RAZOR WHITE was a melodic heavy metal band from Louisiana and after a demo in 1988 (“The Black Demo“) its debut, βJust What the Doctor Orderedβ, was released in 1991. Here we have the albumβs reissue, and it is a good chance for those who miss the melodic US metal/hard rock sound of the late 80s/early 90s to remember or to discover this album.
The albumβs opener, βBackdoor to Heavenβ, is the hit of the album and an amazing track. It is the heaviest song of the record, and keeps a very nice balance between the classic metal and the poser metal sound of that era. The rest of the album is like listening a mixture of EXTREME with FIREHOUSE. This means plenty of ballads or ballad-like songs which are close to the sound and the feeling of βMore than Wordsβ and similar tracks. Nice songs, that even though they have the carefree attitude that characterized the entire melodic US poser scene, they have a quality that makes them enjoyable and listenable even today.
Also, one can find tracks such as βSomedayβ, which sounds like a metal version of BON JOVIβs βRunawayβ. Very good song, melodic, with a beautiful up-tempo chorus and a general ambitious atmosphere. The album has a couple of other songs in that style tooβ check out the also great βThe Day We Said Goodbyeβ.
In general, RAZOR WHITEβs debut album is a good choice for those who loved the old American melodic poser metal sound. It is addressed mostly to those who like ballads and love songs with a rock attitude, but it also has some tracks that can move a classic heavy metal fan.
Second opinion:
On their debut album RAZOR WHITE simply crossed the overall path that they have set on their famous “The Black Demo” that was released back in 88.
Their sound is now focused on a major Hard Rock installment while there is still a lot of space for many Melodic Metal touches here and there.
Paying very much attention into songwriting the band composes some really catchy song that are setting really high standards on the particular album.
Listening to their material someone can easily realize a band that tries to jump on the Hard Rock / Glam Metal / Hair Metal train even on the last days of its glory in the world of US mainstream discography-. And you know they give everything they got to make it happen.
Inspired -and catchy as I already pointed- songs that are performed with passion, some great guitar work and great vocals as well.
The result however was not a big record deal but a small cD pressing on Thunder Records, that made this album a highly desired item for the collectors out there.
The Lost Realm Records reissue gives to everyone the chance to check out this great release once again. Louisiana nerds out there: Can you hear me? Go for it. – Chris Paoadakis
