Annihilation of the Wicked
2002'sIn Their Darkened Shrinesmay have launched Nile into metal history for groundbreaking, synapse-snapping releases--and into the record-buying consciousness while crystallizing the unit's long-building promise.Annihilation Of The Wickedis rife with epic riffs, crisp, intelligent arrangements and playing that's masterfully focused. Simply put, it is a continuation of their campaign. Karl Sanders demonstrates once more that he is among the most accomplished death metal guitarists, possessing as he does not only acumen but an all-too-rare knack for creating the almighty death rock groove (best demonstrated on the title track, "Lashed To The Slave Stick"). "Cast Down The Heretic" is an instant genre classic.––Jedd Beaudoin