Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Ratt Infestation Company: Roadrunner Records Release: 2010 Genre: Hard Rock Reviewer: Chris Kincaid

Happily struts it's way back on to the Sunset Strip

Anyone expecting RATT to dump the long standing and favored classic Ratt N Roll sound for a more modern approach will be let down.

For their 9th studio album, their first since their self titled release 11 years ago, RATT reunites original members Stephen Pearcy with Warren DeMartini and Bobby Blotzer. Robbie Crane (Of Vince Neil fame) steps in for the absent Juan Croucier on bass and Carlos Cavazo in for the late Robbin Crosby on rhythm guitar. And he does a fantastic job at that.

RATT have chosen to stay with the tried and true formula. Rather than go the direction of their 80's counterparts like Warrant, L.A Guns and Winger who unsuccesfully tried to shake lose the 'Glamtastic' sound that made them famous.

"Infestation" is an album that works on several levels. In comparison to earlier hits it's a cross between their "Out of the Cellar" and "Invasion of Your Privacy" works with it's structure and melody. While their aren't any runaway tracks or one in particular that stands a cut above. It does come off sounding strong if not familiar.

But there are good songs to be found in the mix. The first single to be released is 'Best of Me' which is pure RATT. It proudly places RATT back at the top of the heap of those Hard Rock bands desperately trying to make a comeback. A sweet solo dots 'Look Out Below'. It along with 'Garden of Eden' are 2 cuts that have deep, well placed grooves. And on 'Last Call' which will have you chugging back a brew with buddies while eyeing up the local trim scene with it's bluesy undertones. Or 'Lost Weekend' with it's pumping riff reminiscent of 'Lack of Communication'. Not to mention 'Take a Big Bite' with it's slamming guitar riff.

Yet on other levels, Stephen's vocals seem tired even worn out like on the slower 'Take Me Home' or 'As Good As It Gets' and Don't Let Go' which closes the album out.

Despite a few weak tracks "Infestation" is quite simply a good RATT album. Nothing short of what you'd expect from one of the founders of the L.A Hair Metal/Glam Metal scene. It's an album that happily struts it's way back on to the Sunset Strip.