By Brynn McKenna

If metal makes a comeback, this is the direction it should take. Quiet Riot is back and in fine form. The music is definitely '80s oriented, but it has a maturity to it. Vocals are excellent. The lyrics of the 9 tracks are all '90s oriented---there's even a little angst in there. You will hear no "fluff" in there---no mindless sex, drugs and booze drivel. "Don't Know What I Want" echoes the sentiment of many with the lyrics, "Don't know what I want, but I want it now!" "Angry" is indeed an "angry young man" number. "The Ritual" is very dark and Sabbathy. "Too Much Information" is lyrically very today. Everyone will relate. "Slam Dunk (Way To Go) is a positive hard rock/metal anthem, and after years of alternagrunge bitching and moaning, this is a welcome relief. Check out the band's superb rendition of AC/DC's "Highway To Hell." There are six bonus tracks, all 1999 remakes of old Quiet Riot hits, and they show that this band still has it. My favorite was "Cum On Feel The Noize"  and still is. Today's teenagers would just love that and "Mental Health (Bang Your Head)." In a word, get this CD. You get the excellent melodic but heavy '80s music more mature and taken up many notches coupled with '90s relevant lyrics without getting maudlin or depressing about it. I like this band's "Grab hold of life and live it to the fullest" attitude. The world would be in much better shape if there was more of that out there. Hey, guess what? Even Marilyn Manson is a Quiet Riot fan! Deadline Records, 13428 Maxella Ave. #251, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

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