Interview: Pissing Razors

Recently, DutchMetalManiac’s Tim van Velthuysen interviewed Pissing Razors.

Hey, how are you? Can you tell us something about the history of Pissing Razors?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Pissing Razors is the brainchild of Eddy Garcia and Mat Lynch formed in 1994, with Danny Garcia (Eddy’s brother) and Dave (Loco Pelon) McNutt infusing groove oriented heavy metal with punk rock. After performing and recording a few demo tapes, Loco Pelon would exit the band and Joe Rodriguez would enter the fold in 1996 and recorded Psycho Punko Metal Groove which was released independently. Danny Garcia would leave the band and was replaced by Rick Valles. After touring extensively in support of Psycho Punko Metal Groove, Pissing Razors would eventually get signed to Noise Records and release two records, Pissing Razors and Cast Down the Plague, with the lineup to include Eddy Garcia, Mat Lynch, Joe Rodriguez and Rick Valles, to tour extensively in Europe and the US. In 1999, we would see the lineup change with the departure of Mat Lynch and replaced by Cesar Soto. In 2000 would bring another lineup with the departure of Joe Rodriguez replaced by Jason Bragg. We would continue to tour and yet another lineup change would occur in 2002 with the departure of Jason Bragg and Cesar Soto. Both members would be replaced by Andre Acosta and Mat Difabio. In 2004, we would see the eventual hiatus of Pissing Razors after the release of Evolution, the last record released by the band until 2014 when original members Eddy Garcia, Mat Lynch and Joe Rodriguez would reunite and team up with Geo Gomez to complete the lineup. Rick Valles was asked to participate in the reunion, but declined due to family commitments and remains an integral part of the history of this band. Pissing Razors has since toured in 2018 and released two singles in 2019, and for 2020 we released a cover of Nailbomb’s Wasting Away.

For people not knowing Pissing Razors (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Mat Lynch (guitar): The foundation of our music is beat driven first and foremost. That’s key for us. It’s generally always aggressive and the mood is set in the groove of each song, then glued together with sharp and catchy melodic rhythms rounded out by commanding vocal lines that openly welcome the listener to commit to the song’s journey with us. 

When someone doesn’t know Pissing Razors yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Eddy Garcia (drums): My answer would be Dodging Bullets. It was the first song on our first release. I think that’s fun to touch a lot of people in a lot of different ways, but not only that, it’s a song that struck me in the middle of the night. I wrote it in my sleep almost. We got to practice and I remembered everything. We wrote it in almost no time. It’s magical so that’s the one.

What makes Pissing Razors unique?

Geo Gomez (bass): What makes this band unique is the way it incorporates a punk feel at times meshed with some groove and crushing riffs. If you listen closely, there are some off-timing turnarounds that really separate us from most bands. Take Where We Come From for example. It goes from groove to hardcore then adds a punkish twist. PR has its own unique touch on every tune which I believe is like no other. Sure we have influences, but in the end, it really comes together totally incorporated into PR staple.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Joe, Mat, Geo, Eddy: We recently finished recording our first record in 17 years titled Eulogy Death March and it is currently in the mixing and mastering process with Sterling Winfield (Pantera, Hellyeah). As Covid pans out and affects live music, our goal is to tour in support of the new album. If anyone wants to find us on social media, listen to our music digitally, or buy merch, they can go here. Thanks to everyone for all the support!

Any upcoming gigs for Pissing Razors? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Joe, Mat, Geo, Eddy: We will have our CD release party on October 1st, 2021 in our hometown of El Paso, Texas at Ricky D’s. We are also headlining the Texas Domination Festival in San Antonio, Texas at Bonds Rock Bar on November 6, and a show in Ft. Worth, Texas at the Rail Club Live on November 7.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Well, probably very boring and very uninteresting, not to be a Negative Nancy. Most people have outlets. Music is my outlet. You know especially when you have bad days or even good days and what not. To be able to let that out, let some steam out. It could be the good or bad, but definitely would be very uninteresting very boring life if I didn’t have music.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Pay attention to contracts. Don’t be so eager to sign your life away.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): We recently finished recording our first record in 17 years titled Eulogy Death March and it is currently in the mixing and mastering process with Sterling Winfield (Pantera, Hellyeah). We will have our CD release party on October 1st, 2021 in our hometown of El Paso, Texas at Ricky D’s. We are also headlining the Texas Domination Festival in San Antonio, Texas at Bonds Rock Bar on November 6, and a show in Ft. Worth, Texas at the Rail Club Live on November 7. Our goal is to tour in support of the new album Eulogy Death March. If anyone wants to find us on social media, listen to our music digitally, or buy merch, they can go here. Thanks to Razor Nation & everyone for all the support!

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