QUIET RIOT's name is a legend among the Metal scene. It was founded by Randy Rhoads, but after two albums, Randy left to play with Ozzy Osbourne, and the band ended. It was reformed back on 1980 by the vocalist Kevin DuBrow under the blessing of Randy. But their fame comes from the fact that they were the first Heavy Metal band to reach the first place on Billboard parade back in November, 1983 with "Metal Health" (what unleashed a Metal invasion on USA and Europe, and that echoed throughout the world). Yes, Glam Metal had commercial success thanks to the quartet, but they had to deal with problems with constant changes on the line up since then (especially on bass guitar and vocals), and they never could reach the same creative level of "Metal Health" again (what doesn't mean that their albums weren't good). And here they are again with "Hollywood Cowboys", a new album.

Frankie on drums and Chuck on bass guitar are the links with the past, and the young ones James (vocals, who already left the band) and Alex (guitars, who are with the band since 2004) were set to fill the band's ranks. Of course that "Hollywood Cowboys" shows the same heavy and outrageous Glam Metal from the 80's, but with a young energy flowing from the songs, along with tender melodies, and some different influences that time brought to their music. It's an album played as in an old way, but with the modern outfit. Yes, they still have a lot to say. Frankie worked as the producer for "Hollywood Cowboys", having Neil Citron working in the mixing and mastering. All was done in a way that keeps the same outrageous energy from the past, and to make their music loud and clean in a way that everyone can understand what the band is up to. And everything really is sounding great, even with a rough touch to keep the organic ambiance that they are used to.

Once more: don't search for anything like "Metal Health" on "Hollywood Cowboys", because time passed. But if you're looking for music to have a good time, the mix between a rough approach with good melodies of "Don't Call It Love" (these guitars and funky rhythm are great), the melodic appeal of "Heartbreak City", the bluesy weight of "The Devil That You Know" (Frankie and Chuck are really in great shape on this one), the modern aggressive ambiance of "Change or Die" and "Insanity" (here some elements from their 80's musical work can be heard), the accessible way of "Wild Horses", and the crushing modern weight of "Last Outcast" are the ones. But this isn't an album hard to be understood and assimilated.

"Hollywood Cowboys" is a very good release, deserves to be heard at the loudest volume possible, and it's a proof that QUIET RIOT is alive and still kicking!