Review by Adam M on January 23, 2026.

This album further refines the excellence this band brought forth from albums like In Their Darkened Shrines.  There is a need to be Middle-Eastern sounding as possible and this makes the album sound grand and epic in nature.  There is a view that the band are refining their sound and this shines through on this opus.

The musicianship is strong with Egyptian sounding guitars and very strong drumming.  There is a very distinct production job that elevates the songs to a higher plane.  The music is furious and accompanied by musicianship that is equally poignant.  There are very few lulls in the songs and this remains quite vicious and catchy.

The flaw to the album lies in how it does not greatly improve upon the things shown on albums like In Their Darkened Shrines and Black Seeds of Vengeance.  There is more Egyptian sounding rhythm and nothing really new to be found.  It is simply more of the same, but refined to perfection.  With a little more innovation this band could be incredibly interesting.

There is a lot to like with this release overall.  It has the right ingredients for an interesting death metal release that is poignant and colourful.  There is a solid atmosphere, highlight tracks like ”Cast Down the Heretic” and a boatload of charisma.  Fans of the band is previous releases will be enraptured.  It is really the realization of the band’s vision.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by Alexi on May 6, 2005.

Some people became worried when Nile’s legendary drummer Tony Laureano left the band following two tours in support of In Their Darkened Shrines, the band’s last full length album. These fears were all but worsened when the band was put on hiatus, allowing Nile mastermind Karl Sanders to record his solo album. Nile entered the recording studio early this year to record their fourth full length album with the relatively unknown Greek protégée drummer George Kollias.

What came out of these sessions was Annihilation of the Wicked, the bands latest and most potent release to date. For this record, Nile moved the Egyptian influence completely to the background, with the exception of a few short passages. With the Egyptian influence in the background as a subtlety, the listener is ferociously attacked with some of the heaviest rhythms Sanders and Co. have ever written. Drummer George Kollias displays not only his speed behind the kit, but also his grace as he is able to compliment every note produced by the guitar riff machines.

The structures of the songs are structured like a journey in that you go from one place to another, but nothing is unfamiliar as the songs always have a part which the listener can relate to. Songs such as “Cast Down the Heretic” prove that Sanders can still pull off lightning fast leads which culminate into a beautifully composed melody.

With Annihilation of the Wicked, it seems as though Nile has finally found their sound and style. Moving the Egyptian theme to the background was a wise move for this record not only because it allows Sanders and second guitarist Dallas Toler-Wade to shine, but also gives the death metal fans who couldn’t relate to the Egyptian influence a chance feel the true brutality of Nile. This album is a must have for metal fans who enjoy anything technical and heavy.


Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 10
Originality: 9
Overall: 10

Rating: 9.6 out of 10