Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Annihilator - Never, Neverland (1990)

I found it disappointing that Annihilator couldn’t keep the late Randy Rampage after their debut album.  His unhinged and almost demented style was a real draw for me.  Although at times it was a bit clumsy, his vocal delivery was intentionally so and worked really well.  It gave an added edge to the great guitar work and solid rhythm section that opened up the interest factor that bit more.

By comparison Coburn Pharr’s effort on the follow up, paled in comparison.  Upon my first few listens they dominated my focus on the record and detracted from me listening to the bigger picture.  I would say that overtime I now get the positives of them but I still will always prefer Rampage.  The fact is though that despite the often preachy and even cringey vocals of Pharr, they do fit the music.  The ecological, supernatural and political themes throughout the record serve as a good platform for him to add character to proceedings.  They work brilliantly on the title track with its fantasy theme just as well as they do on the more climate-change charged Stonewall.  They suit to the military precision of Sixes and Sevens.  I still am not enamoured with them though and do act as one of the main reasons this album gets the rating applied.

The other reason for the stars given in the rating is the inconsistency of the record.  There’s a fair bit of filler here as the album goes on and tracks like Kraf Dinner just really grate.  Criticism aside the album still displays quality musicianship, especially from Waters and overall remains enjoyable.  Considering where I was the first time I heard it the fact that I have kept in my stream is actually a real vote of confidence.