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Razor (band)

From Alfawiki
Razor
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1983 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada
FounderDave Carlo
Headquarters
Guelph
,
Canada
ProductsThrash metal music, albums, live performances
Websitewww.razor.ca

Razor is a thrash metal group originating from Canada, established in 1983 in Guelph, Ontario. They are widely acknowledged as trailblazers in the Canadian thrash metal scene and are frequently listed among the nation’s "Big Four" alongside Sacrifice, Voivod, and Annihilator.

Formation and initial disbandment (1983–1992)

Guitarist Dave Carlo founded Razor in 1983. After several early personnel changes, the lineup stabilized with vocalist Stace "Sheepdog" McLaren, bassist Mike Campagnolo, and drummer Mike "M-Bro" Embro, all of whom were Carlo’s former classmates. In 1984, they produced a five-track demo before issuing the Armed & Dangerous EP via Voice Records, which earned them underground recognition. Their debut full-length album, Executioner's Song, was released in April 1985 through Viper Records, followed by Evil Invaders in October of the same year. Razor supported these releases with North American tours alongside prominent bands such as Slayer, Motörhead, and Venom.

Their third studio effort, Malicious Intent (April 1986), was marred by internal disputes and lacked distribution in the United States. Consequently, Razor sought to terminate their contract with Viper/Attic Records in January 1987. Once independent, they self-funded their fourth album, Custom Killing (July 1987), which showcased a more experimental sound but did not achieve commercial success and was less embraced by their fanbase. Following departures of bassist Mike Campagnolo and drummer Mike Embro—replaced by Dave Carlo’s brother Adam and Rob Mills respectively—the band reverted to a heavier approach on their fifth release, Violent Restitution (1988), issued through Steamhammer. This album remains their highest-selling work.

Due to diminishing enthusiasm, McLaren exited the band and was succeeded by Bob Reid from SFH. Razor signed with Fringe Product and launched Shotgun Justice in March 1990, subsequently touring smaller venues alongside Sacrifice and Disciples of Power. Prior to recording their next album, drummer Rob Mills sustained an injury; bassist Adam Carlo also left and was replaced by Jon Armstrong from SFH. The 1991 album Open Hostility incorporated programmed drums due to Mills’ absence. Mills later rejoined for live performances until Razor’s final concert on October 2, 1992. Citing shifts in musical trends and a feeling that the band had fulfilled its purpose, Dave Carlo disbanded Razor. In 1994, Fringe Product released a career-spanning compilation entitled Exhumed.

Reunion and recent activities (1996–present)

Razor reunited in 1996 following an initiative by vocalist Bob Reid. Reid and Carlo were joined by Jon Armstrong and SFH drummer Rich Oosterbosch. Their eighth studio album, Decibels, came out in 1997 under Hypnotic Records. Armstrong and Oosterbosch eventually departed, making way for returning members Rob Mills and Adam Carlo; Mike Campagnolo later replaced Adam Carlo on bass.

The band took part in notable events such as The Gates of Hell tour (2005), Headbangers Open Air Festival (2009), and the True Thrash Festival in Osaka (2011). A DVD capturing their Osaka performance was released exclusively for the Japanese market in 2012.

In April 2012, guitarist Dave Carlo was diagnosed with Stage 2 oral cancer. After successful treatment, he resumed performing in 2015. Razor appeared at significant shows including a charity event in 2014, Maryland Deathfest (2015), and California Deathfest (2016).

Drummer Rob Mills left the group in 2014 and was succeeded by Rider Johnson from Ripp’d.

On September 23, 2022, Razor unveiled their ninth studio album Cycle of Contempt, marking their first new release after a quarter-century hiatus.

Current

  • Dave Carlo – guitar (1983–1992, 1996–present)
  • Mike Campagnolo – bass guitar (1983–1987, 2005–2008, 2011–present)
  • Bob Reid – lead vocals (1989–1992, 1996–present)
  • Shareef Hassanien – drums (2019, 2024–present)

Former

  • John Scheffel – lead vocals (1983–1984)
  • Mike 'M-Bro' Embro – drummer (1983–1987)
  • Stace "Sheepdog" McLaren – vocalist (1984–1989)
  • Rob Mills – drummer (1987–1992, 1998–2014)
  • Adam Carlo – bass guitar (1987–1990, 2003–2005, 2008–2011)
  • John Armstrong – bass guitar (1990–1992, 1996–2002)
  • Rich Oosterbosch – drummer (1996–1997)
  • Rider Johnson – drums (2014–2024)

Studio albums

EPs

Live albums

  • Live! Osaka Saikou (2016)

Demos

  • Demo 84 (1984)
  • Escape the Fire (1984)
  • Decibels (1992)

Compilations

  • Exhumed (1994)

Boxed sets

  • 35 Years Thrash Insanity (2020)

External links

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