Jeff Waters, guitarist for Canadian Thrash Metal band Annihilator, recently answered a fan’s question about the possible influence ofAlice In HellAnnihilator’s first album released in 1989, on the classic Rust In Peace by Megadeth, released a year later. In a video for the YouTube channel Rock CommanderWaters confirmed that the Annihilator album did indeed play a role in the creation of one of Megadeth’s most iconic records.
An influence recognized by the members of Megadeth
“Yes, there is some truth to this idea,” says Waters. He adds that David Ellefson and Nick Menza, members of Megadeth at the time, shared this anecdote: “They were listening to Alice In Hell on the way to rehearsals and recording Rust In Peace. David Ellefson told me they sing the songs from the album in the car every day.”
Waters says he is honored by this impact: “I was a 20-year-old, and to know that my music influenced one of their best albums is incredible. It’s one of the defining moments of my life.”
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A long-standing connection with Dave Mustaine
Jeff Waters also shared his personal story with Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine. In 1989, Mustaine asked Waters to join the group. Waters had declined the offer, being already engaged in the tour ofAlice In Hell with Testament. Mustaine then recruited Marty Friedman, who scored Rust In Peace with his virtuoso guitar playing.
Waters comments: “Marty was obviously the best choice for Megadeth. I’m glad I didn’t join then, because it allowed me to continue developing Annihilator.”
A relationship marked by mutual respect
Waters and Mustaine continued to communicate over the years. Waters says Mustaine contacted him again in 2005, while recording The System Has Failedto discuss a possible collaboration. Although this never came to fruition, Waters maintains great respect for the work of Megadeth and in particular for the solos of Marty Friedman.
