Racer X - Getting Heavier (Shrapnel)
2003
1. "Dr. X" (5:31)
2. "Lucifer's Hammer" (3:43)
3. "Golden God" (4:23)
4. "Bucket of Rocks" (4:26)
5. "Go-GG-Go" (4:19)
6. "Heaven in '74" (3:25)
7. "Everything's Everything" (3:46)
8. "Empty Man" (4:56)
9. "The Siren's Eye" (6:22)
10. "Ghost Dance" (5:03)
11. "Endless" (5:24)
12. "Catapult to Extinction" [instrumental] (4:58)
Having been into the metal scene extensively for decades now, you would think I would have heard something by this legendary band before 2003. However, "Getting Heavier" is my first exposure to Racer X and I must say I am impressed. I know that guitarist Paul Gilbert is a shredder as I was somewhat familiar with his guitar playing with Mr. Big. Also, I have been a long time fan of drummer Scott Travis from his work with Priest and Fight. "Getting Heavier" actually sounds like a combination of these two bands. While this CD is certainly heavy, it's not quite as aggressive as Judas Priest, although no where near as mellow or as flashy as Mr. Big. So I would say they fall somewhere in between the two, but falling a little more on the side of the metallic, denim and leather Priest than anything resembling pop. The guitar and drum work on this disc are outstanding, as are the pipes of Jeff Martin, who has one of those classic metal voices. At times he reminds me of Rob Rock. Should also mention that there is a bit of a blues thing going on here and there. "Ghost Dance" has a big Robin Trower influence in it. Well, Racer X are another band to add to the want list. So many good bands, so little time and money!