I couldn't bear the album cover - despite it being typically thrash - and for those not familiar with Laaz Rockit they were a bay Area act who just never got off the ground as their rivals/friends i.e. Exodus, Testament, reached greater heights. However, a few albums on and Laaz certainly became a cult force, and listening back on 'Annihilation...' I hear a ferocity I never fully appreciate back in the late '80s, possibly because it bears so many similarities to the likes of Exodus, especially in the vocal attack of Michael Coons. The album has that classic thrash edge, the guitar assault of Jellum and Kettner gives the album a spark and opener 'Fire In The Hole' is a battering ram of a track. 'Mirror To Madness', 'The Omen' 'Mob Justice', offer the same barrage, and tucked in there somewhere is the cover of DK's 'Holiday In Cambodia' which was released as an EP. If you like Exodus and early Overkill then Laaz Rockit should find its way into your record collection. Although at the time the album may not have lived up to expectation (mainly due to the competition - as was the case of so many other acts), 'Annihilation...' is true, throw down the gauntlet thrash and you'd be a coward to not give it a try.
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