US power metal
titans Vicious Rumors have made a name for themselves by sticking to their
trademark sound for over 30 years. Their tenth full-length release, Razorback
Killers, has all the ingredients which they are known for; infectious hooks,
memorable choruses, twin lead harmonies, trade-off solos, thunderous double bass
drumming and kick ass vocals.
Founder/guitarist
Geoff Thorpe has bravely steered the VR ship since 1979, and he’s still
determined to keep the metal machine rolling.
After stepping
away from their signature sound just a bit in the ’90s, they stormed back with
2006's Warball with vocalist James Rivera (Helstar, Destiny’s End, Seven
Witches, Killing Machine). It reconnected the band to the key elements of
Vicious Rumors’ classic sound.
On Razorback
Killers, the band has recruited Malice throat man Brian Allen. He's a
perfect fit, too. His melodic harmonies, gruff and falsetto vocals go well with
the classic VR sound. The album also features guest guitarists Mark McGee
(former member), Brad Gillis (Nightranger) and Eric Peterson (Testament).
“Murderball” gets
things off to a ripping start. Fast-paced razor sharp riffs, layered vocal
harmonies and precision twin lead guitar melodies let you know that Vicious
Rumors aren’t playing around. “Black” and the title track are pure adrenaline
rushes. "Blood Stained Sunday" is a crushing track which pays tribute to the
fallen brothers of heavy metal (Ronnie James Dio, Carl Albert R.I.P.). Check out
the fantastic dive bomb solo toward the end of the song.
Razorback Killers
is fast and furious from start to finish. You just can’t go wrong with any
Vicious Rumors release. Die hard fans are already aware of VR‘s potential for
ripping your face off. But if you’re just now discovering the band, then
Razorback Killers is not a bad start. However, I do recommend you seek out
their back catalog and snatch up as many releases as you can afford to buy.
