Coincidentally, I was just discussing in last week’s 2011 retrospective essay how Riot has had one of the most unique story arcs in metal history. Formed in 1975 as one of the first American metal bands, they’ve managed to release multiple classic albums in multiple incarnations for nearly 50 years running. The most drastic of these lineup changes occurred in early 2012, when founding guitarist Mark Reale tragically passed away at the age of 56. This left the band with zero members from their late ’70s/early ’80s heyday.
Nevertheless, Riot persisted. Out of respect to Reale, the surviving members, lead by Thundersteel era bassist and songwriter Don Van Stavern, rebranded themselves as Riot V, in reference to the addition of their fifth singer, Todd Michael Hall. Together, this lineup has managed to defy the odds, rejuvenating Riot yet again with a pair of gloriously triumphant US power metal monuments in Unleash the Fire (2014) and Armor of Light (2018). Although its been 6 long years since their last effort (the longest gap between Riot albums ever), the band has returned with a hat trick in their latest album, Mean Streets.
If nothing more, Mean Streets proves that the Thundersteel formula is as powerful as ever. Yes, we’ve heard every euro power metal band of the past 35 years attempt the style and then some. Yet when carefully penned, guided, and executed by the hand of Mr. Van Stavern, we’re treated to a unique magic that’s distinctly Riot’s. Cuts like the opening “Hail to the Warriors”, the adventurous “High Noon”, and the bombastic “No More” showcase this “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” ethos. The valorous twin guitars, explosive double bass drumming, and ultra-melodic vocals have been Riot trademarks from Thundersteel on, often imitated, but never duplicated.
Even on more straightforward traditional cuts like “Feel the Fire”, “Open Road”, and “Lean Into It” sound less like the sound of a band who has existed in some form or another for 5 decades and closer to the youthful stylings of Enforcer or Traveler. The riffs and grooves of these aforementioned cuts admittedly give off some Fire Down Under era vibes as well, so I must hand it to the band for these musical homages to the band’s original run. My choice cut, however, is hands down the title track, or Part “I’ve Lost Count” in the “Johnny’s Back” saga. Yes, it’s no coincidence. You’ve heard that riff and arrangement before. And yet “Mean Streets” serves as a fitting successor to the likes of “Johnny’s Back” and “Black Leather and Glittering Steel”.
Those who have dismissed Riot since Reale’s untimely passing will be silenced by the gigantic hooks and lethal musicianship of Mean Streets. A merciless blitz lying somewhere between pure US power metal and lumbering traditionalism, it’s an album that does the Riot legacy proud, which is exactly what Reale, Guy Speranza, Rhett Forrester, and Louie Kouvaris would’ve wanted. Instead of engaging in senseless bickering, let’s raise our swords, down some tequila, and rejoice in the fact that the legend that is Riot lives!
9 out of 10
Label: Atomic Fire Records
Genre: Power Metal
For fans of: Judas Priest, Accept, Enforcer
Enjoyed the review and how you framed and tied it to the Riot history.
I recently completed a documentary film series project on the bands 50 year history, if you haven’t yet, you should definitely check it out!
https://www.metal-rules.com/2024/02/07/damian-kolodiys-four-part-documentary-film-immortal-soul-a-riot-tribute-and-concert-film-series-is-now-available/
This is exactly what the band deserves!! Thank you for your service 🙏😎🤘