Razor were formed in Guelph, Ontario, in 1983. Guitarist Dave Carlo spearheaded the group with ferocious speed and raw precision. Consequently, the band quickly earned a reputation as pioneers of Canadian speed and thrash metal.
Initially, Razor released the EP Armed & Dangerous in 1984. Shortly after, the record label Viper Records signed the group. The band then unleashed their full-length debut album, Executioner’s Song, in 1985.
Furthermore, they followed up rapidly with Evil Invaders that same year. As a result, the album gained international distribution through Roadrunner Records. Meanwhile, the band toured extensively across North America alongside major thrash acts. Razor’s third album, Malicious Intent, was released in 1986.
However, internal tensions emerged over the next few years. Vocalist Stace “Sheepdog” Shearer departed the lineup after the release of 1987’s Custom Killing and 1988’s Violent Restitution. Subsequently, Bob Reid joined the group as the new lead singer in 1989.
Together, the new lineup recorded Shotgun Justice in 1990. Ultimately, the group disbanded in 1992 following the release of Open Hostility.
Nevertheless, Dave Carlo revived Razor in 1997. They recorded the comeback album Decibels and returned to the stage. Afterwards, the band focused primarily on performing live festivals worldwide rather than continuous studio recording. Finally, after a 25-year studio hiatus, Razor released Cycle of Contempt in 2022. Therefore, the band proved its enduring legacy as one of Canada’s most intense metal exports.
