By DJ Monk
Hailing from the Brazilian tourist trap of Florianópolis, best known for its sun and surf, there is nothing bright or breezy about this second full-length album from old school thrash crüe Red Razor, who have been bothering their local scene – which they describe as “over-populated by reggae and soft rock bands” – since 2011 and are seeking to bust out and gain international recognition.
If you haven’t heard the band before and are looking for reference points, then think the likes of Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust and Sacred Reich, with heavy references to Suicidal Tendencies and early Anthrax (well, that’s almost inevitable, isn’t it?) thrown in for good measure. While not exactly revolutionary (the album is a reference to that of their debut, ‘Beer Revolution’), this sophomore effort is a collection of eight thoroughly enjoyable thrash attacks that will appeal to fans of the genre who not only appreciate solid performances but those which also come with a slightly tongue-in-cheek approach, especially in the lyrical department.
The song titles sort of speak for themselves – ‘For Those About To Thrash’ and ‘Violent Times do exactly what they say on the CD sleeve, delivering neck breaking thrash with aplomb, energy and the ability to get your toes tapping along right from the very off. But, they’re also not afraid to mix things up about, with references to their hometown in the form of some neat surfari sounds and, like fellow countrymen Soulfly, nods to traditional Brazilian music in some of the more nuanced moments: yes, there are touches of subtlety in among all the headbanging furiousness.
All eight songs are very well written, with a good sense of pacing and the invaluable use of light and shade to keep the listeners’ attention, and the performances are exemplary, with solid rhythms underpinning the twin guitar attack, which seers as much as it soars as the two axemen neartly swap lead duties, and all aided by a spot-on production. The result is an album with plenty of fire in its belly and a hugely entertaining listening experience. In other words, job done.
- ‘The Revolution Continues’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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