If you’ve browsed this blog before or might be a more regular reader you will have seen the occasional post about a band from New Zealand called Razorwyre, the most recent being a couple of weeks or so ago when Chris Calavrias from the band sent me some MP3s of tracks from their upcoming debut album entitled Another Dimension. As per that previous post, I’ve listened a few times and am now very happy to present a review. If you like your heavy metal fast and refined and with a classic NWOBHM/classic ‘80’s feel about it then this will be your bag.
Although you might not have heard about Razorwyre before, the get ready for that to change as based on what my preview of Another Dimension sounds like it can’t be long before they are up there with the best of them. I don’t know if the running order will be the same as I played the MP3s in but if it is then the Conjuror will smack you right between the ears with some nice fast riffing for a fine start to things.
Whilst the boys could be tagged as speed/thrash there’s far more musical variation here than that. Sure, speed is blinding at times though it’s never grating and there is plenty of finesse. And they can take the speed down a gear or two to thrill the listener with some classic sounding heavy metal/rock which wouldn’t be out of place on an early Iron Maiden or “classic” era Judas Priest.
The intro work is generally excellent with great hooks guitar overlayed by some fine lead work which is very complimentary and never needlessly flashy for the sake of showing off. A tight rhythm section keeps things in order with the vocalist possessing a good range and hits the high notes when he needs to.
It’s all a bit epic sometimes too just to add to the variety on offer by Razorwyre. Check out Nightblade, the title track and Desert Inferno for example. Powerful stuff with a touch of class. Heavy, fast, changes of pace, melodic – this band can do that lot and display that range on this debut CD.
Think peak Iron Maiden/Judas Priest/Megadeth, a bit of Angelwitch/Tytan/Witchfynde and a classic ‘80s heavy metal feel though with a modern twist and you’d be “in the ball park” as they say.
Another Dimension is due to be released on 15 September. I’d strongly recommend you get your hands on a copy and give your ears a treat. I’ll post availability/ordering details as I have them.