What makes Custom Killing by Razor notable?

Custom Killing is notable for its raw energy and lyrical themes that critique societal issues, contributing significantly to the thrash metal movement of the late '80s. The album helped Razor gain critical acclaim within the underground metal community, influencing future bands and earning them a dedicated following despite limited mainstream success. Released in January 1987, Custom Killing marked Razor's third album during their rise in the Canadian thrash metal scene. This album followed their previous work, Shotgun Justice, and showcased a mature sound that emphasized longer tracks and complex arrangements while solidifying their reputation for aggressive musicianship.

How many songs are on Custom Killing?

Custom Killing has 8 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Custom Killing

Razor · 1987

45 min · 8 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless fusion of speed and aggression, blending thrash metal's intensity with sharp, intricate guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Survival of the Fittest — This nearly eleven-minute opener encapsulates the album's relentless pace and lyrical depth, merging complex rhythms with a narrative on resilience amidst adversity.
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Shootout — Combining rapid-fire riffs with an urgent tempo, this track highlights Razor's signature sound while exploring themes of conflict and survival.
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Last Rites — The lengthy composition features dramatic shifts in dynamics, showcasing the band's ability to maintain tension while delving into darker lyrical territory.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and energetic performances but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding five minutes, allowing for intricate guitar solos and tempo shifts.
Each song incorporates rapid-fire drumming paired with aggressive vocal delivery, maintaining a high energy level throughout.
Lyrical themes focus on societal critiques, often delivered with a confrontational tone that matches the intensity of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Survival of the Fittest 10:55
2 Shootout 4:54
3 Forced Annihilation 4:58
4 Last Rites 10:53
5 Snake Eyes 3:32
6 White Noise 5:23
7 Going Under 4:02
8 Russian Ballet 0:33

What to play next

Listen next

Shotgun Justice

1990

Go back to

Executioner's Song

1985

Full Razor discography Artists like Razor

speed metal thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata