Stälker-Shadow of the Sword

Napalm Records
2017

Stälker is a (raw) speed metal band from New Zealand that is lead by bassist/vocalist Daif king (Blood Knight) and features two former members of Razorwyre within it's ranks: guitarist Chris Calavrias and drummer Nick Oates (Numbskull). The 10-track "Shadow of the Sword" serves as Stälker's full-length debut. It was released back in November of 2017 and has a run-time of over 38 minutes. In addition to nine original compositions (most of which completely shred!), "Shadow of the Sword" includes a sick cover of Death's "Evil Dead". Primarily influenced by the eighties speed metal scene (think early Slayer crossed with early Exciter!), this New Zealand trio is not for the fate of heart or anyone who might be looking for clean, crisp, and crystal-clear metal. Instead this is rough & raw speed metal that leaves no prisoners and offers no apologies for the damage that it has done! In a very cool way, Stälker brought back fond memories of the underground speed/thrash scene of the late eighties as well as the tape-trading days of old. For those of you who might not be old enough to remember such things, fear not! This album might be geared towards fans of retro speed metal, but it has more than enough muscle to wreck the competition!!

Razorwyre-Another dimension

2012

Back in late 2010 New Zealand's Razorwyre relased their "Coming out" EP. It was a likable enough cross between NWOBHM and early thrash but suffered from some production problems. When I reviewed that EP I was curious to see what they could do on a full length album. Well that time is now as Razorwyre have unleashed a full length album called "Another dimension". I am pleased to say that not only is the production much improved but an even more important change is that overall intensity level of the band has gone up quite a bit. While their EP was a likable enough effort they really have it all together on "Another dimension". The style is about the same as they draw upon NWOBHM artists like  Saxon, early Maiden plus early thrash acts like Exciter, Agent Steel and early Anthrax as well as other classic style metal acts between say 1981 and 1985. I heard most of that on their EP, but they step it up this time around. Tracks like "Desert inferno", "Speed Warrior" and "Hangman's noose" show power and proficiency that they only hinted at on their EP.  Young bands that follow the styles of 80's metal acts are commonplace today, but Razorwyre set themselves as one of the strongest of that group by showing an attention to detail and a desire to create memorable metal. Glad to see that this band has progressed since their last album and here's hoping they keep heading in the right direction because they are certainly onto something.

Labor day reviewathon count-7 down 3 to go 
Time left- one day, eight hours and around twenty minutes
*I need to review ten albums by the end of Labor Day or I have to listen to Warrant's Cherry Pie. (I need to knock out one more review today to stay on track.)

Razorwyre-Coming out

Self-produced
2010

The number of bands playing 80's style metal seems to me like it has tripled over just the last say 3-4 years. I for one don't mind that at all. Not only are they plenty of these kind of bands springing up, but they coming from plenty of different countries. The band in question this time around is Razorwyre who hail from New Zealand. Their EP is a trip back in time to oh about 1984. Back in the days when mid paced was melting together with early thrash. Think of a mix of Iron Maiden style riffs paired the occasional bursts of Exciter and top that off with the raw quality of LA's Witch, the energy of Anvil and the power of Accept. Got it? Well, that's a fair starting place for where this band is coming from and what lack in originality they make up for in enthusiasm Now the lyrics are total cheese, but this music manages to pull you in instantly that their high cheese content will be pushed to the back of your mind. The guitars gallop along in fine form with the rhythm section thundering forward as well. Vocalist Z Chylde has a fair range and knows to use it. His approach with his change up from hitch pitched attacks to a clean early thrash style is what makes the final track "Suspiria" my favorite on the album. The biggest gripe I may have is the production. On some songs the slightly fuzzed up sound gives the guitar a retro-feel that works, but on other songs I was adjusting the volume and straining to hear the drums. So hopefully they will have a more consistent production to their music on the next go around. Still this real fist pumping metal that's worth a listen and I can't wait until they get around to giving us a full length effort.

http://www.myspace.com/razorwyreband