The one and only album from US Metal cult act CITIES, 1986’s “Annihilation Absolute” has been released in remastered form. Cities first formed in 1980 in New York, and between 1983-85 they put out a few demos, while in the meantime their original drummer, A. J. Pero, played on Twisted Sister’s first four albums before then rejoining Cities for this debut album ”Annihilation Absolute”. Despite not appearing on any Metal Massacre compilation, they were able to release the album with Metal Blade Records in late 1986.
This NYC band really deserved better than to be submerged on a tiny label with a confusing and seemingly simultaneous issue, as an EP with some tracks appeared 1985, and then this full LP next year with the same title.
How come? Well it’s simple, they were pretty good with their classic US Metal filled with melody.
Although the production was quite thin which does detract from the heaviness, this is made up for by the strong musicianship. Singer Ron Angell could have been big news in a more commercially oriented band with his clear, pleasing tenor throat, whilst guitarist Steve Mironovich possessed a sound equally adept at tough rhythms and fiery, economical soloing. A. J. Pero meanwhile is highly consistent and creative on the drums without showing off, elevating the rest of the band in the process.
The nine tracks are all straightforward yet effective, and their focus on memorability without fancy tricks works to their advantage. There’s a decent amount of variety ranging from the 6-minute ballad ‘Cruel Sea’ to uptempo slices of classic metal like ‘Fight For Your Life’, and more traditional heavy numbers like ‘Stop the Race’.
‘In The Still Of The Night’ (with its Maiden-like gallop) and ‘Burn Forever’ are strong numbers, then ‘Innocent Victim’ certainly has its charms as well.
”Annihilation Absolute” is a surprisingly competent effort – this band had the potential for bigger things for sure. Outside of a couple of reunions later on, Cities effectively folded just a year after this album. A.J. Pero later returned to Twisted Sister and the other band members continued in the music business in one way or another.
Highly Recommended
1 Stop The Race
2 Fight For Your Life
3 Burn Forever
4 Not Alone In The Dark
5 Cruel Sea
6 In The Steel Of The Night
7 Innocent Victim
8 Shades Of Black
9 Deceiver
Cities – Annihilation Absolute 2024 Hellion Records Remastered , MP3+FLAC
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