Album Reviews : RATT – Infestation

Many popular bands from the heyday of glam and hair metal break up then suddenly reform soon after, yet sadly end up sounding like nothing more than a shallow reinvention of their former selves. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with RATT.

As one of the pioneers of the Hollywood glam rock scene, RATT started a tradition which eventually blossomed and took over most of LA’s metal scene in the early 80’s.

After a dismal effort with their 1999 release  ‘RATT’ (not to be confused with their original EP of the same name), the band took an 11-year hiatus from studio recording. The new album ‘Infestation’ is not only a return to form for RATT, bringing back a lot of their glam metal roots, but also sees the introduction of new guitarist Carlos Cavazo, formerly of Quiet Riot.

The album is a fly kick to the face, offering a solid array of glam and blues-infused rock anthems which set the mood for any hard driven hedonist. Straight off the mark the album ignites and emits a perpetual flame, bursting with energy and attitude. This is one of the best sounding and enjoyable glam metal releases I’ve heard in recent years. RATT have essentially stayed with their signature formula, but infused a slight modern day twist to keep both new and old fans very happy.

The album kicks off with ‘Eat Me Up Alive’, a typical glam rock anthem combined with Stephen Pearcy’s unique vocals, which sometimes borders on the harshness of Alice Cooper, the whinyness of Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) and the sleaze of Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe).

Next up is  ‘Best of Me’, which is also the first single off the new album. It’s Van Halen esque intro along with its catchy chorus and slight pop driven tempo is a great party anthem. ‘A Little Too Much’ is another great addition to the album which even borders on a sound close to the hilarity and sophistication that is Steel Panther.  ‘Last Call’ and ‘Look Out Below’ changes the tempo a little, offering a variation of southern and blues elements.  Both Warren DeMartini and Carlos Cavazo have generated a similar sound and style to that of Slash (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver) and Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe), sans the attitude.

It’s not all sexually driven and hedonist glam. There is a slight change of delivery near the end of the album. The track ‘Take Me Home’ is a more stripped back and melodic number which also includes and nice hint of orchestral elements. I can honestly say this album is like a step back in time. All the great glam elements are there and the album is just great from start to finish.

For the many RATT fans who were disappointed with the previous album’s southern and blues overtones, you’ll easily find solitude on ‘Infestation’ as its diverted back to an old school theme and is saturated from head to toe in glam rock and blues goodness, creatively tending to the needs of new and old RATT fans alike.  I have the highest respect for this new RATT release and will surely be in my top 10 for 2010. 9/10

Band: RATT
Album: Infestation
Year: 2010
Genre: Glam rock/Hard rock
Origin: USA
Label: Roadrunner Records

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Tracklisting:

1. Eat Me Up Alive <- Reviewer’s Choice
2. Best Of Me <- Reviewer’s Choice
3. A Little Too Much <- Reviewer’s Choice
4. Look Out Below
5. Last Call <- Reviewer’s Choice
6. Lost Weekend
7. As Good As It Gets
8. Garden Of Eden
9. Take A Big Bite
10. Take Me Home <- Reviewer’s Choice
11.  Don’t Let Go