The remaining members of legendary metal pioneers RIOT are back and are ready to unleash the follow up to 2011 s reunion record Immortal Soul . They are ready to unleash power metal at its finest. They are ready to unleash music in the great RIOT tradition that you ve come to know and love. RIOT V is ready to UNLEASH THE FIRE! The long anticipated disc is slated for an October release via Spv/ Steamhammer. This marks the first release from the band without the late great founding guitarist Mark Reale who passed away in early 2012 and was limited on his participation on Immortal Soul because of his health issues. The band was encouraged at the request of Mark and the Reale estate to forge ahead in his honor and will dedicate this new offering to him. The album promises to please fans of the Thundersteel era of RIOT as main song writer and long time Reale music collaborator Don Van Stavern does much of the writing as he did on Thundersteel and The Privilege of Power . DVS is joined by long time RIOT band mate, song writer and Reales guitar partner of over 20 years Mike Flyntz to create what they feel is something they are proud to call a RIOT record and Reale would have thought that as well. RIOT has a tumultuous history of member, label and management changes throughout the bands 30 plus year career but one things for sure, a bands longevity is through good music and if this new record is any proof, they will be around for years to come.
Bursting out of New York City with three ground-breaking albums in quick succession ROCKCITY (Capitol), NARITA (Capitol) and FIRE DOWN UNDER (Elektra) featuring vocalist Guy Speranza then another iconic period with the albums Restless Breed (Elektra) and Born in America featuring vocalist Rhett Forrester, RIOT quickly became one of the biggest cult metal bands in the world. Stunning performances in the UK at the first ever Castle Donington Festival with Rainbow and Scorpions, and Port Vale supporting Ozzy Osbourne the following year, and support slots with Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Rush, Kiss to name and few cemented their reputation as the hottest ticket to see.