CRAZY LIXX / RIOT AVENUE (2012)

Eventually, these Swedes have set to impress us in recent years with so many good releases whether they belong to the AOR, Melodic Metal, Hard Rock or Sleaze Heavy Rock, such as Crazy Lixx. "Riot Avenue" is the third album from this Swedish sleaze heavy rock band from Malmö. Their debut album, "Loud Minority" in 2007 was a solid release and the fantastic "New Religion" in 2009 set the standars high. For anyone who hasn't heard them, Crazy Lixx is considered one of the top bands in their gerne and their music is heavenly influenced by bands such as Motley Crue, Skid Row, Guns N Roses and Buckcherry.

Personally I think that their "New Religion" album was and still is a classic release in that gerne! Great songs, solid production, great performances...and everything were perfectly balanced in a huge effort! So, my expectations from this new one were high enough. After a couple of listenings to "Riot Avenue", I have to say that this is a good album but has nothing to do with the "New Religion". The songwriting though is more mature but the final result is far away from the band's first two albums. The production is rawer and the songs, in their final result, aren't catchy enough at least to my ears. There are some songs like "Riot Avenue", "In The Night", "Church Of Rock" and "Be Gone" that rocks big time with their sharp guitar work, attitude and performances but most of the songs in this new album are a bit unispired imho!

All in all, this is a good sleaze heavy rock album from Crazy Lixx. For the fans of New Wave Of Swedish Sleaze Rock is a must have. For the rest of you, it is simply an enjoyable release....nothin' more nothin' less!
HeavyParadise's Rating : 7/10

Track List : 01. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 02. Young Blood 03. Riot Avenue 04. Fire It Up 05. Downtown 06. In The Night 07. Church Of Rock 08. Heatseeker 09. Sweet, Bad & Beautiful 10. Be Gone 11. Only The Dead Know