Crashdiet-Generation Wild

Frontiers Records
2011

Crashdiet (often spelled Crashdïet) was originally formed in Stockholm, Sweden in the year 2000. Born and raised on rock the group drew influences from the likes of Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Skid Row, W.A.S.P and Hanoi Rocks. Looking to bring back the "big shows, the rough-edge sleaze anthems and the rawness" that made early heavy metal and glam rock acts so unpredictable and dangerous Crashdiet built up a loyal cult following while releasing several demos. In 2002 the band split up with vocalist Dave Lepard eventually reforming the band. 2003 would see Crashdiet release their first self titled EP which was a limited edition pressing. In 2005 Rest in Sleaze was released making Crashdiet a popular act in their home country. Despite the fact that the band had embarked on a successful Swedish tour and played at Download Festival in the United Kingdom things fell apart for Crashdiet. On January 20, 2006 vocalist Dave Lepard committed suicide at the young age age of 25. As someone who has struggled with depression my whole life I can tell you the worst thing you can do is keep it to yourself. David Lepard hid his depression from family and friends and let it eat him alive. If you or someone you know suffers from depression don't be ashamed to ask for help. While I don't know what was going on in his life that would have caused him to go to such extremes the fact is that often times depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in your brain and with help (as well as medication) you can begin to see the world in a new light. Now, after the death of Lepard the band originally broke up again only to decide to carry on as a tribute to their fallen friend. The Unattractive Revolution came out in 2007 which saw the addition of new vocalist H. Olliver Twisted. Despite a strong showing the album would prove to be the first and last with Twisted as he decided he couldn't fully commit to the band. Now with the new singer Simon Cruz (Foxy,Jailbait) in place we have Generation Wild. Produced by the RamPac and mixed by Tobias Lindell Generation Wild is one of those albums that should appeal to fans of 1980s and early 1990s hard rock/sleaze. While not as good as their debut album the album is still a fine piece of hard rock/glam metal. With not only the above "inspirations" coming through in their music you can hear bits of Alice Cooper, Ratt and Skid Row on Generation Wild. The opener "Armageddon" is one of the best on the disc. A full on metal stomper it makes the case that Simon Cruz is the right man for the job. "So Alive" and "Generation Wild" are both strong hard rock numbers as is the forceful rocker "Rebel". "Save Her" is an odd one as it slows things down into modern rock radio territory. While it might be a marketing move aimed at bringing in new fans it comes off as forced. Following it up with the "Down With The Dust" might not have been the best idea. While it aims to be a garage rock foot stomper it comes off as pop punk gone hard rock. Not pretty at all. "Native Nature" shows of the "18 and Life" side of the band while "Chemical" brings to mind Enuff Z Nuff. Next up is the solid hard rock "Bound To Fall". This great number would have been the way to end the disc off right. Sadly though what follows is the weak "Beautiful Pain". Probably the albums weakest cut it seems like fluff filler and not something to expect from these hard hitting sleaze rockers. The eighties called and they want this song back Crashdiet. It's too much like Poison for it's own good. With these few missteps though Generation Wild still has it's moments and is a good slab of hard edge glam. If your still rocking the teezed up hair you could do a lot worse!