I haven't used a Variant, but have a couple of suggestions.
Firstly, the quality of Parker razors has historically been so-so. Have you checked that the blade gap and exposure look even on both sides and that the adjustment works as expected?
Second thing to check would be operator error, have you started using it in the same way as when you first began using the DE89, with the razor perpendicular to your face then slowly lowering the handle until you hear it cut? You might be trying to use an angle that suited the DE89 but not the Variant, which might be due to different geometry, handle length or something else. Each razor is a bit different and you generally need to adjust your technique to it.
Sure that others will be along with suggestions too