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RIOT– THUNDERSTEEL and THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER
1988 & 1990 CBS Records
Riot is a great American Metal band that has been around since the mid-'70s. Formed by guitarist Mark Reale, the band released its classic debut album ROCK CITY in 1977. Riot had gone through numerous lineup changes throughout the years, and in the late '80s/early '90s, Riot consisted of Reale, vocalist Tony Moore, bassist Don VanStavern and drum god Bobby Jarzombek (now in Halford). This lineup recorded two studio albums, THUNDERSTEEL and THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER. While I'm a diehard Riot fan and own/enjoy all of their albums, these two stand out. Why? Thundersteel is a lesson in Speed Metal 101. It features 9 epic songs of intensely focused Power Metal. The sound and production of this album is awesome. Reale's guitars are razor-sharp, Moore's vocals are empowering and inspiring. But....you will be amazed by the tight rhythm section of VanStavern/Jarzombek on this album! Quite frankly, its never been done better. And Riot gives the ultimate lesson on how to end a song. You have to hear the speed and precision to appreciate it. There is not one sloppy moment on this record. Riot got inspiration for these songs from literature, history, fighting, war, jail, etc. The last song, "Buried Alive," is based on Edgar Allen Poe's Tell Tale Heart. Written from the point of view of a person buried alive, this song will send chills up your spine!

After THUNDERSTEEL, Riot wisely capitalized on the powerful lineup that they had. Two years later and the band unleashed THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER, one of the most intense albums ever made— Metal or otherwise. Aside from the punishing rhythms and soaring crescendos, this album is a biting commentary on politics, war, murder and conflict ("On Your Knees," "Killer" and "Runaway"). Of course, there are also songs about cars, Metal, and women ("Black Leather & Glittering Steel," "Metal Soldiers", "Maryanne"). Between the songs are very cleverly placed pertinent clips from news broadcasts, interviews and TV. Some of them are disturbing, some are funny, but all are real. Thus, the album mixes songs based on life in a violent world with songs about fantasy. "Killer," an awesome song featuring guest vocals by Joe Lynn Turner, actually does both. "Killer" and "On Your Knees," features the Tower of Power horn section. And these aren't some flaky horns, either. First time I've actually liked horns in anything. Trust me, this album will kick your ass. Just one listen to "Dance of Death" and "Storming The Gates of Hell" and you know you're down for the count. Some of the most diverse Metal ever made.
DISCOGRAPHY:
ROCK CITY (1977)
NARITA (1979) Capitol
FIRE DOWN UNDER (1981) Elektra
RESTLESS BREED (1982) Elektra
RIOT LIVE (EP) (1982)
BORN IN AMERICA (1983)
THUNDERSTEEL (1988) CBS Records
THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER (1990) CBS Records
LIVE IN JAPAN (1992)
LIVE-1980 (1993)
NIGHTBREAKER (1993)
THE BRETHREN OF THE LONG HOUSE (1995) Rising Sun
GREATEST HITS '78 – '90 (1995)
STAR BOX (1996)
ANGEL EYES (EP) (1997) (Zero)
INISHMORE (1998) Metal Blade
SHINE ON (Live) Metal Blade
SONS OF SOCIETY (1999) Metal Blade
THROUGH THE STORM (2002) Metal Blade
by Dr. Metal