Hellrazor (USA)
In The Wild
5.5
Like a train that often derails, Hellrazor is a supercharged mess. If we had a fun-o-meter to accompany the three catagories above, In The Wild would fare better, but what we have here is four longhairs from the states trying their damnedest to flex retroactive muscle inside of an American classic power-thrash blueprint that abides by some NWOBHM rules. That's an appetite for denim, leather, cigarettes, alcohol, and a nauseating headbanging hangover. That's what I wanted. That's what I asked for. I saw this album cover and I put in a tall order for ornery. So, yeah, I'm a little disappointed that Hellrazor's debut was accompanied by the sound of my erection waning.
Is there something wrong with me? These guys seem to have caught a break with favorable press, but the way I hear it, In The Wild's absolute only saving grace is the competent picking skills of Charley Shackelford (guitarist; Daylight Dies). Don't get me started on the shortcomings of the sticksmanship, the unoriginal riffing, or the stock rasp-croon and ball-grabby vocal involvement. All things here live in the shadow of the axe-wielding, and that's just not enough to carry this over to another spin. What's more, is the cruising at one safe speed for most of these forty minutes; mid-paced tedium. Too popular a bpm just adds insult to injury. Now I'm sure that an argument can be made that I'm missing the point, and that some of said traits above are main ingredients in straight-up Heavy Metal, and I would agree that macho chug-chug posturing can make for a pocket "groove" that shouldn't be overlooked, but the power of a good hook, whether it be a guitar lick or a vocal line, is what makes or breaks my neck. Any masters of mayhem in the days of old knew this, used it, abused it, and we payed the pleasant price. This is not that.
For all of my bitching, I still give points for passion, and it's obvious that Metal is not dessert for these gentlemen. It's breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Perhaps my words will fuel the fire that'll Raze Hell next time.
