Formed in 1981, Anihilated are one of Britain's first and oldest thrash metal bands who played a vital part in the creation of crossover and early development of the British thrash metal scene. Their music is renowned around the world and has influenced countless numbers of musicians and bands who followed in their footsteps.
Anihilateds evolution from their early Punk roots, happened around the same time that Metallica and Slayer were breaking the brand new thrash scene in America.
After inclusions on various successful Punk compilation albums, They turned towards a much faster, heavier and metallic sound. Early gigs with their new material bemused their mainly punk audiences, as back then, most people had never seen or heard a thrash band before, and it was first thought that they were selling out. However, the realisation that Anihilated had not abandoned their ethics or social conscious, maintained their credibility within the punk community and they retained its full support while they continued to develop their heavier, thrash sound.
In spring 1984 they finally raised the funds to disappear into the studio for a week and emerged with what became known as the «Speedwell Sessions» which was their first actual release of Punk/Speed Metal/crossover. Positive reviews expanded the bands audience which saw a growing number of Metalheads attending their gigs. After another short period of creative writing, they returned to the studio to record and release their renowned «Path To Destruction» EP, an early example of raw, British, thrash/metal/hardcore. The EP completely sold out, even knocking Madonna off the number one spot in the East of England record charts.
Although their musical style had changed, Anihilated chose not to adopt the usual Satanic themes of metal, but decided instead, to express their punk ideals and beliefs of self empowerment and social justice. This set them apart from other bands, and drew followers from both the punk and metal establishments. Their popularity continued to grow, featuring in fanzines/magazines and bootleg recordings around the world, which secured a huge international following and cult band status. This, together with a number of high profile gigs, saw Anihilated achieve the recognition they deserved, and acknowledged as one of the main forerunners and innovators of Thrash Metal in the UK.
Their first full thrash album «Created In Hate», was described by Metal Forces Magazine as «the most important UK Thrash Metal release to date». The band spent the next year out on the road before returning to the studio to record «The Ultimate Desecration. This is widely regarded as their best studio album and is deemed by Marquee Records, to be «one of the finest UK Thrash Metal releases ever».
Anihilated had always been better known on foreign soil than in their own home country and their international fanbase remained strong over the years. In 2008, the mounting pressure from fans to reform became too much to ignore and so, after a 20 year break, Anihilated are back together again. The bands new album 'Scorched Earth Policy' will be out soon and they are selecting some of the prestigious gig offers they have recieved from abroad.
The Path To Destruction EP was re-issued on CD through Japanese labels 'In Crust We Thrash' and 'Aktiva//Protesta Rekordo'. All pressings completely sold out.
Chinese label 'Area Death Productions' have recently released a Chinese version of PTD, and a run of special limited edition box sets containing various Anihilated merchandise, for distribution throughout China and across Asia. The Created in Hate and The Ultimate Desecration albums were re-issued on CD in Brazil.
Anihilated feature in a new book by highly acclaimed British music author Ian Glasper about the history of British Hardcore. «Trapped in a scene» is published by Cherry Red.
Contact:- info@anihilatedthrashuk.com..
NORWAY — YOU ROCK!!!
Hi all
Despite temperatures of minus 31degrees, we had the most incredible time in Oslo at the Metal Merchants Festival.
From the moment we landed, we were treated like kings. We were picked up by car and taken to the very fine Royal Christiania hotel, to chill out for an hour and then went on to the venue for sound checks. The crew, lead by Ronny were the most friendly and helpful guys you could wish to meet.
There were lots of laughs with the other bands on the bill and we made many new friends. 'Omen', we would love to take up your offer of more gigs,Stateside.
It was an absolute blast playing our set, the crowd were amazing, some had travelled miles across Europe to see us. Many thanks to Norwegian radio for the interview with the lovely 'Helle' and keep an eye on some of the Scandinavian music magazines for reviews and photo's. It was also great to hang out with the fans and share a few beers too.
On Saturday we experienced some of the Norwegian
culture at the Viking museum, and spent some time relaxing while looking out onto the frozen sea from the Castle.The best bar was the 'Rock Cafe' on Elm Street. Great food,beer and music.
Anihilated would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make our visit an unforgettable experience,especially Stian,Ronny,Leif and Sigurd,for whom nothing was too much trouble.
Finally we would like to thank all the fans for such great, loyal support. We managed to speak with many of you over the weekend and we look forward to seeing you again on our return visit to Norway sometime in the future….. «METAL» !!!
Our new album 'Scorched Earth Policy' will be out soon, so keep in touch for the release dates.
Have a great week !!!!
Bod, Si, Mark and Todd :)
