So after Quiet Riot hit it really big with their breakthrough third release 1983’s chart topper "Metal Health" followed up by two more commercial successes "Condition Critical" and "QRIII", and one more album with Paul Shortino on vocals the band completely imploded in the late 80’s when metal was at its peak of recognition and success around the globe. Timing could not be worse for things to fall apart but that was then and this is now. The band released two more underrated albums in my opinion in the nineties "Terrified" and "Down to the Bone" with Kevin Dubrow back on vocals and constants from the 83’ lineup Carlos Cavazo on guitar and Frankie Banali on drums, though without Rudy Sarzo on bass. The classic lineup was completed once again upon Rudy’s return for 1999’s "Alive and Well", and "Guilty Pleasures" in 2001.

Now here we are in 06 without Rudy Sarzo or Carlos Cavazo on guitars replaced by Tony Franklin on bass and Neil Citron on guitars. Yeah the Quiet Riot family tree has many branches but throughout all these changes the music has basically remained the same. Interesting now in 2006 that Kevin and Frankie have taken the QR sound in say a more retro 70’s direction. "Rehab" does not have the same fist in the air headbanging sound as much of their past works. Actually this album has more ties closely related to I think “Down to the Bone” where guitars are not as metallic in sound with some diversity to the music.

Upbeat rockers like opener ‘Free’ has an updated guitar riff to ‘South of Heaven’ which was co written with Mike Lardie (Great White), also includes some slide lead guitar work something that I’m sure many would not associate with a Quiet Riot song, are not aggressive in nature and have a more rock n roll approach to the songwriting and song structure. Guitar solos also don’t have that heavy metal shredding quality.

I always thought Frankie was underrated (you have to hear what he did on ‘Headless Children” and "Crimson Idol" for W.A.S.P.) drummer and its good to hear him gets to show his talents for ‘Black Reign’. ‘Old Habits Die Hard’ is an interesting creative surprise as it is very bluesy with female backing vocals and recalls 70’s Whitesnake. Kevin also gets in some emotional vocals as well.

‘Strange Daze’ is probably the hardest delivered song out of the eleven while ‘In Harms Way’ and ‘It Sucks to be You’ are traditional QR. Former Deep Purple/Black Sabbath vocalist Glenn Hughes also makes an appearance doing some backing vocals on selective tracks.

In the end if you are willing to accept a little different style and sound from Quiet Riot in 06 than do check this one out because its not as predictable as many would expect. Quiet Riot were not trying to appeal to anyone other than themselves with this one.