SPV/Steamhammer recently reported that they would release Canuck thrash legends ANNIHILATOR's forthcoming new album, Metal, in Europe on April 16th (Germany on April 13th).

The following release update has been posted at Annihilator's Forum:

King Records proudly announce that we've signed on to release Annihilator's Metal CD on April 11th, here in Japan.

A&R; rep, Kaz Nakatsuka: "Annihilator's legendary mixing of thrash and melodic metal styles has given many years of quality and honest metal music to the fans, here in Japan and other parts of the world. So we're very proud to have partnered with one of the best metal bands on the planet: Annihilator."

The Japanese edition of Metal will contain an extra bonus track, a cover of legendary Canadian act EXCITER's classic 'Heavy Metal Maniac', featuring original singer/drummer Dan Beehler on vocals and bassist Allan Johnson on bass.

According to band founder Jeff Waters: "There is also an "army" of well-known guests that have dropped by to jam with us on this cd. Why? Cause they like Annihilator and wanted to be a part of this special release.

I always strive to give the fans the best I can offer; this new CD will not disappoint, as it is un-deniably one of the strongest I have come up with to date. Expect something that hasn't been done before and also expect one helluva guitar cd. Metal seems to be a bit of a mixture of the first 4 Annihilator CDs but with reigning and un-disputed drum "God" Mike Mangini on drums and Dave Padden (vocalist/now also guitarist for Annihilator for the last 5 years and 3 CDs)."

Metal will also come out in Europe on SPV Records... USA, Canadian, Australian and South/Central American release dates/companies coming soon.

Previously reported details on Metal from SPV/Steamhammer can be found here.