Ray Noir uses his musical practice to destroy conventional expectations in the music industry. The alternative rock genre received its queer anthem through Razorblade Romance which Ray Noir released on Valentine’s Day 2025. A queer musician who belongs to both the Norwegian metal community and the ethnic minority has transformed his fight against metal’s rigid male identity structure into musical art. Razorblade Romance unites the raw power of industrial metal with futuristic production by Grammy-winning guitarist Steve Stevens who worked with Billy Idol while crossing between defiant grit and liberating euphoria to expand a genre known for its exclusivity. Ray […]
Razorblades and Resistance: Ray Noir on Music, Identity, and Survival Ray Noir uses his musical practice to destroy conventional expectations in the music industry. The alternative rock genre received its queer anthem through Razorblade Romance which Ray Noir released on Valentine's Day 2025. A queer musician who belongs to both the Norwegian metal community and the ethnic minority has transformed his fight against metal's rigid male identity structure into musical art. Razorblade Romance unites the raw power of industrial metal with futuristic production by Grammy-winning guitarist Steve Stevens who worked with Billy Idol while crossing between defiant grit and liberating euphoria to expand a genre known for its exclusivity. Ray created the song as his personal struggle to survive those who made him feel unwelcome within the alternative music scene. According to him the song exists as a message specifically meant for queer children who have been told they do not belong. Through its emotional rhythms the track combines confrontational musicality with authentic unapologetic sound that expresses both anger and resilience and healing. Through this interview Ray reveals the story of how he composed his music while discussing his fights with personal identity and his Norwegian metal heritage alongside his alt-goth and industrial sound combinations which create empowering anthems that help listeners find courage in their own stories. Ray suggests the continuation of Razorblade Romance through his labeling of the album as "part one" while revealing his plans for multiple parts in his storytelling about identity and resistance. This goes beyond being a song because it brings forth a compelling message to its listeners. Through this statement he displays that fresh perspectives possess the power to redefine established narratives even within traditionally structured areas. The scene is not only welcoming Ray Noir but witnessing his revolutionary transformation of it. Listen to Razorblade Romance https://open.spotify.com/album/6Ut9BIU0nkFwi9wR8hRS3n?si=__ui4BHkTIONQ1HbIPEuZw Follow Ray Noir on Facebook Twitter Spotify Bandcamp Youtube Instagram Tiktok What inspired you to create "Razorblade Romance"? Is there a specific story or experience behind this track? “Razorblade Romance” is a song about being an outsider and the struggle of having to hide who you are, which keeps you from living authentically. Growing up in Norway’s metal scene, I didn’t see any queer representation, and it made me feel like I had to suppress parts of myself to fit in. The song reflects that experience, the pain of hiding, the scars it leaves, and ultimately the resilience to survive it. It’s deeply personal and a reflection of what so many queer people go through. The title "Razorblade Romance" suggests something both dangerous and alluring. What does this juxtaposition mean to you and how does it relate to the song's themes? “Razorblade Romance” has that mix of danger and allure because, when you’re forced to hide who you are, it can really mess with your head. I’m not trying to glamorize suicide or anything, but this is the reality, when you grow up feeling like you can’t be yourself, it takes a toll. The title reflects that contrast: the romance is the longing to live authentically, while the razorblade is the pain of having to hide. It’s about what happens when you’re constantly fighting to exist in a world that doesn’t accept you. How would you describe the sound and style of "Razorblade Romance" compared to your previous work? “Razorblade Romance” leans more into industrial metal, whereas my previous work has been more alternative goth and electro. With Scorpio, the mixtape I released in 2024, I was already starting to push in this direction, so this track feels like the natural evolution of Ray Noir. It’s heavier, more intense, but still keeps that dark, emotional core that’s always been a part of my music. https://youtu.be/95GmtLzavYs
Were there any particular musical influences that shaped the sound of this single? I’ve been listening to a lot of late ‘90s and early 2000s industrial metal, and I really love that sound. I wanted to take that energy and refresh it a bit, make it feel new while still keeping that raw, heavy vibe. That was a big inspiration musically. And then, of course, having Steve Stevens on guitar just took it to another level, his style fit the track perfectly and really brought everything together. Does "Razorblade Romance" explore any personal experiences or emotions that were challenging to translate into music? Yeah, definitely. Razorblade Romance is one of the most personal songs I’ve written. It’s about growing up in a scene where I felt like I couldn’t be myself, where being queer wasn’t really accepted. That kind of experience leaves scars, and trying to put all those emotions, frustration, isolation, and the struggle to survive, into a song was intense. I wanted to make sure it felt raw and honest but also empowering, like a reminder that even after all that, I’m still here. That was the biggest challenge, finding the right balance between the pain and the strength that comes from it. As Ray Noir, how would you describe your artistic identity, and how does "Razorblade Romance" fit into that vision? Ray Noir is a queer, alt-goth, electro-metal, industrial artist, nu-industrial if you want. My whole artistic identity is about being there for the misfits, the outsiders, all the lonely kings and queens out there. I want people to listen to my music and feel something, to know they’re not alone. Razorblade Romance fits perfectly into that vision because it’s about that struggle of feeling like you don’t belong, but also the strength that comes from surviving it. Did you collaborate with any producers or other artists on this track? If so, how did that partnership influence the final product? Yeah, Razorblade Romance actually started as a demo I had lying around for years, and I picked it up again recently. I got Jon Cass from As Everything Unfolds to produce it, which really helped shape the sound and bring it to life. Then I worked with my friend Steve Stevens from Billy Idol, who was kind enough to add his guitar work to the track. He’s a total legend, he’s worked with Billy Idol for years, played on Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana, and even won a Grammy for the Top Gun Anthem. Having him on board really took the song to another level, it wouldn’t be the same without him. Is there a particular lyric or musical moment in "Razorblade Romance" that you feel especially connected to? Honestly, the whole song connects with me, but one part that really hits is the line: ‘When I die, will you know? Will you grieve? Will you be there?’ It’s about that feeling of wondering if people would even care if you disappeared, if your friends, your family, or even people who barely know you would notice. And that comes from a real place, because society is constantly shaming queer people to death, making us feel like we don’t belong. Those thoughts can really take over on the darkest days, and I wanted to capture that in the song. What do you hope listeners take away from this single? I really hope people, especially young queer kids in the alt scene, can find strength in this song, and in my music in general. I want them to know they’re not alone. Unfortunately, there still aren’t many openly queer role models in the scene, and that needs to change. I’m here to challenge that. With Razorblade Romance and everything I do, I feel like this is my purpose, to create something that makes people feel seen and understood. Were there any unexpected challenges or breakthroughs during the production of this track? There weren’t really any major challenges during the production, but there were definitely breakthrough moments. Hearing Steve Stevens’ guitar work on the track was huge for me, it really elevated the song. Also, I’m just so happy with the production that Jon Cass brought to the table.
Seeing it all come together and come to life was the real breakthrough for me, it was like watching something I’d been working on for years finally reach its full potential. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3j7i3MN2ah2BR9A8RiiP7a Are you planning any visual components to accompany the single, such as a music video? Yeah, there’s a music video for Razorblade Romance that dropped on the release day, it’s up on YouTube. My drummer and I filmed it at this really creepy cemetery in London called Abney Park Cemetery in North London. We snuck in during the evening when it was really dark, jumped over the fences, and had a camera guy with us to capture it all. It was super DIY, but it worked perfectly with the vibe of the song. How has the reception been to "Razorblade Romance" so far? The reception has been great so far. We got added to two of Apple Music’s playlists, Breaking Metal and Breaking Hard Rock. There’s been a lot of positive feedback from fans and people in general. I’m really happy that people are enjoying it and connecting with it. It’s something I’m really proud of. What's next for Ray Noir following this release? Are you working on more singles or perhaps a larger project? I’m working on new music and have a few more releases lined up. I’m also doing a mini UK tour in April and some more shows later this year, so I’m really excited about that. There’ll be more music and maybe an EP by the end of the year. Keep your ears to the ground and eyes peeled ;)
