What makes Open Hostility by Razor notable?

This album is notable for its critical reception, often cited as a key release in the thrash metal canon. Open Hostility features tracks that have influenced subsequent artists and contributed to the enduring legacy of Canadian heavy metal during the genre's peak. Open Hostility is Razor's fourth studio album, released in 1991 after their breakthrough record, Violent Restitution. The band was solidifying its reputation within the Canadian thrash metal scene, building on their earlier successes while striving for wider recognition in a rapidly evolving genre.

How many songs are on Open Hostility?

Open Hostility has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Open Hostility

Razor · 1991

37 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of speed metal riffs and aggressive vocals that embody the raw energy of early '90s thrash.

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Top tracks — play these first

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In Protest — The opening track sets a fiercely confrontational tone with its fast-paced rhythms and politically charged lyrics, establishing the album's thematic core.
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Sucker for Punishment — This track showcases Razor's signature blend of aggression and melody, with intricate guitar work that highlights their technical prowess in thrash.
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Road Gunner — With its driving beat and vivid storytelling, this song exemplifies the band's ability to infuse narrative elements into high-energy music.
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I Disagree — The track's intense dynamics and lyrical dissent resonate deeply within the context of the album, making it a standout example of Razor's defiant spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album delivers intense thrash energy with strong lyrical themes but lacks the depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, setting a relentless pace.
Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Cheers' which shifts to a slower, more melodic section before returning to speed.

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

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 In Protest 3:44
2 Sucker for Punishment 4:02
3 Bad Vibrations 3:01
4 Road Gunner 3:08
5 Cheers 2:34
6 Red Money 2:54
7 Free Lunch 2:39
8 Iron Legions 2:33
9 Mental Torture 3:28
10 Psychopath 2:32
11 I Disagree 2:58
12 End of the War 3:39

What to play next

Listen next

Decibels

1997

Go back to

Shotgun Justice

1990

Full Razor discography Artists like Razor

speed metal thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata