Review | Vicious Rumors ‘Razorback Killers’

Razorback Killers

Founder and Vicious Rumors mastermind Geoff Thorpe has been waving the American Metal flag high throughout the history of this band, and what a history it is. Formed in 1979 in the San Fransisco Bay area, Vicious Rumors has operated on a revolving door of members since the bands 1986 debut ‘Soldiers In The Night‘ with only drummer Larry Howe claiming the second longest tenure. In 1992 Geoff Thorpe contracted Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a pretty serious ailment for a guitar player) and the future of Vicious Rumors was in question. At this point bassist Dave Starr left the band. In 1994 with Thorpe able to play again the band released ‘Word Of Mouth.’ After singing on four Vicious Rumors records, in 1995 vocalist Carl Albert died from a car accident. After three records with various musicians, 2006 saw the return of drummer Larry Howe and bassist Dave Starr, and along with new vocalist James Rivera, Vicious Rumors released ‘Warball.’

Present day finds Vicious Rumors with a new line-up (only Geoff Thorpe and Larry Howe remain) and a new record titled ‘Razorback Killers‘ coming out in the U.S. April 5th, 2011. This is the bands tenth studio record and it is going to blow you away, it contains all the metals, heavy, thrash and speed. First of all ‘Razorback Killers‘ could stand alone musically, with all the killer riffs, shredding guitar solo’s, hard hitting drums and thundering bass, but it doesn’t have to. New vocalist Brian Allen brings it, with range and power that covers guttural growls to soaring highs and everything in between, this guy can sing. I love this record, it’s like a roller coaster ride of metal, with sharp twists and turns, slow uphill grinds, high speed thrills and hair raising screams. Razorback Killers ROCKS!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Track: Deal With The Devil

Razorback Killers Track Listing:
01. Murderball
02. Black
03. Razorback Blade
04. Blood Stained Sunday
05 Pearl Of Wisdom
06. All I Want Is You
07. Axe To Grind
08. Let The Garden Burn
09. Rite Of Devastation
10. Deal With The Devil

Vicious Rumors are:
Brian Allen – Vocals
Geoff Thorpe – Guitars
Kiyoshi Morgan – Guitars
Stephen Goodwin – Bass
Larry Howe – Drums