RAZORBATS – Anthems of a Lost Century (2025)

Since forming in Oslo in 2012, RAZORBATS have been known for their energetic blend of glam, punkish sleaze, and classic hard rock. Inspired by legends like Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, and KISS, the band has built a loyal fanbase and earned critical acclaim both in Norway and abroad, sharing stages with renowned acts such as Michael Monroe, The Offspring, TNT, etc.

The band’s music is a homage to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll: 70s / 80s / 90s, according to the band “Rock n’ Roll the way it should be”… are RAZORBATS living up to their bold statement with their new, 5th album ”Anthems of a Lost Century“? Oh yeah.
“Stone Cold Ten” is a pulsing, effective nod to guitar-driven sleazy power-pop and the likes of Crashdiet or Friday Night Boys with its hook laden, sugary poise that will have you immediately singing along.
Next, on “The Race Is On” the ’80s appear, driven by melodic guitars, synth-runs and an addictive chorus like Crazy Lixx meets Cruzh. Woah, these guys are good.

“Scars” is a shout-along rocker that will no doubt strain the chords of many gig audiences, and leads into the radio ready hymn to after-hours, the melodic “Nightlife”. “Shadows” meanwhile, is an extremely seedy sounding crawler with appropriately styled guitar work that only enhances its stylishly crafted atmosphere.

“Turn It Up” is a mid-paced Cheap Trick infused cut that of course has the requisite hooks a plenty, whilst “I’m Not In Love” is NOT the 10CC song but a ballsy, fist waving rocker with that New Wave of Scandirock catchiness.
With “Hyperion” Razorbats showcase more influences – call me nuts but this brings to my mind 1982 Asia or GTR yet with a Scandinavian rock patina. Very interesting.
More variation comes with midtempo ballad “Love Comes Easy” complete with ethereal harmonies in a hard edged hook with nods to 70s British glam. “Kamikaze Casanova” wins song title of the year for me and is a glorious, gang-styled hard rock way to close the album in great style.

The production is precise – at places massive – and the band are equally on top form. The triple guitar attack of Asle Tangen, Andre Kamerud and Kjetil F. Wevling are faultless and particularly impressive on “Shadows” and “Love Comes Easy”. Martin Karsgaard Hervig on bass and Christian Hapnes Svendsen on drums are solid and effective, whilst Paul Vercouteren acquits himself with aplomb throughout, and proves he is the right man for the job in handling the vocal duties impressively.

”Anthems of A Lost Century” references certain musical bullet points from the late ’70s onward and pretty much does what is says on the cover but with added dashes of style and attitude.
Razorbats are among a select few of bands around that can make producing radio friendly, memorably infectious songs seem like a simple task.
An engaging and hugely enjoyable release from this criminally unknown, very fine band.
Highly Recommended

 

01 – Stone Cold Ten
02 – The Race Is On
03 – Scars
04 – Nightlife
05 – Shadows
06 – Turn It Up
07 – I’m Not In Love
08 – Hyperion
09 – Love Comes Easy
10 – Kamikaze Casanova

Paul Vercouteren – lead vocals
Asle Tangen – guitar, vocals
Kjetil F Werling – guitar, vocals
Andre Kamerud – guitar
Martin Korsgaard Hervig – bass
Christian Hapnes Svendsen – drums

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