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There is technical death metal for the sake of technicality (Cryptopsy), and then there is the American powerhouse otherwise known as Nile. I will not compare this 2005 opus with Nile's previous outing, as I am not sure how this will age. However, I do find myself liking this one better; at least for now.

"Annihilation Of The Wicked" kicks things off with – what else? – an Egyptian musical piece. For a track with such a long name, it is damn short and I only wish it could have been longer. Anyway, it soon finishes and on comes a barrage of maddening atonal riffs and drums! At this point, you either want to move aside and pass on the album altogether, or just brace yourself and "be prepared to be crushed" by the oncoming steam-roller. The first song on the album just blows all expectations and leaves little doubt that this Nile and they will not disappoint. No other track on the record matches the quality of "Cast Down The Heretic" but then again, no other song is weak either. The solo on this track is just nuts, in addition to the sheer force and brutality of the riffs and vocals, this song may very well be amongst the best Nile have ever done.

Nile fans need not worry about anything at all. "Annihilation Of The Wicked" will give you what you like; although the Egyptian sections are not so common here as isolated pieces, but rather blended completely into the songs. This works very well and does not sound forced as it has in the past. Strongly recommended, and definitely an album that will stand out at the end of the year.