RIOT V
RIOT V “Mean Streets”
By Iron Sheik
Outlaws, swords, tequila, warriors, Johnny Law and the presence of Mark Reale are felt and heard throughout the new RIOT V album “Mean Streets”. Not only could this album stand next to “Thundersteel” but “Fire Down Under” as well. Even the overwhelming “Thundersteel” type fare fits well alongside the more commercial tracks. “Mean Streets” takes the listener down memory lane, and is a great way to take new listeners as well as us longtime listeners on a ride. This is an undertaking RIOT V accomplish with great aplomb.
RIOT V has pulled off three kickass albums in a row now with the same lineup. Don Van Stavern on bass is the only continual member since just before the “Thundersteel” lineup in 1988. Mike Flyntz has been on guitar since “The Privilege Of Power” album in 1990. Frank Gilchriest is on drums since after the “Through The Storm” album was released in 2002. Todd Michael Hall has been the vocalist since the “Unleash The Fire” album in 2014, and on rhythm guitar is Nick Lee who has also been with the band since that time. Although Todd sounds close enough to Tony Moore he is an excellent addition and unique in his own way. All of these guys played with Mark Reale except Todd and Nick, and the proof is in the sound. Swords up!
Opening track “Hail To The Warriors” sounds like something straight off the “Thundersteel” album. It is ominous, heavy, fast, and anthemic. “Feel The Fire” has a JUDAS PRIEST sound ala “British Steel”, specifically “Grinder”, although it is still very distinctly RIOT V. Crimson thunder in a crimson storm? It could easily fit on any RIOT album. “Love Beyond The Grave” chugs along calling out that it is "a wicked passion serenade." Effective gang vocals give the chorus a cool sound.
“High Noon” is another fast song, and it may be an extension of “Outlaw” from “Fire Down Under” or “Running From The Law” from “Born In America”. In either event it is an ode to outlaws, a common theme throughout their albums. “Before This Time” seems not only musically but vocally to capture a feeling of anything off of “Thundersteel” yet again. At the same time it sounds as if the band are trying for a commercial sound which still rocks. “Higher” has a mid paced intro that leads to a faster pace. With lead breaks aplenty this track has an element taking it back to the 70s and 80s style of hard rock. “Mean Streets” is a slower paced track. “Johnny Law” is here, and is it a track referencing “Johnny's Back”?
“Open Road” is about chasing life, chasing dreams. Another mid tempo track. “Mortal Eyes” is a faster track and a little heavier than the previous tracks. It has become my favorite track on the album, and it sounds a bit more inspired. "Looking at a coin dated 1979". “Lost Dreams” is another uptempo rocker. It is also another favorite. Innocence, choices and consequences are determiners of our fate. Lean Into It has an air of familiarity that isn't necessarily older RIOT. Two guitar solos which are broken by vocals, rock. The second solo is accompanied by vocals for a small part of it. It's another favorite track. “No More” is a faster kickass track. An ending that rocks and leaves the listener wanting more from the Riot MC. Repeat.
“Mean Streets” takes the listener on a journey through the history of RIOT. It specifically sounds like an extension of “Thundersteel” although the bass player is the only “Thundersteel” alum. Common themes abound on this album still sounding fresh and new. RIOT V have created an excellent classic sounding album that stands proudly alongside their other albums, plus for the first time RIOT V have maintained the same line-up for three albums. It shows that the band is not only really gelling but one that knows their history...even the time before 1986. Mark Reale would be proud of this album as it is an excellent extension of not only his band but his vision. R.I.P. Mark Reale.