ANNIHILATOR: Video Of JEFF WATERS' MEGADETH 'Audition' Posted Online

A video of ANNIHILATOR guitarist Jeff Waters playing the solo to the MEGADETH track "Symphony of Destruction" has been posted online at this location. In the following posting on ANNIHILATOR's official web site, Waters describes the circumstances that led to him to make the video and talks in greater detail about his friendship with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine:

"Well, since I'm still getting hounded by these really old MEGADETH questions and rumors, I shall gladly oblige and set the records straight!

"I was a MEGADETH fan right from the start. 'Killing…', 'Peace Sells…', 'Rust…' and 'Countdown…' rule. So does Dave.

"Back in 1989, when ANNIHILATOR's first CD, 'Alice In Hell', was out, we were touring with TESTAMENT throughout the USA/Canada. Chuck (Billy, TESTAMENT frontman) walked through the door of my hotel room one night and told me 'Mustaine is on the phone for you.' I thought he was kidding. He wasn't. I remember Dave asking me to learn the b-side of 'Peace Sells…' and that he would consider letting MEGADETH re-record the song 'Crystal Ann' (a little classical guitar piece of mine that opened the 'Alice' record). I told him that it was an honor to be asked my him to audition but that I had my own things happening. (my first record, good deal with Roadrunner Records, I was in the middle of touring, etc...). Besides, he obviously made the best choice for MEGADETH in Marty Friedman.

"Never spoke with Dave again for 14 years.

"Back when Dave was recording his most recent CD ['The System Has Failed'], I'd sent Dave a note that I had used his ESP guitars (killer V guitars they make!) to record my most-recent ANNIHILATOR CD. Dave and I e-mailed a few times and he later mentioned that he was looking for a touring guitarist. After some good talks with Dave, we talked about me joining MEGADETH.

"I think things happen for a reason anyway; ANNIHILATOR's sales and popularity have been climbing in recent years and things are going really well for me and the band. So being a hired touring guitarist is cool but when you have your own, well-established band, it would not be a simple matter to just drop it, to be a hired gun.

"So again the right guy for Dave got the job! And again, on my new CD, 'Schizo Deluxe', I use an all-Mustaine/ESP V guitar line-up.

"Some have asked me why no 'Jeff Waters' model when I have an endorsement? I reply 'no need and no reason; I am happy with the ones I have!' I have a pretty good guitar collection from over the years but I would much rather have a 'KK Downing ESP V' than a Waters one!!

"The video going around with me playing the 'Symphony of Destruction' solo was posted by a friend of mine (who is a Annia-mega-freak); not exactly with my permission, but it's out now and he meant no harm (gotta love the Internet!). It was something I sent old Dave Mustaine when he was wondering if I could 'handle' the Marty stuff; not as great, of course, as the man himself's version on the record, but darn close and a lot of fun to learn (hey, I learned and played this in barely an hour and a half!).

"Friedman is a great player and the 'Symphony of Destruction' solo was one of those rare moments where lead guitar speed, technique and melody meet all in one perfect solo.

"As to the Gigantour rumors, yes, Dave asked me if ANNIHILATOR would come along but I had a commitment to my label to finish my CD and my band was not ready.

"So Dave and I have kept in touch each month or so and have talked about about putting something together, someday; this would surely be some real ass-kickin' heavy metal."

ANNIHILATOR's eleventh studio album, "Schizo Deluxe", is scheduled for release on the following dates: Japan (Marquee Inc.) on October 21; North America (Locomotive/Warner) on November 8; and Europe (AFM Records) on November 14.

ANNIHILATOR's last album, "All for You", was released in Europe in May 2004 through AFM Records. The CD, which was produced, mixed and engineered by ANNIHILATOR mastermind Jeff Waters at Watersound Studios in Canada, marked the recording debut with the group of new singer Dave Padden, who replaced previous vocalist Joe Comeau (ex-OVERKILL, LIEGE LORD) in June 2003. A five-song EP, entitled "The One", was also issued containing two bonus video clips.