Riot

The Profile

Riot is an American heavy/power metal band formed in New York City in 1975 by guitarist Mark Reale. Revered as pioneers who bridged hard rock, speed, and early US power metal, they issued classics such as Rock City, Narita, Fire Down Under, and Thundersteel. After Reale’s death on January 25, 2012 due to complications related to Crohn’s disease, the group continued as Riot V, releasing Unleash the Fire in 2014. Their bulldog-seal mascot Johnny has long fronted their album art.

Formed: 1975, New York City. Founder: guitarist Mark Reale. Key eras/albums cited in reviews: Rock City (1977), Narita (1979), Fire Down Under (1981), Restless Breed, Born in America (1983), Thundersteel (1988), The Privilege of Power (1990), Immortal Soul (2011), Unleash the Fire (2014). Noted vocalists include Guy Speranza, Rhett Forrester, and Tony Moore. Reale died Jan 25, 2012; band continues as Riot V. Mascot: Johnny (the bulldog-seal).

DeBaser’s reviews paint Riot as pioneers of US heavy/power metal, perpetually underrated yet fiercely consistent. Key albums praised include Fire Down Under, Thundersteel, Narita, and later Unleash the Fire. The band’s history revolves around founder-guitarist Mark Reale, multiple iconic vocalists, and their bulldog-seal mascot Johnny. Even after Reale’s death in 2012, the legacy continues loud and proud.