New York Power Metal act CITIES were, at one time, considered to be perhaps the best unsigned band on the American East Coast, supporting many well known acts in the local clubs such as JOE PERRY PROJECT, MANOWAR, ANVIL, RIOT and METALLICA. An early band member would be drummer Greg D'Angelo, previously of ANTHRAX and subsequently to raise his profile with WHITE LION.

Several excellent demos eventually led to a deal with British label Metal Masters, who issued a six track mini album, 'Annihilation Absolute', in 1985. Shortly before the record was released CITIES parted company with drummer Scott DuBoys. The band would be plagued by problems with this position for much of their career, never quite coming to terms with the loss of A.J. Pero to TWISTED SISTER in 1982. Ironically, Pero had not long been in the CITIES ranks before he accepted the TWISTED SISTER gig, the drummer having auditioned for the slot just prior to joining CITIES!

Signing to Metal Blade for America, the band took the unusual step of re-recording the entire album with A.J. Pero guesting. The second version of 'Annihilation Absolute' also featured three new tracks and a revamped cover with a likeness of Pero replacing the unidentified drumming tank commander on the original!

Pero later rejoined CITIES on a permanent basis and was replaced in TWISTED SISTER by ex GOOD RATS and THE LADDER drummer Joe Franco.