Ratt – “Infestation”

Infestation is the latest release from multi-platinum recording artists Ratt. Back in the 80’s this band was highly influential and helped to define the genre we now call 80’s metal. Their bluesy influenced pop metal sold millions of records and secured them a spot as hair metal icons.

Fast forward 25 years and with the release of Infestation the band is once again making their mark on the world of pop metal. With a few line up changes (but the core of the band still in tact) Stephen Pearcy, Warren Demartini and Bobby Blotzer have crafted what I feel is a lean and mean CD that hearkens back to the band’s glory days. Their signature sound is ever present, but there is a more contemporary feel to the tunes as well. After listening to this disc, more than a few times, I feel it has the vibe and soul of their earlier releases Out of the Cellar and Invasion of Your Privacy.

Don’t get the wrong idea though; I do not feel that Infestation sounds dated by any means. Quite the contrary, I think these songs will stand up to anything released in the genre today. Quite honestly I found this to be a fantastic listen. Original bassist Juan Croucier and guitarist Robin Crosby (R.I.P.) may not be with the band anymore, but ex-Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazzo and new bassist Robbie Crane do a fine job of carrying on the inimitable Ratt sound.

I would highly recommend checking out Infestation; it is an enjoyable listen and one that I feel marks the official comeback of a classic metal band. Welcome back guys!  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Eat Me Up Alive
02. Best Of Me
03. A Little Too Much
04. Look Out Below
05. Last Call
06. Lost Weekend
07. As Good As It Gets
08. Garden Of Eden
09. Take A Big Bite
10. Take Me Home
11. Don’t Let Go

Total Time 42:14
Release Date: 04.20.2010