Nile (2) – Annihilation Of The Wicked

Sounds amazing and the last album i needed to own all the Nile F&F editions from Relapse Records

Does anyone else notice that the mastering on this vinyl release is much MUCH more improved than the original or digital release. There is so much more room around the drums, the bass more audible, the guitar has more character. This accidentally became one of my better "sounds better on wax" purchases ever.

Always thought my copy was just a pale grey version lol

Don't get this version - the digital release sounds better. The definitive version is the 2023 reissue, which sounds amazing

Some unfortunate pops in quiet areas, I've read the gold pellets used are crappy

Nile is one of the most bright bands of our time, they have their own formula for a high-quality Death Metal album, in which there is a place for technicality, brutality, interesting engineering and flight of fancy.Annihilation of the Wicked was released by the band already in the status of one of the strongest bands, so no matter how high the expectations were, so high was the real return of the band, which was at its creative peak. The album is thoughtful, it is interestingly composed and technologically recorded, you listen and understand that this is Nile, it is impossible to confuse with something.

And again, the reissue took about eight years to wait, which is unreasonably long and undeservedly for an active band of such a high class. By and large, this is just an additional press according to an already agreed template. The basic design and sound is no different from the 2015 release, including a bonus track and an engraving on the D-side.

In of sound, the vinyl is a little more interesting than CD due to the wider dynamic range, this album is very well recorded, so in this case there are no critical differences between the two media, but definitely vinyl gives a richer and deeper sound stream. So if you have a CD, then you haven't lost much, while if you want to buy this album on vinyl, this one will still further reveal the potential of this record. It is worth noting that the original sound is very powerful, in vinyl mastering more emphasis is placed on the rhythm section, so that the low-frequency pressure even in Direct-mode is more than enough, although in general there is the right balance of instruments and a perfectly clean mix.

In of design, there is the same informative gatefold, after reading the notes from which you will increase your awareness of the mystical code of ancient Egypt. Images and texts have a good resolution, nice to hold this gatefold in hands. The color design of the vinyl is predictable - a red-black splatter, against such a background, the engraving on the d-side is almost indistinguishable. Both vinyls are a bit warped, especially the second one with an engraving (several copies came in the package - all in the same condition). Fortunately, in my case, when listening to personal copies, this did not affect the sound quality, but the intrigue persisted until the end of the last track. Of course, once again Relapse did not order protective envelopes for vinyl for its releases, so a lot of unfriendly dust on vinyl remained from eco-friendly paper bags. IMHO, not the ideal press for one of best Nile's albums, but it's regular Relapse and a complete lack of other alternatives. If you have the latest reissues of the first three albums, here is the same level.

Some surface noise and pops, but overall happy with this great looking press.

My copy unfortunately arrived with the traditional GZ manufacturing issues. Both record sleeves were full of shrapnel, and both records were irrevocably scratched even with careful removal. Both discs are also significantly bowl-warped.

This is a European edition!!! To the left of the barcode it say so: Made in EU!!!

Great pressing. It sounds clear, and well balanced. It's great to see extreme metal getting some decent pressings.