Riot
Rock City

THE REVIEW

1977. The explosion of punk and the very early beginnings of British heavy metal. England, in the mid-seventies, was characterized by bands like AC/DC, Nazareth, UFO, and Thin Lizzy, who offered a solid hard rock, with some blues influences. Meanwhile, in America, bands like Boston, Journey, Triumph, and Scorpions, even though the latter were German, began to achieve immediate success.

Towards the end of the seventies, in the United Kingdom, a very powerful band was formed that would be important for the birth of the N.W.O.B.H.M. a few years later. That is, RIOT. They consisted of singer Guy Speranza, guitarists Mark Reale and L.A. Kouvaris, bassist Jimmy Iommi, and drummer Peter Bitelli. In 1977, the group recorded their first album, that is "Rock City," which offered a very compact sound, with some influences from Thin Lizzy, and fairly sustained and driving rhythms. The quintet presents us with nine tracks and already four hits that would become their live showpieces, like the title track, "Warrior", "Overdrive" and "Tokyo Rose". It begins right away in the name of the traditional hard rock, that is "Desperation", featuring a rocky, fast riff, a sharp rhythm, and a great performance by Speranza. Really a very good start that already lets us understand what we are going to listen to. Pure Rock'n'roll!! "Warrior" is a true piece of heavy metal, supported by very fast guitar riffs and solos, almost like Judas Priest, with an airy and catchy chorus. The rest of the track is very engaging and easily enjoyable until the end. The title track is also beautiful and interesting, featuring a dirty and powerful riff, but at the same time supported by clear vocal lines and a fairly catchy chorus.

"Overdrive" is characterized by a rock-blues riff, with a sound akin to UFO and a convincing performance by Speranza, which further enriches the piece. Mark Reale's solos are technical and flawlessly executed, as are the frequent sudden accelerations. The fifth track, "Angel", maintains the same level, showing itself to be decisive and interesting. The sixth song is the famous "Tokyo Rose", often replayed in concerts, endowed with an unforgettable and energetic riff, many rhythm changes, and plenty of good rock'n'roll played from the heart. "Heart Of Fire" makes me think of certain pieces by Deep Purple, as always executed convincingly, while the following "Gypsy Queen" and "This Is What I Get" are very engaging and original. Especially the last one, characterized by the usual hard rock riff, with some nods to Boston's "Don't Look Back" and Triumph, masterfully concluding this first incredible and unexpected work by Riot.

They are still defined today as one of the seminal bands of heavy metal, continuing to expand success with "Narita", the metallic "Fire Down Under" and the powerful "Thundersteel". THIS IS THE STORY.