Riot - Restless Breed / Riot Live 1982 (Remastered Limited Edition 2016)

The first notable change, the most obvious course of visual order. The pouch. Exit Johnny, the famous man-seal that adorned the first three discs of the group. He still like a little fur on the left side of the face, but a few good mower and we'll talk more. This facelift is symbolic of a deeper and more significant change. Because yes, it's not just the cover that changes its face, the group itself does the same. Guy Speranza left the ship and gives way to Rhett Forester. And replacement is not the group's disadvantage, quite the contrary! The newcomer ensures its role as new singer with a disarming talent.

If he has not the thunderous enthusiasm of Speranza, Forrester did not reveal a less vocal range wider than its predecessor. Her singing oscillates constantly between fierce roars to Udo Dirkschneider ( "Hard Lovin 'Man") and a medium and warm tone that recalls the great Ronnie James Dio. These delicate vocals intro of "Restless Breed", the title track … it does not mention you a "Do not Talk to Strangers," which will be released elsewhere a year later? Forrester and does not hesitate to use all its vocal nuances from one title to another and sometimes even within songs: suddenly caressing, a fierce shot, the new vocalist brings new colors to the sound of Riot. And not content with being a talented singer, the guy turns out to be a gifted composer. This is probably "C.I.A." melodic heavy small pearl chrome chorus and fire riffs that will make me lie. A complete success that piece.

Third and final change: the practiced style! Riot continues to move away slowly from the hard rock that made its glory, to make a step closer to heavy metal. It is in 1982, and the NWOBHM exploded. Mark Reale asserts ever more square and riffs, while the rhythm of Sandy Slavin and Kip Leming wants it, less syncopated. The group allows even commit here and there speeding, warning their future direction. I named "LoanShark" snarling as it should, and "Violent Crimes" nervous and bloody conclusion of the album.Mais Riot has not abandoned the hard rock: for proof, here is an "Loved By You "which clashes with its central passage bass / drums / harmonica full of feeling. "Over to You" is itself a pure hard tube to the US. It was also right to good old ballad "Showdown", and if the exercise is successful, thanks largely to Forrester bringing the piece almost by itself.

Bartering candor and savagery of the first days against an increasingly professional approach to his music, Riot continues to evolve gently. In 38 minutes, Restless Breed synthesizes everything Riot can do, while blowing subtle changes, starting with this outstanding singer, who brings a boost to his group. Therefore, this fourth album is as indispensable as his three older brothers. Not to miss.

TRACKLIST

01. Hard Lovin' Man
02. Cia
03. Restless Breed
04. When I Was Young
05. Loanshark
06. Loved By You
07. Over To You
08. Showdown
09. Dream Away
10. Violent Crimes
11. Hard Lovin' Man (Live)
12. Showdown (Live)
13. Loved By You (Live)
14. Loanshark (Live)
15. Restless Breed (Live)
16. Swords And Tequila (Live)