Search - Riot :: Restless Breed (Reis)

Early 80's Metal At Its Best

Erik Rupp | Southern California | 04/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Owing as much to 70's Rock And Roll (Ted Nugent, Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynrd, Bad Company) as to early 80's Metal (Judas Priest, Dio-era Black Sabbath) RESTLESS BREED captures a moment in time when the Riff was King, and almost every song had a strong hook. RESTLESS BREED continued the groundwork laid down by its predecessor, FIRE DOWN UNDER. "Hard Lovin Man," and "Loved By You" are two catchy, but Heavy, melody-driven songs showcasing (then) new vocalist (the late) Rhett Forrester. Both songs became staples of their live set, and it's easy to hear why. Forrester was an incredibly powerful vocalist who could both sing and "scream" effectively. "C.I.A." is an uptempo song with a driving beat and a nasty attitude, and "Loanshark" is actually a precursor to Thrash Metal with its frantic verse (which gives way to a very memorable chorus hook). The title track could also be called the precursor to the Power Ballad, although it is Heavier, and much less contrived than the power ballads of the late 80's. It actually has a bit of a Southern feel to it, kind of like Lynyrd Skynrd ("Freebird") on steroids. The rest of the album is filled out with strong songs such as "Over To You" (catchy, straight-ahead Rock And Roll), "Violent Crimes" (heavy in a late 70's Judas Priest kind of way), and "Showdown" (another proto-Power Ballad). The production is RAW, but in a good way - it keeps the catchier songs from straying into Foreigner territory, and the performances are all energetic with a lot of "feeling." If you want something that has a lot of raw power and energy, while maintaining a sense of melody, then RESTLESS BREED is exactly what you're looking for. (And if you do buy this, both FIRE DOWN UNDER and BORN IN AMERICA are also highly recommended!)"

Excellent

Barry Fox | Middle Island, NY United States | 12/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"being in my early 40s now, I loved Riot back in the day, i remember really digging the Guy era riot, and being apphrensive about this new dude Rhett ,but i could honestly say ,while it was different then the Guy Riot, Rhett eliminated any fears, the dude rocked, this album kicked a--. incidentally I met Rhett on the street in the early 80,s, in a chance meeting, he was a nice guy, and I was saddened to learn he's no longer with us . But getting back to the point if you like 80s metal, this is a cant miss."

A bit bluesier but still killer NWOBHM from America!

Meteor | North America | 08/03/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"God bless Rhett Forrester - now deceased. He gave this album more of a bluesier, almost Southern quality, but it's still essential steamhammer Riot that fits in much better with British compatriots like Saxon and Def Leppard (!) than with fellow U.S. bands of that time like Van Halen. Excellent songs (if "Violent Crimes" doesn't get your blood pumping, you're either an android or dead!), great playing...but cheesy album cover!"