Artist: Vicious Rumors
Title: Razorback Killers
Type: Album
Label: SPV/Steamhammer
US Metal Titans in my book often miss out on the credit that they deserve (in countries other than Germany); I think I can safely say this about bands like Jag Panzer, Tyrant, Helstar and Leatherwolf too. Now when it comes to US Metal, Vicious Rumors released their seminal classic debut in 1985, followed by further stunning releases before the influence of 1990’s metal and groove took a hold (on ‘Something Burning’ and ‘Cyberchrist’). A few years later, they returned to their roots and 2006’s Warball is a classic example of such credible achievement. In 2011, ‘Razorback Killer’ blasts into life with ‘Murderball’. The energy and vibrancy, in fact, the metal, is clear to hear. All of the band members sound on top of their game and founding member Geoff Thorpe should be proud of how far the band has come since their beginnings on the West Coast of America. Recent newcomer to vocals, Brian Allen (also the current vocalist of Malice), suits the music and the style of older material, and brings a new dimension to the sound. Hitting the high notes like Carl Albert (R.I.P) used too, and the lower register is just as versatile happily firing on all cylinders, giving power without sacrificing quality. ‘Pearl of Wisdom’ introduces some soothing slide guitarwork, itself an epic number, but it is tracks like ‘Razorback Blade’ that really knock you for six. Paying homage the Headbangers Open Air Festival in Germany, ‘Let the Garden Burn’ is a classic live song made for the audience to participate too. I only wished that I stayed awake in 2009 when they played that very festival, my one regret of my HOA experience that year. Being as VR are total metal, the album artwork stands out as I would have hoped, as most of their sleeves have. Whether this is hand painted or photo-shopped, it does the music justice, it displays metal, it is metal, you will be able to hold this LP (it will come out on vinyl) and know you have a proper tangible metal album in your hands. Tight solos, riffs, melodies and power from the heart pretty much sums up this listening experience.
The band will play in London on May 24th, for me, not a show to be missed, whether they will get the same reaction as at Keep It True or Headbangers Open Air remains to be seen. The new material is relevant, it’s metal, it’s a kick up the ass. Lovers of classic US metal and newcomers alike will rejoice in the quality whirlwind entertainment that ‘Razorback Killers’ has to offer.
http://www.viciousrumors.com/
