Crashdiet – Generation Wild (2010)
Looking for hard rock that’s also a lot of fun? Well, Sweden’s Crashdiet’s “Generation Wild” is just what you’ve been seeking. A throwback to the old days of heavy metal, “Generation Wild” is a solid, L.A. Strip, 80s influenced, rock and roll disc.
Lead singer Simon Cruz has captured the high screech, high pitched, power vocals that make any sleaze/glam band stand out. Hitting the high notes with relative ease, Simon Cruz sets the tone for “Generation Wild.” The blistering guitar attack by guitarist Martin Sweet rounds out the songs nicely. While Sweet slices and dices, he also shreds it up and his work creates riff bliss that guitar hero fanatics are bound to love.
“Generation Wild” opens with the hard rocking song “Armageddon.” As an opening track “Armageddon” sets the pace for what is to come later on the disc. .With Cruz singing in the higher range, L.A. sleaze is written all over this tune. Think Dio meets early Dokken and you’ll start to get the picture.
“So Alive” comes up next and is a step down from the album’s first cut. “So Alive” is lacking in the guitar riffs that show up on other songs, which weakens this track. Where gut busting solos should be, a weaker, almost synthesizer-like guitar is being played. It’s a shame to hear that on a song that had so much potential.
The title track follows “So Alive” and more than makes up for the oversight of the previous song. “Generation Wild” the song is a heavy rocking return to fun. Complete with a song-along chorus that is bound to have everyone on their feet and chanting, “Generation Wild” is a kick ass song. Sweet’s solo is well played and the shreds he adds in throughout the song add plenty of body and life.
Unfortunately, “Generation Wild” never makes the transition from good/borderline great to exceptional. The reason for this is the mediocre middle tracks that lack the punch and force of songs like “Armageddon” and “Native Nature.” If the whole disc rocked that hard, it would be must have material. The middle songs just aren’t able to support the rest of the disc, and by the time this situation is rectified, the listener has already lost interest.
While some songs are clichéd, (“Rebel,” “So Alive”), and others are just a tad weak, “Generation Wild” is an overall good effort by Crashdiet. However, I would have liked to have heard grittier tunes to match the opening track of “Armageddon” or the later tracks of “Native Nature” and “Chemical.” That being said “Generation Wild” is sure to please fans of the 80’s metal scene. Chock full of glam and sleaze, Crashdiet’s disc has its moments of greatness that are able to overtake the weaker points and supply some glam rock and roll.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- 442 (intro)
- Armageddon
- So Alive
- Generation Wild
- Rebel
- Save Her
- Down With The Dust
- Native Nature
- Chemical
- Bound To Fail
- Beautiful Pain
Crashdiet is:
Simon Cruz – Lead Vocals
Martin Sweet – Lead Guitar
Peter London – Bass
Eric Young – Drums
Leave A Comment ↓
I think Generation Wild is better than Unattractive Revolution (Check the RECKLESS LOVE Debut Album.Amazing!!!). The song Generation Wild is the new “Youth Gone Wild”. Only 6.5 points??? and Ozzy 9 ?? I think the points are inverted, haha!
Crashdiet Rules!!!!!
I like the album, but it’s not as catchy or memorable as the “Rest In Sleaze” or “Unattractive Revolution” albums. I would recommend listeners start with those and then move on to “Generation Wild.”
Dont forget to check out Crashdiet’s two earlier releases. Some of the best 80’s style rock in the last 5 years. My personal favorite is “In The Raw.” Look for it on YouTube. You wont be disappointed.