RAZOR — Custom Killing (review)

RAZOR — Custom Killing album cover Album · 1987 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Unitron
It's easy to think that this was Razor going prog going in blind just looking at those two 11-minute long songs, but there's none of that here. Survival of the Fittest and Last Rites are just hook after hook as with the rest of the album. This is actually Razor at their most aggressive, humorous, and attitude-filled. Everything that makes thrash great.

Funnily enough, despite being the frontman, guitarist Dave Carlo is the least important thing to what carries this album. He's a good guitarist and the riffs are great, but the vocals and rhythm section is what takes this to new levels. Sheepdog is either almost out-sneering Dave Mustaine or screeching like a madman. Mike Campagnolo's bass is either rumbling in the background or grooving up front and personal, while M-Bro drums with pure force. His cymbal work gives some real texture that isn't common, while the production brings so much more impact by accentuating certain drum parts. Just listen to Shootout for this and the epitome of thrash metal.

While often considered Razor's worst album for some bizarre reason, Custom Killing presents Razor at their best. Violent Restitution is close, but this album has the edge. The production is one of the best in thrash, especially with bringing the bass and drums to the forefront. If Dave Carlo can't stand this album, maybe Sheepdog should just get with Campagnolo and M-Bro then find another guitarist and get back to this pure attitude and aggression.
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