Razor - Evil Invaders (1985)

Here's some more fantastic thrash metal with Razor's second album 'Evil Invaders.' This is an interesting album, certainly, with great guitar solos and a unique-sounding vocalist.

Still alive today (with their guitarist being the only permanent member), Razor has kicked some serious ass in the thrash world and they've been under the surface for too long. 'Evil Invaders' provides some of the heaviest, fastest, and most intense speed tracks to date (Iron Hammer, I'm pointing at you) with some gnarly bass you hear from beginning-to-end. In ways, I hear some Lemmy and hardcore influence in the vocals and it wins me over easily if not for the riffs. Despite the okay production, you truly hear some intense, raw, ass-kicking intensity that truly defines thrash metal as a whole. You will enjoy this album easily if you're into raw thrash.

LINEUP:
Stace McLaren: Vocals
Dave Carlo: Guitars
Mike Campagnolo: Bass
Mike Embro: Percussion

TRACK LISTING:
Nowhere Fast - 4:26
Cross Me Fool - 3:13
Legacy of Doom - 3:22
Evil Invaders - 3:49
Iron Hammer - 3:38
Instant Death - 2:57
Cut Throat - 4:11
Speed Merchants - 3:45
Tortured Skull - 5:35
Thrashdance - 3:19

Final thoughts on Razor's 'Evil Invaders': With an interestingly enough raw feel, this is some true in-your-face thrash metal with high influences in its speed metal feel. If you're into Lemmy-esque vocals and intense guitar solos and just general thrash metal, you need this staple. 8.2/10

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Helstar - Burning Star (1984)

If you ask any speed metal fan (They still exist!) what one essential album would be, one of their answers will probably include Helstar's first album, which is 'Burning Star.' As a speed metal classic, they aren't exactly mainstream when you hear of the term 'metal' at all, but they have all of what you wish for in a great album: Fantastic vocals, insane guitar solos, and awesome production not to mention some nice drumming. It sounds, and IS, a true '80s speed metal and certainly obligatory.

With 8 tracks of pure ass-kicking metal, all of the songs have their own theme and it doesn't have any form of repetition in the songwriting whatsoever--and they're all enjoyable. The album starts with 'Burning Star,' the album's name and it has a memorable opening riff that eventually introduces the drumming with some dark--yet high--vocals. As it goes on, it closes with 'Dracula's Castle,' a soft-sounding acoustic song that turns out to be a typical speed metal song that is remarkably interesting.

LINEUP:
James Rivera/Bill Lionel: Vocals
Larry Barragan: Guitars
Tom Rogers: Guitars
Hector Pavon: Drums
Paul Medina: Bass

TRACK LISTING:
Burning Star - 3:50
Towards the Unknown - 4:44
Witch's Eye - 3:03
Run With the Pack - 6:38
Leather and Lust - 3:26
Possession - 3:28
Shadows of Iga - 4:59
Dracula's Castle - 4:51

Final thoughts on Helstar's 'Burning Star': It's an essential speed metal album, what can I say? If you enjoy Agent Steel or are starting with metal at all, this band and album is a great way to start. Excellent guitar solos, riffs, and high, dark vocals. 8/10.

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