Customer Reviews

Infestation

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I could hardly believe my ears. When I bought Infestation at a Mom and Pop(got it 4 days early), I told the lady behind the counter I was expecting the worst and hoping for the best. Well the best is what I got. This is EASILY the best album put out by the so called "80's metal bands" since the early 90's. After suffering through some of the garbage that Bon Jovi, Poison and Firehouse have released in the last 10 years, I literally had to stop the first song and start over again to make sure I was hearing this right. I won't write a long review about each song but ,believe me, if you love this type of music go immediately to your source for new music and purchase the ENTIRE RECORD. RATT is back and this is one of their 3 best albums.

When I first heard that Ratt was recording a new CD, I really wasn't sure what to expect. As an eighties kid, Ratt was always my favorite rock band. I've gotten every CD (or cassette) of original music that they've released starting with the pre-Out of the Cellar EP. There was always something so distinctive and gutter about Stephen Pearcy's voice, something so intricate yet restrained about Warren's guitar playing-- while everybody else was trying to sound like Van Halen or Bon Jovi (to get more radio airplay) NOBODY else sounded like Ratt. Whenever you listened to their music, it sounded like the soundtrack to the streets of LA. Below all the lights and glamor, it was nasty and dangerous.

Like every other hard rock band post-Nirvana, Ratt lost their focus. Somewhere along the way, Pearcy left the band, guitarist Robin Crosby passed away, bassist Juan Croucier exited, and... well, at least everyone would always remember "Round & Round."

Back in 1999, there was a little buzz over a "new" CD featuring a modern sounding Ratt. Titled simply "Ratt" with a REALLY lame CD cover, it was a big disappointment. The production sucked, the songs (written with a lot of outside help) were left over wannabe-Aerosmith songs, and it just sounded... boring.

So, now it's 11 years later, Stephen is back in the band, Robin has been replaced by Carlos Cavazzo (you remember him, he was the blond haired guy in Quiet Riot) and once again there's buzz about a new CD. So, this time around, 11 years older, can the guys in this band still rock?


HELL FRIGGIN YEAH!

If I didn't know any better, I would swear that these tracks were recorded back in the eighties and remastered to sound current. Stephen's voice (amazingly) sounds almost exactly as raspy and distinctive as it did on "Out of the Cellar." I'm sure that all the reverb and other little computer effects helped out, but he sounds incredible. Warren's crazy blues man style punctuates every track, and Carlos fits in VERY well. Cool guitar solos are everywhere (and amazing sustain!), but even better are the heavy rhythms. The very first lick you hear on the first song is NASTY-- a little reminiscent of "Lack of Communication."

Matter of fact, that's probably the best thing about this CD, most of the songs sound just enough like songs that you remember to sound familiar, but then they go in exciting new directions. The first single "Best of Me" is a lot like "I Want A Woman" only better, "As Good as it Gets" sounds like a sequel to "Wanted Man," and best of all, a lot of these songs sound like stuff that was on the EP. I don't know of many bands that could put themselves in the same vibe as 25 years ago without sounding like a bunch of old guys trying to sound like teenagers. Or worse, they could sound like old guys trying too hard to sound relevant. Like the dude in his fifties at the bar trying to talk to the 22 year old hot chick. That would get pathetic real quick.

Instead, Infestation shows that Ratt is the best at doing what Ratt does best... taking us all for a ride through the streets of LA. It may seem fun and pretty, but if you're not careful, you're gonna get kicked in the nutz.

When it comes to music, sometimes that's a good thing.

Oh one last thing-- my only complaint is the lyrics. Some of them are just kinda simple and goofy ("you say let's stop I say let's go, you say it's hot I say it's cold.") But we'll leave the complicated lyrics to Rush and early Queensryche. These are "partyin, drinkin and fightin" songs. And with Ratt I can still sing along even when I'm drunk.

Now here is a reunion album I never thought we'd see. Ratt - with Stephen Pearcy - is back together with a new album titled Infestation. The guys have put their past issues aside, now the question is whether they can release a real Ratt n' roll album in the new century. As good as recent albums from bands like Great White, Dokken, Tesla and Whitesnake are, they just aren't at the same level as their classic 80's output. These bands have all matured, and their sound has too, which is fine, but when you're best known for decadent party rock, mature isn't quite what the doctor ordered.

Fortunately, Ratt somehow managed to capture some of the energy that made albums like Invasion of Your Privacy and Dancing Undercover essential "hair metal" releases. Infestation is an album that absolutely fits with the classic Ratt sound. It's tight, melodic, and catchy, with just the right amount of sleaze. I've heard Stephen Pearcy's post-Ratt projects, and I have to say he never sounded as good as he does with Warren DeMartini by his side. Pearcy supplies the bad boy charm and sleaze appeal, and DeMartini supplies some insane guitar work. It's easy to overlook when the songs are so catchy, but he is an absolute wizard on guitar. Former Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo is a great addition as well, supplying killer rhythms as well as some lead work. Of course, Bobby Blotzer is rock-steady on drums.

Infestation is every bit the sexually-charged party rock album I was hoping for. "Best of Me" is the album's first single, and it's one of the best songs this band has ever recorded. If that song doesn't convince you to check out this album, nothing will. The rest of the album is almost as good. "Eat Me Up Alive" and "As Good As It Gets" are wickedly fun sleaze rockers, and "Take Me Home" is a ballad of sorts, but one with plenty of punch. The rest of the album is wall-to-wall riffs, catchy hooks and infectious melodies.

You know how every time a band is pushing a new album, they invariably call it their best work ever? In this case, they might be on the mark. Infestation is the first comeback album I've heard from an 80's era hair metal band (and I use that term with total affection) that actually measures up. Ratt is back and it's like 1987 all over again!

I have always been a huge Ratt fan, but they had some later albums that were disapointing to me,
so I was expecting the same this time. But...wow...was I wrong. This album is filled with great guitar, singing and lyrics filled with attitude, and a
hammering rythem section! Eat me up alive, Best of me, Lost weekend, a little to much and As good as it gets are 5 excellent, hard rocking songs and
are easily the standout tracks. I cant remember the last time I bought a album that had 5 standout tracks and the others are pretty good too.
Warrens guitar playing is awesome as always, Carlos add's to the sound with his standout playing, Pearcy never sounded better and sings the songs like they come from his heart and his guts and Bobby's drumming is oustanding and shows that he is very under rated as a drummer. Crane's bass playing lays down some sweet groves too.
Very infectious groves and lyrics, excellent musicianship, just like the old days with Ratt and one hell of a comeback album.
I bought Motley's last album and this album is much better and i'm a huge Crue fan too.
Pick this up, you wont be disapointed if you are into hard rock music and enjoy the 80's hard rock sound.

Ratt were the best of 1980's heavy Metal. Their self titled comeback album in the 1990's was a complete let down. It wasn't terrible, but it did not live up to the very high bar they had set for themselves in the 80's. They quickly vanished again.

When I heard there was a new cd in the works I was not at all interested, but I couldn't stay away and I checked it out anyway. This is the real deal. Every 80's metal band that has gotten back together in the last decade have released music that is a wimper compared to the best of their past output. This thing roars. The songs are classic Ratt; catchy and full of hooks. Stephen Pearcy's voice is as good as ever and the solos are awesome. The rhythm section is tight and hard.

Get this with no hesitation!

It's great to see other great reviews on this cd. This to me is the best CD that RATT has made since INVASION OF YOUR PRIVACY. I can tell from a producer's point of view that this recording was well planned, produced and well crafted. Most important I hope it sells well.

It brings me back to the 80s when you bought an Lp and the WHOLE LP was very good. It is very consistent in that sense and I highly recommend it. Quite frankly, this IS the first time in years that I buy a CD from a band that I grew up listening to and the magic is still there like it was back then.

I guess the band realized that their signature sound was the way to go after several failed attempts to go in other musical directions!!!

Rating 10

Just got this CD, popped it into my car radio, and man, right from the start it will bring a smile to your face. Carlos Cavazo really mixes well with Warren DeMartini. If you like 80s Ratt, you need to get this one.

The new album from RATT is INSANELY great! The first two singles, Eat Me Up Alive and Best of Me are strong returns to what RATT does best - sleeze rockin' / trash talkin'. But, the rest of the album is solid as well. I've been listening to rockers like LAST CALL and TAKE A BIG BITE moreso than the singles. The songs definitely recall the vibe of the mid-1980s when RATT were the kings of the Sunset strip (RIP King). With the help of modern technology, Pearcy sounds like he did in the 80s as well.....no mistaking his signature growl. And, while RATT are generally not known for "deep" lyrics, there is more going on lyric-wise on this album than some.....check out... A LITTLE TOO MUCH. Great Van Halen-esque song, AND I think those lyrics have meaning to Pearcy. Anyway, who cares about the lyrics?!? This album is a rocker from start to finish. If you love 80s rock, this album is a must have.

The young Ratt was a frustrating band. Each of their early albums contained two or three truly classic tracks, but was padded out with fillers. Songs like 'Lay It Down', 'You're In Love', 'Round and Round', 'I Want a Woman' and 'Lovin' You Is a Dirty Job' showcased how good Ratt could be, and deservedly came to be considered classics. Ratt wrote some excellent tracks, but did so sporadically. Ratt fans knew that the band had it in them to write a consistently spectacular album. Finally, in 2010, Ratt achieved that goal with 'Infestation'.

'Infestation' opens with the gargantuan riff of 'Eat Me Up Alive', which is heavier and more aggressive than Ratt of old, but still has the trademark Warren DeMartini groove. The rhythm section is tighter than ever, and Stephen Pearcy's voice has lost none of its attitude and swagger. Pearcy's vocals have received much criticism over the years, but unfairly so, I think. While Pearcy isn't a trained metal vocalist in the mould of Rob Halford or Geoff Tate, his voice fits Ratt's music perfectly and has a unique feelgood quality. 'Best of Me' has a riff reminiscent of 'Lay It Down' and as catchy a chorus as you'll find anywhere. 'As Good As It Gets' has the slow, confident swagger which could only be Ratt. 'Take Me Home' starts out like a poignant ballad then effortlessly segues into a chorus that isn't a million miles from Van Halen's 'Cabo Wabo'. Album closer 'Don't Let Go' is a high-energy rollercoaster with a stratospheric chorus.

The production on the album is flawless. Elvis Baskette has polished all eleven tracks into lean, hungry beasts that go straight for the jugular, always remaining true to the distinctive Ratt 'n' roll sound.

Five-star reviews should be reserved for all-time classics. 'Infestation' is one such album. The perfect Ratt release has been a long time coming, but it was very, very worth the wait. I challenge any rock or metal fan to listen to 'Infestation' without smiling and nodding the head in approval. It really is that good.

Buy it.

Play it loud.

Repeat.

When I first heard that Ratt was releasing a new album I was a little skeptical. They haven't had good material since their first two albums. I could barely contain myself when I heard Infestation for the first time. Every song rocks! There is not one filler song on this album. The guitars are amazing, and you'll feel like you're right back in the 1980's. If you liked Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy, you'll love this one.