REVIEW: RIOT – Immortal Soul

 

RIOT – Immortal Soul

Steamhammer / SPV Records

"Immortal Soul" is the latest studio offering from RIOT, a highly influential heavy metal band originating from New York. Formed in the late 1970s, RIOT is recognized as one of the pioneering bands in the development of the metal genre. Their discography includes 14 albums, with "Thundersteel" (1988) standing out as a landmark release and a personal favorite for many fans.

This album features a lineup closely resembling the classic "Thundersteel" configuration, including Tony Moore on vocals, Bobby Jarzombeck on drums, Don Van Stavern on bass, and Mark Reale on guitars. Reale, as the band's main songwriter and guitarist, continues to deliver strong performances, maintaining the band's signature sound.

"Immortal Soul" demonstrates a commendable balance between modern production quality and the traditional RIOT style. The songwriting exhibits a consistency that may evoke comparisons to "Thundersteel," with some tracks showing potential to become future classics in the band's catalog. Tony Moore’s vocal performance remains powerful and fitting for the material, reminiscent of his work on FAITH AND FIRE’s eponymous album. The rhythm section, particularly Jarzombeck’s drumming, maintains the tightness and energy characteristic of RIOT’s best work, while the guitar work continues to impress with its clarity and strength.

The album flows smoothly and retains an engaging momentum throughout. Notable tracks include the title song "Riot," "Still Your Man," "Wings are for Angels," and "Son of the Father," the latter two already demonstrating classic potential.

Overall, "Immortal Soul" represents a successful comeback for RIOT, showcasing their ability to produce compelling metal that respects their legacy while incorporating contemporary production standards. It stands out as a significant release within 2011, and likely one of the year's highlights for metal enthusiasts. Fans of the band and genre are encouraged to explore this album as a noteworthy addition to RIOT’s extensive catalog.

Ioannis Kaskamanidis