Another Dimension

Things weren't looking good for Razorwyre when I first discovered them on bandcamp at two o'clock in the morning, teeth chattering and eyes out-of-focus, desperate for just one more fix of speed metal. Even in this impaired state, I noticed their logo encapsulated all of my suspicions: a misspelled word with an umlaut that doesn't even pretend to make sense, all shiny enough for you to mistaken it for a cataract. Far be it from me to make such audacious claims, but it seems like Razorwyre is trying to appeal to nostalgia. I don't know about you, but I put no trust in the same emotion that's doomed me to like Power Rangers for the rest of my life.

So I began listening to Another Dimension expecting an insipid rehashing of 80's metal, but was soon suplexed by the first ten seconds of 'Knights of Fire'. There are many things a metal band can do to see my O face, and the quickest way is to present me with this kind of pedal to the floor energy where every ounce of fiber is on alert. And while this approach typically lacks subtlety, I was surprised to find this track and most others are melody-driven, drawing influence from not only speed metal, but also power metal and even hints of NWOBHM. Salivating yet?

The foundation of this juxtaposition between ferocity and discipline is laid out by guitarists Chris Calavrias and James Murray. Most noticeable in 'The Hangman's Noose' and 'Speed Warrior', they allow hulking, protein shake riffs and graceful leads to live in harmony. This, as you may expect, colludes to create profoundly catchy choruses and bridges that will crawl into your ear and stay there. This satisfying chemistry between bandmembers continues with vocalist 'Z'-Chylde, who provides high-energy vocals to accentuate the melodies in the zaniest way possible. Though by now, this might be raising some red flags among the more discerning and stone-faced of my readers. "This sounds like Skullfist," I hear them say, every syllable dripping with contempt.

Well. Quite. Bands like Skullfist, Steelwing, and White Wizzard take turns drawing ire from diehard metal fans that see their 'over the top' antics more as 'taking the piss'. While I feel no shame in saying I like all of these bands, I'll be diplomatic and confess to understanding where detractors are coming from. Thus, a warning: One can indeed draw many comparisons between Razorwyre and those bands.

Like, for instance, Razorwyre's one-trick-ponyism. As we all know, the best-tasting gum in the world will eventually taste like spit, and Razorwyre does a lot of chewing on the same sort of blisteringly-fast riffs and high-reaching, harmonized vocals. As competent as they are, it's possible to become desensitized and even a bit jaded by the style if you were to listen to Another Dimension all in one sitting. Brevity, after all, is the soul of air guitaring to wicked solos. But even with this in mind, I feel that Razorwyre has put a ton of effort and heart into this album, and I have no problem whatsoever with recommending it.

Standout tracks:
Another Dimension of Hell, The Hangman's Noose

Related listening:
Speedtrap - Straight Shooter
Revenge - Metal Is: Addiction and Obsession