Riot - Fire Down Under
#92
By Aaron Conte
February 9 1981
Riot
Fire Down Under
Genre:
New Wave British Metal
Allen’s Rating: 4 out of 5
Aaron’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Eddies.
I was taken off of a six month long furlough and it's Election Night 2020. It's been a while since I wrote a review and I'm feeling a bit rusty, but it seems like a good time to put on a rock/metal album that I've never heard of and let it play all the way through. This band Riot had twenty-five members over the years since they formed in the mid-seventies, and in present day, not one member is an original. Kind of hard to imagine. If The Rolling Stones were still a band but without Mick, Keith, Charlie or Ronnie...then would they be The Rolling Stones? I mean, we've accepted Darryl but if then there were Sweets, Tito, Mike and Roger...I don't think so.
Eddie Van Halen is dead. That's a kick in the nuts. Listening to this record, it's clear how he touched everyone who put guitar music to tape. I dedicate this review to him.
"Swords and Tequila"
As he says, these two things carry him through the night. Not a great combination, but today, and I mean actually today as it is Election Day as I write this, these might be what save us all tonight. Good tune. Classic new wave of British metal vibe.
"Fire Down Under"
Great riff. Great beat. Again unmistakable British metal feeling - how this was missed back then I'm not sure. Could be because they are not an English band, they're New Yorkers, and also they used a baby seal for their cover art. Misleading Metal.
"Feel the Same"
Takes the room down for a minute here. Slower ominous song. Third song in and I still think this band deserved more of a chance than being a regular opening act. Quite possibly it was because these guys couldn't hold on to a solid lineup for more than a couple years it seems. A door that is always revolving doesn't allow you to walk through it to success.
"Outlaw"
Ok time out. Opening riff is pure Eddie Van Halen, but he does it well and the song does take off...too soon man; too soon. Oh wait, this is from 1981. "Whatever, nevermind." This song is a good mix of Skid Row, and Ratt. Well done. I'm starting to like this band.
"Don't Bring Me Down"
Bluesy metal riff - good stuff. Basic crowd pleasing get-the-people-to-their-seats stuff. Aerosmith/Cinderella.
"Don't Hold Back"
Gallop ala Maiden here. So much to say about this band but it's not coming out...could this be what the executives in 81 were also feeling? Stables were full. No room at the inn. Check is in the mail. Send me your new stuff.
"Altar of the King"
After this album, the singer Guy Speranza left because he could reconcile being a rock singer with his religious beliefs (whatever those were), and this is the first song where one gets a feeling, "hmm hey wait a minute...is he talking about God here??" More Maiden sound here again - both bands started in 75 too...and by 81 someone had a key to the other studio I think. This is still undeniable however, the music here is very very good. Lyrics...C+
"No Lies"
Remember what I said about the God thing? Yeah, here again. You're a metal band guys, so the song is called "Tell Me Lies"!
Band continues to shine through. Foot tapping.
"Run For Your Life"
Racing to the finish line. Band is kicking ass here. Still interested, second to last song...this could get a 4.5...
"Flashbacks"
Finishing strong. Motorcycle-sounds from the guitar. Crowd noise mixed in. Voice samples and guitar solo. Interview audio clips. It's the first time I've ever heard a sampler-song. A little bit of everything they do along with what amounts to an electronic press kit from 1981. Pretty cool, and I'm not even high.
https://open.spotify.com/album/5yygmFcqz4aOo36rLXyNXO?si=LK6qZFBwQgy5_GRh5gZzwA
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