Founding member/guitarist Mark Reale passed away in 2013, leaving the surviving members of Riot left pondering if they should continue on with the band, which, they did, with a slight tweak of the band name to Riot V, and here is their third album under this moniker (and 17th overall), Mean Streets. One constant has been the 'seal dude', who again appears on the cover, and the music here continues on with the memorable US power metal style originally implemented on their thrilling 1988 album Thundersteel. The current line-up of Riot V consists of:
Don Van Stavern-bass (1986-1990, 2008-2012, 2013-present)
Mike Flyntz-lead guitar, backing vocals (1989-2012, 2013-present)
Frank Gilchriest -drums (2003-2007, 2014-present)
Todd Michael Hall-lead vocals (2013-present)
Nick Lee -rhythm guitar (2014-present)
So, everyone has plenty of time already spent in the band, and, musically speaking, Mean Streets sounds like a Riot album, and Todd Michael Hall is a terrific singer, easily among the upper echelon of vocalists who have appeared in this band. The album is filled with one crunchy metal anthem after another, from the opening blast of "Hail to the Warriors", the crushing "Feel the Fire", and the can't-miss metal attack of "Love Beyond the Grave". From that opening trio, "High Noon" blazes with near-speed metal delight, the hook-laden "Before This Time" (listen to those amazing lead guitars!), the raging "Higher", and the catchy chug of the title track. I could go on, but honestly, there's top-notch stuff everywhere you go on the album, a wealth of memorable melodies, big riffs, and blazing solos around every corner. Shame on me for sleeping on Riot, or Riot V, in recent years, as I've long been one of those 'well, the early albums are the only classics' kind of guys, and with Mean Streets, I'm going to have to rectify that. Outstanding US power metal right here folks.
Track Listing
- Hail To The Warriors 4:26
- Feel The Fire 4:14
- Love Beyond The Grave 4:21
- High Noon 3:26
- Before This Time 4:33
- Higher 4:54
- Mean Streets 4:40
- Open Road 4:25
- Mortal Eyes 4:09
- Lost Dreams 4:14
- Lean Into It 3:57
- No More 4:17
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
