Album Review: RIOT V- Unleash The Fire

Unleash The Fire is the first album under the moniker “Riot V” formerly known as the legendary RIOT and was released in 2014. Not to be confused with Glam metallers Quiet Riot, RIOT formed around 1976 and released their first album “Rock City” in 1977. They released classic albums such as “Fire Down Under” and the power metal juggernaut “Thundersteel”. Now let me just say THIS BAND SHOULD HAVE BEEN HUGE. Founder Mark Reale is one of my biggest influences on guitar especially from those early albums. Unfortunately this incarnation is the first to not feature one original member (Mark passed in 2012) and is more of a tribute to his music. However, this record was a surprise to me as it was to many other first listeners.

Track Rundown

1.      Ride Hard Live Free- This album really kicks off with a bang. The epic guitar harmonies are just straight in your face and with fast Maiden-like solo harmonies really hit hard. First time Riot singer Todd Michael Hall really belts it out like a proper power metal vocalist and not playing it extremely over the top. The chorus oh god it’s just perfect for a huge audience to sing along to. Surely a classic Riot track.

2.      Metal Warrior- This song brings back that old school power metal approach mainly what Iron Maiden built up on in the 80s. I find the verses extremely infectious and the chorus just has that “Warrior” feel to it. There is a part in the song where it breaks with just the chugging guitar and Hall lets out this killer wail. Another winner for sure.

3.      Fall From The Sky- There is a really thrashy feel here with the one string quick strumming. Mike Flyntz and Nick Lee are really precise players especially on tracks like this. This one isn’t as epic or memorable as the last two but it’s still pretty good.

4.      Bring The Hammer Down- The Dio-Sabbath feel is very present in this track especially in the vocals. The speed is toned down a lot but it makes it heavier. The chorus is pretty heavy and catchy too.

5.      Unleash The Fire- The title track is a real head banger and I really admire the drumming here as well. The verses are pretty damn catchy as is the chorus. The rhythm here is just so tight its very impressive. Another killer tune.

6.      Land Of The Rising Sun- One of my favorite songs on this album, it has the awesome riffs, the catchy verses, the insanely good chorus and killer solo. This song is what classic Heavy Metal is all about. Its more of a mid tempo track but it works better than with more of a speed approach. Near perfect song.

7.      Kill To Survive- This song almost sounds like it was recorded by a different band altogether and I think it’s the one odd ball on the album. It took me a few listens to REALLY get where this song was headed. It has a heavier tone than the rest but I just don’t think it was structured so well.

8.      Return Of The Outlaw- My favorite song on the record and possibly one of my favorite Riot tracks. This song takes that sound from “Fire Down Under” into the modern day and boy do they crush it. The chorus is probably my chorus of the year if I had to make that a list. The main Riff just sounds like it could have been of “Fire Down Under” or even “Narita”.

9.      Immortal- This song is the direct tribute to Mark Reale and I really like the lyrics they gave to it as well. Its really the only ballad on the album besides the last track and in my opinion would have been a better closer. However, it’s a nice little thank you to the bands founder.

 10 .  Take Me Back- This song as a really strong vibe from UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” which isn’t a bad thing it gives it a good groove. I really like the chorus here as well. A nice song and another one of my highlights.

11.   Fight Fight Fight- The fastest song on the album and is reminiscent of “Run For Your Life” off of Thundersteel. It’s another one of those metal tunes you just have to sing to and pump your fist to. Killer power metal song and the solo freakin kills too.

 12.   Until We Meet Again- The church-like chorus at the beginning is really cool and this song is actually pretty soft as well like “Immortal” and even has this Santana-esque feel at least to me. It really does shine more toward the guitar work. It’s a nice subtle little closer to an extremely epic album.

Overall, I give this album an 8.7 out a 10. Wow just wow. This album was written in tribute and easily can stand up to Riot classic albums. Mark Reale would be proud actually beyond proud that these musicians were so gifted to write an album so full of memorable choruses solos and overall songs that fans young and old will love. Thank you Todd, Mike, Nick, Don and Frank for such an amazing record and long live RIOT!