Hellrazer are a heavy metal band formed in 2004 in Calgary, Canada, and they are back in the spotlight with their new album, “Serve the Machine”, seven years after their “Bonecrusher” album. As always, Hellrazer deliver high-octane heavy metal — it feels like they’ve slammed the pedal to the floor and are tearing through everything in their path. Yes, “Serve the Machine” is packed with furious metal, with the band playing as if possessed, as if there’s no tomorrow, bowing down to the heavy metal gods. Hellrazer’s frantic metal machine runs at full speed, relentless and unstoppable. The Canadians offer pure, unfiltered steel in mostly up-tempo compositions, loaded with crushing guitar riffs, electrified solos, and gritty, shout-along vocals (maybe like a harsher version of Cirith Ungol’s Tim Baker). Turn the volume up and spin “Serve the Machine” – you’ll get intoxicated by their wild heavy metal energy. The band holds nothing back, paying tribute to all the big, historic metal bands — which in a way gives the album a true metal spirit. Hellrazer aren’t chasing originality, but they are so passionate and sincere in what they do that the final result feels exciting and unique in its own way. The production could be cleaner, yet that doesn’t diminish the value or the raw beauty of the record, which sounds dirty and loud on purpose. If you’re looking for some fast, crushing, riff-driven, crazy heavy metal, check out Hellrazer’s “Serve the Machine” — you won’t be disappointed at all … get ready to blow up your speakers, man!
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
