| After decades of silence, Texas thrashers Anialator finally roar back with their first full-length album, Death Is Calling—a fierce slab of no-frills aggression that delivers the long-overdue debut fans of the underground have been craving since the band's cult demo days in the late '80s. Fronted by original bassist Alex Dominguez, also known for his role in the early days of Devastation, Anialator emerges from the crypt with sharpened blades and a clear mission: to thrash with vengeance.
Rather than cobbling together old material or rehashing the past, Anialator charge forward with entirely new songs that capture the raw essence of their early sound while sounding tighter, heavier, and more ferocious than ever. Tracks like “Memories of Terror” and “Hear the Death Call” showcase a stripped-down, high-impact style—no gimmicks, just pure, punishing thrash. The relentless drumming from Daniel Garcia fuels the engine, while Tony Gomez’s harsh vocals channel a gritty, southern snarl that nods to regional legends like Rigor Mortis without ever feeling derivative.
Riffs come thick and fast, sometimes brutal and direct (“Kill Till Death”), other times leaning into groovier, menacing territory (“Iron Grinder” and the sinister intro to “Terror Tactics”). The production strikes a balance between clarity and raw energy, giving each track a livewire edge that brings to mind sweat-soaked clubs and battle-jacketed pit warriors.
What makes Death Is Calling resonate isn’t just the music—it’s the story behind it. Dominguez’s perseverance through legal disputes and lineup instability adds a layer of defiance to this comeback. This record doesn’t just mark the band’s return—it affirms their rightful place in the thrash legacy they helped build decades ago.
While the album isn’t here to reinvent the wheel, its spirit is undeniably sincere. Death Is Calling is a celebration of thrash’s enduring power, a triumph of determination over delay, and a bold declaration that Anialator, battle-tested and reborn, still have plenty of fire left to burn. For longtime fans and new ears alike, this is an unexpected gem from the Lone Star underground.
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