Phoenix, Arizona’s Razer is poised for a breakout year. With the release of its scorching self-titled album, things are on the rise for this bad ass quintet. Under the tutelage of Alan Niven, who spearheaded the career of Guns N’ Roses and many others, Razer has benefited from his production and mixing skills. Razer combines ’70s and ’80s hard rock with modern, sonic sensibilities on its ten energetic tracks. Razer boasts the awesome pipes of powerhouse vocalist Chris Powers, the pulsating bass skills of Chris Catero, who also co-produced the album with Niven, the fret-burning skills of guitarists Paul Sullivan and guitar hero in waiting Jordan Ziff, and the thunderous drumming skills of Eric Bongiorno. 

CD-opener “Blood For Blood” sets the pace nicely with a swampy, earth-moving riff decorated with Powers’ heavenly pipes. The chorus lyric of "It’s a Mutha” is a rousing affair displaying a raunchy GN’R flavor. I can only imagine how well this track will go down in the live setting. Soulful ballad “Into The Light” sees Powers emulating Robert Plant at his best. Tunes “The Last One” and “The Chosen One” display a menacing swagger, while instrumental “Scordatura” shows off Sullivan and Ziff’s amazing guitar skills. “Better Time” displays the same soulful goodness “Into The Light” does. CD-closer “Shattered” displays a mid-paced Zeppelin vibe decorated with a great slide guitar technique. Razer’s self-titled release is a romping, rocking affair, and at first listen, it’s easy to tell that the band deserves praise once the word gets out about them.