For the Demented

For the Demented, released in 2017, represents a pivotal moment in Annihilator's late-career discography. Following the more 'commercial' leanings of Suicide Society, mastermind Jeff Waters collaborated with bassist Rich Hinks to recapture the raw, technical essence of the band's early 90s output. The recording process was characterized by a desire to prioritize 'cool songs' over 'catchy choruses,' resulting in a more complex and aggressive sonic profile. The album is notable for its high production values, maintaining the clinical clarity that is a hallmark of the Annihilator sound while allowing for a more organic, punchy bass presence. Critical reception, including from AllMusic, generally praised the album as a return to form, noting that it successfully balanced the band's thrash roots with their progressive tendencies. It stands as a testament to Waters' enduring technical prowess and his ability to reinvent the band's sound within the thrash metal framework.