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MetalBite Review by Alexi on 5/6/2005

Some people became worried when Nile’s legendary drummer Tony Laureano left the band following two tours in support of In Their Darkened Shrines, the band’s last full length album. These fears were all but worsened when the band was put on hiatus, allowing Nile mastermind Karl Sanders to record his solo album. Nile entered the recording studio early this year to record their fourth full length album with the relatively unknown Greek protégée drummer George Kollias.

What came out of these sessions was Annihilation of the Wicked, the bands latest and most potent release to date. For this record, Nile moved the Egyptian influence completely to the background, with the exception of a few short passages. With the Egyptian influence in the background as a subtlety, the listener is ferociously attacked with some of the heaviest rhythms Sanders and Co. have ever written. Drummer George Kollias displays not only his speed behind the kit, but also his grace as he is able to compliment every note produced by the guitar riff machines.

The structures of the songs are structured like a journey in that you go from one place to another, but nothing is unfamiliar as the songs always have a part which the listener can relate to. Songs such as “Cast Down the Heretic” prove that Sanders can still pull off lightning fast leads which culminate into a beautifully composed melody.

With Annihilation of the Wicked, it seems as though Nile has finally found their sound and style. Moving the Egyptian theme to the background was a wise move for this record not only because it allows Sanders and second guitarist Dallas Toler-Wade to shine, but also gives the death metal fans who couldn’t relate to the Egyptian influence a chance feel the true brutality of Nile. This album is a must have for metal fans who enjoy anything technical and heavy.


Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 10
Originality: 9
Overall: 10

Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Submitted by dmdrummer918 on 4/14/2005

this is the best nile CD out to date. It is nile more structured and non stop fast tempoed. Must have for all nile and death metal fans. Even if you dont like nile you will now after hearing this CD.

Submitted by rattle on 5/7/2005

WOA. What can i say for this band. They are GREAT. This ALBUM KILLS. They brought DEATH back to death meatal

Submitted by Grey Wolf on 5/9/2005

Rattle, Do me a favor and pull the trigger. The key word is metal. As in metalbite!!!

Submitted by Grey Wolf on 5/10/2005

Rattle, I am sorry that I enjoy fucking with you, it's just plain fun. Anyway, Nile is in my top ten. Buy them all death heads, it is well worth your time!!!

Submitted by concertostrife on 5/10/2005

Although this album was good, I am almost disappointed by the lack of egyptian-like passages of other albums. There were a few stand alone tracks for this, but not much to speak of blended in with the songs. I dont think their sound changed much at all...it's just all fast this time. Which makes me miss the one or two "chuggy" songs they've normally had on other albums. All of that aside, the drums are fast...ultra fast. I really didn't realize it was a new drummer at first, they have similar styles, though the old drummer had some cooler sounds with his kit. The guitar solos have seemed to mature a bit and they're much better in my opinion. Though that's all this is...an opinion. It's definitely a killer album.
Hail

Submitted by Jisan on 5/10/2005

This is a great cd....I really like how this is much easier to handle on headphones than In Their Darkened Shrines. Good dynamics and recording. I still think the 4 man line up they had last year was the best, but this still kicks ass!

Submitted by rattle on 5/13/2005

Well the new drummer is greek. Nightfall(his ex band) had to cancel all the gigs because they lost their drummer.Shit this sucks isnt it? But what the hell? If i was in his place id prefer to be a nile member than a nightfall. Whoever likes this album check the other nile which rules too. O and grey wolf am i gonna meet you in any review? Check bloodbath

Submitted by Steve of Portland, OR on 6/16/2005

The new Nile CD is 'good', but it took a step back from the progressive sounds of Shrine. If it was not for the new CD's excellent production, in all honesty, how could you tell it apart from any other 'good' death metal band out there. Nile's Egyptian theme, their sound, delivery, and technical skill is what sets Nile apart from the rest of the scene...so to make an album that sounds so similar in many ways to standard, yet 'good' death metal bands, was a bit of a disappointment. I wanted the new release to be rich with atmosphere...not as straight forward as it is. But don't get me wrong...the almighty Nile, even with its line-up changes and a change in sound, is STILL one of the most innovative and creative bands in the metal genre. I think its great for Karl to experiment on a solo project so I purchased both CD's at the same time. Where one lacks atmosphere, the makes up for it. It is evident in every Nile release that there is more to Karl and his skill than meets the eyes and ears. Clearly, the way Nile layers their music is a show that they are trying to tap into the multi-dimensional aspects of sound and music production. Whether you are headbanging, thrashing, or meditating/relaxing, in every Nile release, you can focus on particular layers of their music with great ease. In conclusion, despite my feelings on this new NILE CD, I will actually keep playing it quite often...especially when I am in the mood to crush skulls. PS: Did anyone pick up on the Morbid Angel's God of Emptiness influence on this new Nile album?

Submitted by UM on 5/22/2006

I found this album enjoyable. Cast down the Heretic and Lashed to the Slavestick stand out as the best tracks on here. I don´t find the longer slower tracks that interesting but I guess this is ok for diversity. The production is better than on their previous albums but not world class, and this is my major problem with the album. I am not that happy about the production. I think Nile´s music would be easier to appreciate if they had a more clear production. Hmm and when we are at it, the vocals are not too interesting either. Too gutural. It is ok to aim for brutality, but when you can´t understand a word it´s too much.

And it is possible !! Just listen to the new Cannibal Corpse album Kill. Brutal vocals but you can hear what is being said.

But overall this is a good and technically challenging album and I rated it 8