Been a long time since Ratt has recorded a studio album, since 1991’s "Detonator" (do we really need to acknowledge the self titled from 1999?). Original members vocalist Stephen Pearcy, guitarist Warren DeMartini, and drummer Bobby Blotzer are joined by long time bassist Robbie Crane and newest addition on second guitar Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot) for "Infestation", and a return to form. Yes that’s right, Ratt are back!

Wow!...‘Eat Me Up Alive’ busts open the cellar doors with a classic ‘Out Of The Cellar” aggressive dirty metal riff and bouncy bass line setting the rodent’s classic sound and style free, NO LIE! And already the solo section just stinks of Warren DeMartini’s talents. Opening riff and leads for ‘Best Of Me’ are all "Invasion Of Your Privacy" (as with ‘A Little Too Much’) and although the lyrics are a tad cheesy the chorus and backing vocals are what Ratt do best. Bluesy ‘Look Out Below’ could be brethren to ‘Way Cool Jr.’, and a chunky riff to ‘Lost Weekend’ recalls ‘Lack Of Communication’. Sleazy ‘Last Call’ could be played in a Go-Go Bar as the ladies do their thing.

Really, by the time your half way into the album already its scary how Ratt have recaptured their successful 80’s formula without just doing a rewrite. ‘Take A Big Bite’ is appropriately titled and tips its hat to the album "Dancing Undercover", not in it’s grittiness but how the guitars are placed around the chorus and backing vocals. And here the DeMartini/Cavazo team harmonize nicely and it’s clear the Ratt shoes fit Carlos well.

Aside from the bland artwork (really wish it was more fitting for the music), and I think an unnecessary ballad (‘Take Me Home’) which doesn’t fit the energy level to this point, this is the Ratt album fans have been waiting for.