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Rest in Sleaze is the debut album by Swedish glam metal band Crashdïet, released in 2005.

[This is Edited version in 2025-03-20]

Sometimes, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just put on some eyeliner, turn up the volume, and party like the 80s never ended. That’s what Crashdïet ’s Rest in Sleaze does. The album is a time capsule of glam metal’s golden age, filled with light and sound.

This album pays homage to the 80’s glam metal scene, drawing inspiration from bands like Mötley Crüe, Skid Row and Guns N’ Roses. It’s a powerful, gritty album that perfectly captures the genre’s happy-go-lucky spirit and rough attitudes that might put off even conservative parents.

Rest in Sleaze: The return of Sleaze Rock!

In a world where post-grunge and emo ruled the world, Rest in Sleaze felt like drinking straight Jack Daniels. After the 80s, glam and sleaze rock seemed to disappear, until Crashdïet stepped in with their debut album Rest in Sleaze.

Drawing inspiration from their older (or father) brothers like Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses, this album almost invokes the spirit of the glam metal/sleaze rock pioneers, fusing hard rock, glamour, a little bit of grime and youthful debauchery.

And a hook that won’t come off!

Songs like ” Riot in Everyone” and ” Knokk ‘Em Down” are catchy and powerful, clearly capturing the essence of the genre. This is the band’s commitment to reviving sleazy rock for fans nostalgic for the glory days of the 1980s.

The album is full of catchy melodies and easy-to-sing along choruses, showcasing the band’s ability to create relatable beats while maintaining a raw, sharp sound, conveying the rebellious spirit of their influences through their music.

It’s the kind of music that makes you want to pump your fists in the air and shout along.

The late Dave Lepard wasn’t just the lead singer, he was the driving force of the band. His vocals were a perfect blend of rough and melodic, like Axl Rose who had nothing to lose, and he delivered every word with such confidence that you couldn’t take your eyes off him.

Things that aren’t so good:

Although this album is fun, it doesn’t really have much innovation.

The work is appropriate for the genre, it has been criticized for sounding rather dated, with some songs lacking clarity, which could have made the work more modern, although this rawness can be considered part of the album’s charm.

If you are looking for something new You won’t find it here. Rest in Sleaze is pure glam metal, with heavy riffs, punchy choruses, and lyrics full of clichés, focusing on themes of rebellion, partying, and excess life. While this is part of the genre’s charm, it can also come across as shallow or repetitive.

Sex, drugs, rock and roll, over and over again – these are all part of the charm of glam metal. These lyrics probably won’t win any awards if you’re looking for self-reflection, especially for listeners who appreciate depth or self-exploration in their music. You should play Manic Street Preachers music instead.

But for those who are into nostalgic feeling, isn’t it great ?

Who is need innovation anyway?

At times, the album feels more like a tribute than a reinterpretation of the genre. The band doesn’t stray too far from the traditional glam metal approach, which may limit its appeal to those looking for something more original.

The raw production gives the songs a certain charm, but at times they feel a bit imperfect. A little more clarity could take these songs to the next level. Some tracks lack the polish and clarity that could have elevated the album to a more modern standard, though this rawness may also be seen as part of its charm.

Rest In Sleaze is good

Rest in Sleaze isn’t out to change the world; it’s about having a good time. It’s a boozy, beer -fueled, leather-clad journey through the best of glam metal, delivered by a band that truly believes in what they’re doing.

If you love the 80s, you’ll love this album. If you don’t, that’s okay, Crashdïet won’t care about you.

Rest in Sleaze is a love letter to the glam metal era, offering a classic and rousing experience for fans of the genre. While it may not break new ground or appeal to those outside the mainstream, it succeeds in capturing the spirit of 80s sleaze with enthusiasm and energy. For what it sets out to do—a celebration of excess and rebellion—it’s a great album. 

Crashdïet played a key role in the revival of interest in glam metal, particularly in Europe. The record inspired a new generation of glam and sleaze bands, proving that there was still an audience for the genre. The album highlights the band’s impressive musical talent and proves that the spirit of hair metal can still survive in the 21st century, as Crashdïet continues to breathe new life into the genre.

A bittersweet legacy

The tragic suicide of Dave Lepard in early 2006 added to the sorrow of this album. What should have been the beginning of something great became a bittersweet reminder of what might have been.

It’s a fun, energetic and thought-provoking journey, but it has its flaws.

Rest In Sleaze