The great beast known as thrash metal is more of a memory now, one that is firmly held by fans with an aura of nostalgia and fondness for the genre of yesteryear. It is hardly a blazing reality in the 21st century as more sub genres have come along and pushed it out of the way, but that hasn't stopped it from retaining a loyal fan base. Mammoth, legendary bands like Slayer, Metallica and Anthrax kept the beast roaring alive with bloodthirsty pride around the globe. What better time to reminisce about the glory thrash metal days of the eighties than now? This detailed and fun retrospective 2-disc DVD on the Canadian band Annihilator is a treat for metal and Annihilator zealots.

Ten Years In Hell goes right back to the early days and recounts the first decade of the band's existence in great detail, I mean, just look at that long track listing for the exhaustive ride that you will take on this DVD - you will drip with sweat just from sitting back and watching it.

Formed in Ottawa in 1984 by Jeff Waters, Annihilator is largely known as a one-man band (which is something he tries to steer away from in the interviews), with Waters being the father of this demented monster. Members have come and gone but Waters has kept it alive. The action started in 1989 with Alice In Hell and roared with anger right up until their latest release in 2005 with Schizo Deluxe.

There are seven official music videos. Offstage band footage, bonus underground, fan-shot and live performances that are an absolute joy to watch - not only exhilarating but fascinating as you see the band progress over the first ten years.

But best of all are past interviews with Annihilator founder and father Jeff Waters. At times a seemingly charming and laid back man, he seems to hold few inhibitions but is simply excited at the sheer joy of playing and creating music. There is a special interview with Waters as he recalls the first decade of the band. There are also interviews with John Bates, Coburn Pharr, Russell Bergquist, Mike Mangini and Neil Goldberg. You really get to know the nitty-gritty of the band's history.

The sound isn't exactly sharp and the older television interviews are a bit bleary with poor picture quality, and with the whole feature being split into stop and start segments, it really doesn't have any fluency. But it's still a good watch nonetheless, and is without a doubt an accomplished package and a delight for fans of the band.

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