Lost Treasure: Razor White – The Black Demo (1987)
Razor White – The Black Demo [zip file]
This episode of Lost Treasure is one that I couldn’t be more psyched about. Back in 1987, a little metal band out of New Orleans released a 5 track demo with hopes they would someday be one of the next big metal bands. As many by now know, Razor White’s first singer was a guy by the name of Phillip Anselmo who went on to front Pantera. Troy Marks came in behind him and actually solidified the band making them the powerhouse they were to become. Boasting a sound that was pretty damned heavy for their genre and for the time, Razor White was easily one of the biggest metal bands out of New Orleans. Their live shows were out of control fun and they played with all the balls out energy of an arena band and had mucho talent to boot. They were tight as a fucking drum and Troy Marks, in my opinion, had what it took to be an amazing voice in Heavy Metal.
The band played their asses off and always seemed to be “this close” but never quite got there. The band released a full length album in 1991 independently called “Just What The Doctor Ordered” which was produced by local homeboy and Lillian Axe guitarist Stevie Blaze. The album lacked the guts and intensity of the EP and instead the band tried their hand at more hooky, catchy types of songs which to me sold them short. The group disbanded not long after with drummer Steve Joseph going on to manage New Orleans sludge kings Crowbar that also featured his former Razor White band mate Matt Thomas on lead guitar.
I used to listen to the fuck out of “The Black Tape” and it eventually died sometime in 1991 after YEARS of wear and tear. A few nights ago, I got a message from Al over at Paranoize that he had “The Black Tape” posted on his website along with many other late, great New Orleans bands such as Exhorder and Graveyard Rodeo. The site is a real great walk down memory lane so head on over there and check it out. He’s also got a great YOU TUBE page that’s got some great videos from classic N’awlins metal bands like The Slugs and Victorian Blitz which is a kick ass thing to see after all these years. Thank you Al and everyone involved with Paranoize for bringing back these great memories! You guys made my year!
While Al isn’t involved with Paranoize, he is a good friend and has certainly done his part to help promote the cause, so I don’t mind at all that he gets credit!
I’m glad I could bring you down memory lane by posting that in The Way It Was. That’s why I do what I do.
Thanks!
Bobby
Hey there Bobby. First off, thanks for popping in and second, thanks for the correction. I’m sorry if that was a mistake but I will DEFINITELY give you credit for this as well if you are indeed responsible as well. This was a gem of a find. It’s amazing to me how even now, 22 years later, these guys sound hungry, heavy and full of drive. They could’ve been huge but man, what was up with “Just What The Doctor Ordered?” Sheesh!