This is the album that should have launched 'Riot' to one of the foremost Metal bands of the early 80's and after listening to 'Fire Down under' many times, leaves be astonished that it didn't. Heavier and more consistent than both 'Rock City' and 'Narita', is full of thoughtful, intelligently written music that varies from borderline Speed Metal through to Traditional Hard Rock for your listening pleasure.

The opening track 'Swords & Tequila' is pure class, this pulsating, lively paced rocker is simplistic but brilliantly penned and highlights cracking vocals from 'Guy Speranza' and great guitaring, that includes a ripping solo. The tempo is upped even further for the furious title track 'Fire Down Under', this riff driven belter is almost in the Speed Metal category due to the blazing rhythm and thunderous fret work from the duel guitarists. The pace drops for the 'Rick Ventura' penned 'Feel the Same', an enigmatic, winding journey which is contrasted with a lighter more Rock orientated chorus, it all comes together surprisingly well for an unusual but enjoyable number. Another classic is notched up with the stunning 'Outlaw', a delightfully penned track, which is incredibly catchy with its relaxed, free flowing fret work and sweets melodic vocals, the wind-down comes complete with some Mexican phrases- any offers as to the translation?. The tempo is lifted for the carefree rocker 'Don't Bring me Down', a cut more reminiscent of tracks from their first two releases, with it's simplistic, nonchalant approach, still a decent journey though, but perhaps it sounds a tad more dated than the rest of the album. Even better is the brisk paced 'Don't Hold Back' and while the chorus is perhaps a little trite the verses are stronger, while the instrumentation is solid and backed up by faultless 'Guy Speranza' vocals. Classic 'Rainbow' ('Dio' era) is brought to mind with 'Altar of the King', a song that begins with a gothic style instrumental intro only to launch into a galloping rocker of the highest calibre, complimented by more sharp vocals on the powerful chorus and superb pulsating riffs and rhythm. Not quite so impressive is 'No Lies' a mid tempo effort that overall feels repetitive, personally I'm not very keen on the heavy handed drum and bass work, I think it would have worked better with a more subtle approach. Back on track is the lively 'Run for your Life' another near Speed Metal number fuelled by thumping rhythm and braced by some ripping fret work courtesy of 'Mark Reale' and 'Rick Ventura'. 'Flashbacks' closes proceedings, an unusual instrumental which features snippets of live / radio introductions of the band, a little quirky as a whole, but the supporting guitar work is nothing short of sensational and well worth a listen.

The copy I own includes two bonus tracks, neither are as good as those described above but still fair offerings. 'Misty Morning Rain' is a light-hearted mid tempo romp, that although pleasant is nothing spectacular, while 'You're all I Needed Tonight' is a 'Led Zeppelin' style plodder that is let down by the lightweight chorus.

A magnificent yet overlooked album that I whole-heartily recommend to anyone who likes quality 80's Metal and Hard Rock. Despite the class exhibited on this release, 'Riot' failed to achieved the recognition they deserved and the line-up changed yet again with 'Guy Speranza' giving way to 'Rhett Forrester'. Sadly 'Guy Speranza' lost his battle with cancer in November 2003, a frontman who will always be regarded as a fantastic vocalist / performer and a fundamental part of 'Riot's' history.