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Razzle:
All Those Wasted (Y)ears
Headline: Unearthed, Downtrodden Demigods of Spazz Math Metal Deceased Going out on a somewhat sad note, North Carolinas power group, Razzle, closes, dates and signs their book with this album To All Those Wasted (Y)ears. Formed from the seeds of other sturdy local bands, this one charges into action at the first war cry of feedback and quickly hastens to battle within a second with heavy guitar and drum attacks. Ive heard one or two of the other bands most, I have not but Id be inclined to guess that this is their outlet for raw aggression and tense, uninhibited creativity. From start to finish, its a mind blasting journey into dark cavernous territory. The two dueling guitar tones are perfect and separate, while the bass twangs deep-rooted lines netting them down. The drummer is ridiculously fantastic with his heart attack inducing onslaught. If the band has really decided to call it quits, its a shame, but I must say, what a solid piece of work on which to finish. It seems that the band decided to bring about the end rather abruptly and released what they had as a seven-song, thirty-minute album. The recording and mixing are masterfully done, as not a single instrument is ever buried, lost or muddied; its amazingly clear and heavy. The second song, Rainbows and Heroes, concocted as some of the best operatic, spacey metal Ive heard, recalls a little less flamboyant Rhapsody minus the double-kick bass drum free-for-all. The vocals are belted and perfectly pitched, though not predominant in every track. The guitars are frenzied and dizzying as they try to out-chase each other. Made apparent on Pants Tucked into Socks, the bassist sounds like a true disciple of David Wm. Sims (Jesus Lizard, etc.) as he slaps full throttle from part to part and song to song. His tone is also extremely reminiscent of the Jesus Lizards bass charge. When the vocalist isnt singing, hes adding shrieks or other vocal twists. Ogre Battle is my personal favorite, solidifying that geek metal feel both lyrical content and music. Superb. Jupiter by Night is the closer, placing the last period in place of this great autobiography, as a seven and a half minute epic space-aimed freakout. My regret: not knowing about these guys and not seeing them live. Im glad I own this album. Thanks.
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