A little piece of history for you. CRASHDIET, formed in 2000 by ex-vocalist Dave Lepard (R.I.P.) that decided to start up his own Glam Metal band after disbanding his Death Metal band WARPATH, but the first line up didn't make it through, yet it was all just a matter of time till it will come together for their second line up version that eventually released their debut "Rest In Sleaze" that scored the hit parade. However, everything went to the shitter when Lepard took his life in 2006 and one of the great promises of the modern Hard Rock / Glam Metal world disappeared, another "New Star In The Sky" as I call it. CRASHDIET decided that the show must go on and placed a new lineup with a new singer named Olliver Twisted for the release their second album, "The Unattractive Revolution", but it didn't gain the same success as the debut. Furthermore shortly afterwards the band was looking for a new singer. Their salvation came from a young fellow from the band JAILBAIT, Simon Cruz, who fitted the band's ambitions and their musical style. Cruz brought the young spirit which CRASHDIET experienced back in the days when Lepard led them. They released out their third album Generation Wild that returned them to their former days, reached to no.3 on the Swedish album chart and soon they went to a support OZZY and plenty of other concerts around Europe. A while ago the band entered to the studio to record their new album that was named "The Savage Playground" and there it is.

As a true CRASHDIET hardcore fan I was so excited to hear that things are going well for the band and that a new album will be out very soon. When I pushed the play button I didn't know what to expect, on which direction this album will follow. Though I have been tuning to their updates via their Facebook and took a listen to the  teaser that they released composed of several songs' cuts.

"Change The World" comes up as number one, very heavy and has the regular Sleaze / Glam formula that might indicate of a CRASHDIET album. The fast guitar riffing reminded me little bit "Riot In Everyone" and also has strong, especially with that kind of title as "Change the World". I was impressed by the C part that seemed out from the song basic manifold by its rhythm; there was a little hint of IRON MAIDEN's "22 Acacia Avenue". The chorus is very strong and you can hear it well with Cruz's high register pitching, putting his soul out as usual. "Cocaine Cowboys" was a big disappointment for me. It was released as the album's first single. It sounded as if CRASHDIET chose a heftier commercialized direction here; I didn't like the guitar sound, the distorted vocals were a nice idea though. The song is banal and repeating itself, verses and chorus didn't blow me away, there wasn't any twist that will show a cause for appreciation. The only thing I liked was the guitar solo. "Anarchy", I track that I remember from their concerts, finally it was recorded.. I knew that it will be something good and it turned out to be one of the strongest tracks out of this album. Starting with a blister, taking a level up, and then a quiet verse by a gentle singing of Mr. Cruz. The chorus will be the first thing that will catch your ear; It is like a Rock N' Roll attack along with gang like backing vocals. In I comparison to "Cocaine Boys", it was well produced, in particular on the guitars' sound.

"California" is another step in the band's commercialism. I liked the melody and the singing but in general I didn't find anything special for the taking. I can say that maybe the section after the guitar solo was like a little twist but there wasn't any surprise, the only good thing which I like on the song is its intro. The first thing that came up to my mind while listening to the following "Lickin' Dog" is "Youth Gone Wild". Right from the top it has good vibe and lots of energy by adding tensions on the verses but the chorus is less powerful. I enjoyed the guitar rhythm riff supporting the solo. I remember "Circus" from their Facebook teaser that they released earlier, only the pre-chorus and the chorus of the song caught me, also I got addicted but the rhythm right before the lead guitar that provided the liveliness that was missing in the song. "Sin City" was built correctly with its strain that got stronger and stronger on the verses. The chorus reprised in my head again and again, and the riff is very heavy as I like modern Glam Metal going heavier.

"Got a Reason" is another good track over here, has some nice melody on the intro, but I don't understand why the guitar solo didn't take off, it is not what I expected from this kind of Glam Metal band that has been used to supply great lead fretworks. Cruz's singing felt the same and without any diversions or energy. "Drinking Without You" is a great tune, it has the classic "Generation Wild" formula. The chorus's melody is very nice, and the guitar section between the clean melodies that adorn the song to the heavy riffing just makes it interesting. "Snakes In Paradise" can be an anthem with its chorus, it also has some nice guitar riff that gives it different coloring and the sudden violins contribute for a big surprise. An awesome thinking of out of the box, I really like that.

"Damage Kid" accompanied by the known formula of CRASHDIET, has some heavy sound from time to time, a killer chorus with a lot of energy but I have the feeling that I heard the verse riff before and it was way too obvious. "Garden of Babylon" is interesting, has some Middle Eastern atmosphere. Cruz's singing is very good, I really liked his high ends and the chorus is very good. I think it is the best chorus that was written for the best song of the album cause it keeps on the Metal spirit but has some different vibe. Martin Sweet brought some different and interesting guitar playing riffs on the album, the drum work of Eric Young is awesome as usual and we can here it by the changing rhythm through the songs. Peter London provides a simple bass lines but as it should be - straight from the heart.

I don't know how to relate to the album, only few songs really grabbed me, "Anarchy" and "Garden Of Babylon" are one of them. I think that CRASHDIET went way too commercialized, they didn't preserve the wave of their first or third album, as I expected, you can hear on "Cocaine Cowboys". If I will have to relate to this album as a Glam Metal album I will say it is a decent one with an interesting new direction but if I will have to consider it as a CRASHDIET album, I am sorry but this is not what I was expected, I wish they would go back and write some "Generation Wild" oriented material.