Review by Felix on February 25, 2024.

Since more than 30 years, "Narita", Riot's second full-length, belongs to my most favourite works in terms of very early metal, because it has a very special charm. Furthermore, I knew that the title track of "Fire Down Under" is among the first speed metal songs that shook the world. And due to whatever reason, already the title of "Restless Breed" and its crude yet atmospheric artwork made me curious. I expected another dose of down-to-earth metal.

Forget it. "Restless Breed" is stumbling down a slippery road that meanders between rock and hard rock. It does not take long until the first words of the opener ("Come on boys... Oooh, are you ready to rock?") make clear that Riot did not intend to record another metal album. Rhett Forrester (R.I.P.), definitely a good singer, but not the right one for a metal band, could not adequately replace cult siren Guy Speranza (R.I.P.). His stupid laughter during "C.I.A.", the emotional whimpering at the beginning of the title track and, to put it more generally, his melodic mainstream approach does not show any signs of metallic passion. No doubt, don't get me wrong: actually a good singer with a vigorous and flexible voice, but I don't think that heavy metal should has ever been his playground.

Yet the entire group is regrettably out of order. To combine a terribly polished cover version ("When I Was Young") with the comparatively heavy - yet expressionless - "Lone Shark" does not make much sense at all. The latter song (and the same goes for the album closer) appears as a sedative injection for their old fans, but this half-baked tune just causes even more trouble. However, the worst is yet to come. Try to enjoy the harmonica solo of the bluesy and overlong "Loved by You", if it is possible for you. My joy of listening was rather small, to say the least. And things don't get better as "Restless Breed" progresses. Harmless lines, designed for the American radio stations, deliver shallow entertainment. The comatose "Showdown", for instance, is highly recommended for people with sleep disturbances.

In its best moments, the album presents fairly acceptable rock sounds, but these moments are rare. The only piece which has a certain fascination is the title track. Despite its kitschy beginning, it develops a shady atmosphere. Its chorus achieves a pretty good level in view of its memorable, melodic yet impulsive design and the entire song grows constantly stronger. Well done, but naturally not enough to push the album on an average level. By the way, needless to say that the production is fully aligned with the musical content. From this follows that the sound avoids any edges and corners. Don't hurt the sensitive ears of the American housewives!

Long story short, "Restless Breed" attacks with the vehemence of a senile ant. All songs go down the drain with the exception of the lonely title track. The album is among these miserable attempts of previously more or less successful bands that "want to take the next step", or, to say it more honestly, that intend to make money at the expense of their musical and personal integrity. It's simply a shame.

Rating: 2.2 out of 10