VERBAL RAZORS – By Thunder And Lightning

Despite being around since 2009, it’s not easy finding information on Verbal Razors.  What is know is that the group hails from Tours, France and they describe their sound as Thrash Crossover.  Verbal Razors has shared the stage with bands Municipal Waste and Trash Talk, and has performed sets at Hellfest Open Air and the Outbreak Festival.  By Thunder And Lightning is their third full-length album and the first under Deadlight Records.

Verbal Razors manage to cram 13 intense songs into just 33 minutes.  The album’s title track “By Thunder and Lightning” is a multi-tempo thrasher with a slow, ominous intro that builds to a rapid fire drum and guitar attack.  A crunchy guitar riff leads the charge on “We Are Rats.”  Just as you’re starting to bang your head along with it, the track ends abruptly.   Verbal Razors vents about how the system is unfair on “Riot;” a track that could surely cause a few.  “Trash” recalls early Metallica/Megadeth/ Slayer recordings with heavy riffs, fast guitar licks, and faded vocals trying to cut through.   Speaking of vocals trying to cut through, this is an issue throughout the album.  The backing band is just so dominating that it’s tough to make out what vocalist Simon Geoffroy is saying. “Love Song” is the complete opposite of endearing.  Of course, if it were, it would really slow things down.  “Party Mate,” “Lazer,” and “Alcohol” keep the album’s momentum going right to its fiery end.

Everything about this album screams early 1980’s Thrash Metal.  It’s all there; angry political lyrics, shredding guitars at breakneck speeds, DIY production values, killer album artwork, and pure raw energy.  It only makes sense Verbal Razors took their name from an Exodus song.  By Thunder And Lightning is a fitting homage to Thrash legends that paved the way.  If only the vocals weren’t buried so much in the mix.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Tracklist

1. By Thunder And Lightning
2. We Are Rats
3. Riot
4. Trash
5. Jump Into Dead End
6. Water Drop
7. The House
8. Love Song
9. Order By Kicks
10. Cross The Line
11. Party Mate
12. Lazer
13. Alcohol (Only on CD & LP)