Riot's "Fire Down Under" (1981) is considered by many to be one of the best hard rock albums ever made. It blew rock fans away as they progressed quickly from their two previous releases. It was an important album at the time because Riot was an American band and they released a thunderous album right in the middle of the NWOBHM. This album showed that the Americans could rock right with good ol' Brits.
A solid album with every tune being worthy of a greatest hits CD, the album opens with the smoldering "Swords and Tequilia." A rock anthem for the ages, "Swords and Tequilia" is a fast and driving rock anthem. The opener lets you know right off you are listening to something special.
"Fire Down Under" comes ripping right in at number two. The duo form a powerful one-two punch that immediately disables the listener. The album definitely opens fast and furious.
As good as those two are, "Outlaw" is just as good. Another fast paced song it belongs right beside the two openers. The late Guy Speranza was the lead vocalist on this cd and sounds like Geddy Lee on a dozen hits of speed. Commercial success never caught up with Riot but this album definitely found a cult following that salute this CD as one of the most underrated ever made.
