Review by Felix on September 26, 2022.

In my humble opinion, Razor is one of these legendary names that have a magical charm. I cannot really explain why, but I always liked this band very much, although their material was never free of pretty significant quality differences. I guess I am not the only one who thinks so, because it seems as if a lot of people do not appreciate "Custom Killing" very much. Okay, it is different (and its cover looks very cheap). Yet it does not beg for commercial success while expressing the credible anger of the musicians. Moreover, it does not leave the ways of thrash metal. The band remains true to itself. Unfortunately, this also means that the unbalanced sound prevents a higher rating. The drums are too loud and their dominance is at the expense of the guitars. Great and powerful drumming is always a reason for joy. Nevertheless, the guitars should stand in the focus of a metal production.

In contrast to the technical implementation, the lively music does not suffer from major deficiencies. At the time of the album release, the two overlong tracks surprised with their excessive configuration. However, the effect of these song designs is overestimated. The opener and "Last Rites" have another format, but they do not break with the most relevant characteristic of Razor. This means that they provide sharp and mostly furious riffs in abundance. Furthermore, they do not suffer from egocentric solos and they are not progressive or exorbitantly technical. They just deliver a series of typical Razor sequences. Not every part works flawlessly, but all in all, there is not much to grumble. Ominous guitars are mixed with ferocious speed rhythms and Sheepdog contributes his vocal part without turning a hair. Both songs have some brilliant sections. Thus, they deserve applause and that's it.

Fortunately, the shortest regular track, "Snake Eyes", hits the bull's eye as well. Simple minds, for example me, enjoy its hilarious intro and outro. However, the best feature is the rebellious riff. Razor still sound fresh and do not think about the challenges of tomorrow. Leaving the useless 30 seconds outro out of consideration, the only track that does not successfully emanate its dangerous aroma is "Going Under". But this might be just a matter of personal taste, because the number does not march to a different drummer in terms of style.

Razor administer another injection of pure old school thrash. The songs reflect the conviction and the integrity of the musicians. They avoid groovy experiments, Sheepdog still does not cover two octaves and any form of unusual instrumentation is just an illusion. I don't care. "Custom Killing" bundles a more than adequate number of good riffs and the snotty attitude of the band ennobles this work. While Slayer or Metallica were on their way to the metallic halls of fame with all its bittersweet temptations, Razor still represented the outsiders from the underground. Bad luck for the Canadians, good luck for us, the consumers. No doubt, the commercial failure was helpful to preserve the inner restlessness of the musicians. Their fourth full-length is not essential, but it is definitely worth listening. Legends always deliver.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Felix on September 26, 2022.

In my humble opinion, Razor is one of these legendary names that have a magical charm. I cannot really explain why, but I always liked this band very much, although their material was never free of pretty significant quality differences. I guess I am not the only one who thinks so, because it seems as if a lot of people do not appreciate "Custom Killing" very much. Okay, it is different (and its cover looks very cheap). Yet it does not beg for commercial success while expressing the credible anger of the musicians. Moreover, it does not leave the ways of thrash metal. The band remains true to itself. Unfortunately, this also means that the unbalanced sound prevents a higher rating. The drums are too loud and their dominance is at the expense of the guitars. Great and powerful drumming is always a reason for joy. Nevertheless, the guitars should stand in the focus of a metal production.

In contrast to the technical implementation, the lively music does not suffer from major deficiencies. At the time of the album release, the two overlong tracks surprised with their excessive configuration. However, the effect of these song designs is overestimated. The opener and "Last Rites" have another format, but they do not break with the most relevant characteristic of Razor. This means that they provide sharp and mostly furious riffs in abundance. Furthermore, they do not suffer from egocentric solos and they are not progressive or exorbitantly technical. They just deliver a series of typical Razor sequences. Not every part works flawlessly, but all in all, there is not much to grumble. Ominous guitars are mixed with ferocious speed rhythms and Sheepdog contributes his vocal part without turning a hair. Both songs have some brilliant sections. Thus, they deserve applause and that's it.

Fortunately, the shortest regular track, "Snake Eyes", hits the bull's eye as well. Simple minds, for example me, enjoy its hilarious intro and outro. However, the best feature is the rebellious riff. Razor still sound fresh and do not think about the challenges of tomorrow. Leaving the useless 30 seconds outro out of consideration, the only track that does not successfully emanate its dangerous aroma is "Going Under". But this might be just a matter of personal taste, because the number does not march to a different drummer in terms of style.

Razor administer another injection of pure old school thrash. The songs reflect the conviction and the integrity of the musicians. They avoid groovy experiments, Sheepdog still does not cover two octaves and any form of unusual instrumentation is just an illusion. I don't care. "Custom Killing" bundles a more than adequate number of good riffs and the snotty attitude of the band ennobles this work. While Slayer or Metallica were on their way to the metallic halls of fame with all its bittersweet temptations, Razor still represented the outsiders from the underground. Bad luck for the Canadians, good luck for us, the consumers. No doubt, the commercial failure was helpful to preserve the inner restlessness of the musicians. Their fourth full-length is not essential, but it is definitely worth listening. Legends always deliver.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by JD on June 30, 2009.

There is a new movement going on out there. It has been coined as the ‘The New Wave Of Traditional Metal’. If there was a band that clearly explains what this is, Icarus Witch would be the dictionary explanation.

This is a band that have embraced the varying styles of old school metal. Using influences like the legendary Black Sabbath, iconic Brits Iron Maiden and even have this heavier twist on Led Zeppelin as well. They seem to take it all in to what they create, but yet still do it all in their own way.

From the very second the CD called "Songs For The Lost" starts, you hear it clear as a bell on a calm morning. There is great talent held here along with a barrel full of attitude with great conviction for setting out and making the best music without ever selling out.. Icarus Witch delivers it all with such genius that you think that you have been transported back to the 80's... and believed every last note while it played.

The whole album is a thing of pure metal beauty from start to finish. What blew me away the most was the Def Leppard cover ‘Mirror, Mirror’ (a song I played in a band years ago). It was amazing as they were true to the original, yet brought a freshness to it. The fact that they had the phenomenal Joe Lynn Turner( ex-Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Deep Purple fame) as the guest vocalist on it just made a amazing rendition just seem to surpass into legendary status.

As plain as the huge nose on my face... Icarus Witch delivers a old school album with such a breath of freshness that makes metal grow and become stronger. With all of the Death Metal and Grindcore flying around right now... it is good to be hearing plain yet very heavily delivered melodies that makes your head start moving without a moment of hesitation. Old is new... I like it!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8.5
Originality 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.6 out of 10