Age of Oppression

The thing with Razorblade Messiah is.... you gotta see them live. Trust me.

'Age of Oppression' is their second EP and the first with Frans Wijnen (ex-The Devil's 3rd) on vocals although he has been with this band for 4 years already. Let's just blame the Covid pandemic eh?

The EP sounds way more traditional speedmetal-meets-thrash than predecessor 'Ride the Razor' and the vocals are quite different. Opening title track 'Age of Oppression' sounds like late eighties/early nineties Sodom covering a NWOBHM song (remember 'Turn Your Head Around'?). Yes, it exactly sounds like that. Actually, I even think Razorblade might be a perfect band to cover Sodom's 'Capture the Flag' as it would suit them perfectly. But unlike Sodom, Razorblade also have Wijnen's incidental high pitched screams. Something which most people know him for.

And that is one thing you'll never forget from Razorblade Messiah live. Those high pitched screams and the guy doing it! Not always equally great or even in tune but they're there. a lot... Hate those? Never bother with Razorblade. Wijnen's lower pitched gruff vocals, which he uses 90% of the time are just that; lower pitched, gruff with a huge early Sodom vibe. They even have a certain hardcore vibe to them. Live this guy is anything but hardcore. You can't be more metal than Wijnen. Always in spandex, sleaveless shirts and more energetic than an ADHD kid on LSD. Quite an experience.

'Fire Fades' repeats the formula fromt he opening track but without a NWOBHM riff, in essence becoming standard eighties speed metal. It isn't until third song 'Suibible' that we can call this thrash metal. The song is pretty generic but saved by the catchy gangshouts. 'The Fight' is another thrasher though WAY better, catchier and faster when it needs to be.

'In for the Kill' perhaps has the strongest basslines on the EP. Also some nods to Painkiller-era Judas Priest are notable. A, heck, together with the titletrack probably the best songs on this EP. 'No Motion' unfortunately (like Suibible earlier) is a weaker track. Lacking any catchiness or fun riffs.

Will this EP make Razorblade an instant Dutch classic? No. it won't. Therefor only the 7/10 score. I only really enjoyed half of it and this band just comes more to life on stage. However, I will keep an eye on them in the future, because a band that can write fun songs like 'In for the Kill' and 'Age of Oppression' is just a good thing to have around.

Standouts:
- In for the Kill
- Age of Oppression
- The Fight