.

In total, there are around 18 records to be released over the next few years.

First up is 2007’s METAL.

METAL II arrives on February 18th and has been given an incredible overhaul with the one and only Dave Lombardo (Dead Cross, ex-Slayer) killing on the drums and lead vocals “re-invented” by the great Stu Block (Into Eternity).

When Waters was asked, “Which record would you re-do, if you could and why?,” with no hesitation, it was Metal. Now, in 2021, we have Metal II, featuring all the original guest tracks from 2007 with Jeff Waters at the helm.

“One of greatest engineers/mixers on the planet, Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Van Halen), was my first choice to mix this one,” Waters says. “It was a challenge as Mike was not brought in to make a record; he was simply there to mix a big mess of tracks that were recorded in 2006 and 2021 and with over 14 players on it. After this difficult mix, I promised Mike that I would do another record with him, from the ground up!”

Waters also states, “Although Alexi Laiho’s shredding in ‘Downright Dominate’ and the Van Halen song “Romeo Delight” were recorded a while back, adding Stu and Dave to these songs gave us all the feeling that Metal II is also a fitting tribute to our two fallen guitar heroes. Ed and Alexi, R.I.P.”

The guest list on the album is a giant heavy metal party, featuring a dozen KILLER artists from bands like Lamb of God, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, Nevermore, In Flames, Trivium, Danko Jones, Anvil, The Haunted and more.

The first single from this new recorded METAL II album is “DOWNRIGHT DOMINATE” (featuring Alexi Laiho).” Watch the video here.

METAL II TRACK LISTING:

“Chasing The High” (Featuring William Adler)

“Downright Dominate” (Featuring Alexi Laiho)

“Army Of One” (Featuring Steve “Lips” Kudlow)

“Couple Suicide” (Featuring Danko Jones + Angela Gossow)

“Heavy Metal Maniac” (Featuring Dan Beehler + Allan Johnson)

“Haunted” (Featuring Jesper Strömblad)

“Romeo Delight”

“Detonation” (Featuring Jacob Lynam)

“Clown Parade” (Featuring Jeff Loomis)

“Smothered” (Featuring Anders Björler)

“Kicked” (Featuring Corey Beaulieu)

Order the album here —> Ear Music

All the links you need are here —> Link Tree for Annihilator