RIOT

Lone Wolves of Steel
The History and Musical Legacy of RIOT (RIOT V)

1. Indomitable Melodies and the Paradox of "The Unluckiest Band in the World"

In the vast tapestry of heavy metal history, few bands stand out for such a stark disparity between musical excellence and commercial success as RIOT, now known as RIOT V. Since their formation in 1975, RIOT has carried the paradoxical title of "The Unluckiest Band in the World." Rejection of support by record labels, management blunders, misalignment with the trends of the times, and a succession of tragic deaths among key members—especially the untimely passing of guitarist Mark Reale in 2012, the soul and founder of the band—were tragedies that shook the band's very survival to its core.

However, delving into RIOT's nearly half-century-long history reveals a trajectory of resilient vitality and musical evolution that cannot be chalked up to mere "bad luck." Starting from the underground scene of New York in the late 1970s, RIOT resonated with the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement, went on to lay the foundations of the power metal genre in the 1980s, and has established its position as a guardian of traditional heavy metal today.

Their relationship with Japan is particularly noteworthy. The fusion of sorrowful melodies and aggressive speed in RIOT's music resonated deeply with the aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese metal fans, building a uniquely solid foundation of support.

2. Chapter 1: Genesis and the Guy Speranza Era (1975-1981)

2.1 The Bustle of New York and the Formation of the Band

The story of RIOT began in the summer of 1975 in Brooklyn, New York. The central figure was Mark Reale, an unknown guitarist at the time. In a New York scene where rock music was transitioning toward disco and punk rock, he sought to pursue a hard and melodious style of rock.

The initial original lineup was as follows:

• Guy Speranza: Vocals
• Mark Reale: Guitar
• Louie "L.A." Kouvaris: Guitar
• Phil Feit: Bass
• Peter Bitelli: Drums

Contrary to his afro-styled look, Guy Speranza was a rare frontman who possessed both incredible vocal power and emotional expressiveness. They began performing on the Brooklyn club circuit, gradually garnering local support with their energetic performances. Around this time, they were discovered by producers Billy Arnell and Steve Loeb. Greene St. Recording Studio, owned by Loeb, would subsequently serve as the base for RIOT's sound production for many years, playing a decisive role in shaping their sonic identity.

2.2 "Rock City" and the Birth of the Seal-Man "Johnny" (1977)

In November 1977, their memorable debut album "Rock City" was released. Initially, it was released through Fire Sign Records, an independent label established by their management.

While the musicality of this album followed the lineage of American hard rock like Aerosmith and Montrose, it was accompanied by sharper guitar riffs and a sense of speed. In particular, the title track "Rock City" and "Warrior" were filled with an energy that hinted at the budding of later speed metal.

However, what cannot be overlooked when discussing this album is the mascot character that appeared on the cover artwork. This bizarre creature, possessing the head of a seal and a muscular human body while holding an axe, was named "Mighty Tior," commonly known as "Johnny." At the time, protest movements against seal culling were a social topic, and it is said that this character was devised under the leadership of the record company. However, this design, which proceeded without the consent of the band members, created a striking gap with the band's die-hard musical style. This "B-movie-like" visual became a subject of ridicule in some quarters, but at the same time, it became a defining icon of RIOT's unique presence, continuing to grace RIOT's album covers for decades to come.

2.3 "Narita" and Resonance with the NWOBHM (1979)

Although the debut album did not achieve major commercial success within the United States, an unexpected reaction was occurring across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom (UK). At the time, the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement, represented by bands like Iron Maiden and Saxon, was rising in Britain. When renowned DJ Neal Kay included RIOT's songs in his Heavy Metal Soundhouse playlist, RIOT came to receive enthusiastic support from British metal fans as "America's NWOBHM band."

Riding this tailwind, their second album "Narita" was produced in 1979. The album title was inspired by the intensity of the protests against the construction of the New Tokyo International Airport (now Narita International Airport) in Narita, Chiba, Japan, known as the Sanrizuka Struggle. The cover featured a design that emphasized "exotic Japan" from a Western perspective, depicting Johnny in the guise of a Sumo Wrestler holding an axe, with fighter jets and Mt. Fuji in the background.

Musically, it inherited the hard rock direction of the previous album while strengthening more melodious and speedy developments. In particular, the twin guitar harmonies and speed in the instrumental track "Narita" and "Road Racin'" anticipated the stylized beauty of later power metal, becoming an important missing link in the evolution of heavy metal alongside Judas Priest.

During this period, original guitarist L.A. Kouvaris departed, and Rick Ventura joined. Furthermore, the rhythm section underwent frequent changes, with Jimmy Iommi (Bass) and Peter Bitelli leaving to be replaced by Kip Leming (Bass) and Sandy Slavin (Drums).

2.4 The Tribulations and Glory of the Masterpiece "Fire Down Under" (1981)

In 1981, the band completed their third album "Fire Down Under," which can be called the pinnacle of their career. However, the road to its release was filled with hardships. Capitol Records, the label the band was signed to at the time, listened to the completed album and issued a notice refusing to release it, claiming it had "no commercial prospects."

The band and management launched a signature campaign by fans, eventually terminating their contract with Capitol and managing to secure a release through Elektra Records. This album is widely recognized as the finest masterpiece of RIOT's early career. Songs like "Swords & Tequila," "Fire Down Under," and "Outlaw" perfectly fused aggressive riffs, sorrowful melodies, and Guy Speranza's desperate vocals, and they are still talked about today as classics of US metal.

The album also ranked on the Billboard 200 chart, and everything seemed smooth sailing as the band toured as a support act for Sammy Hagar and Rush. However, immediately after this success, the band faced its greatest trial. Vocalist Guy Speranza decided to retire from the music industry and left the band due to religious reasons and to prioritize life with his family. The loss of their absolute frontman completely blunted the momentum of the band that had been on the rise.

3. Chapter 2: The Arrival of Rhett Forrester and the Era of Straying (1981-1984)

3.1 Leaning into the Blues: "Restless Breed" (1982)

The one chosen to succeed Speranza was Rhett Forrester. Flaunting his long blonde hair and radiating a wild charm, Forrester possessed a bluesy, soulful mid-range voice that contrasted sharply with Speranza.

Released in 1982, their fourth album "Restless Breed" shifted its musical direction to match Forrester's vocal qualities. The early sense of speed took a back seat, replaced primarily by mid-tempo hard rock and blues rock reminiscent of Bad Company and Whitesnake. While tracks like "Restless Breed" and "Loanshark" were high-quality songs, they caused confusion among the traditional fan base who sought speed and melody, and the band's identity began to waiver.

3.2 "Born in America" and the Collapse of the Band (1983-1984)

The following year, in 1983, their fifth album "Born in America" was released. With this album, they attempted to approach the American mainstream market, namely arena rock. Although the title track and "Wings of Fire" were catchy and powerful anthems, the promotion was inadequate as they lost support from Elektra Records and were forced to release it through Quality Records, a Canadian independent label.

Furthermore, Rhett Forrester's unbridled personality and unstable behavior deteriorated interpersonal relationships within the band. Due to commercial stagnation and internal discord, Mark Reale gave up on continuing the band. In 1984, RIOT fell into a state of effective dissolution, and Reale left his hometown of New York to relocate to San Antonio, Texas.

RIOT's wandering during this period reflected the upheavals of the heavy metal scene in the first half of the 1980s. On the West Coast, LA metal (Glam Metal) represented by Mötley Crüe and Ratt was rising, dominating the market with visual flashiness and pop-flavored metal. RIOT, with its die-hard and craftsman-like approach, had lost its place within this new tide.

4. Chapter 3: The Resurrection of Steel and the Establishment of Power Metal (1986-1992)

4.1 Revival in San Antonio and the New Lineup

Moving to Texas, Mark Reale met Don Van Stavern, the former bassist of S.A. Slayer. Hitting it off, the two launched a new project called "Narita" and began producing a demo tape. The very songs included in this demo would later become the monument of power metal: "Thundersteel."

Reale decided to return to New York and rebuild a new RIOT. He recruited Tony Moore, who possessed an astounding high-tone shout, on vocals, and the ultra-technical Bobby Jarzombek on drums. Here, the lineup lauded as the strongest in RIOT's history was completed.

4.2 The Scripture of Power Metal: "Thundersteel" (1988)

In March 1988, their sixth album "Thundersteel" was released by CBS Records. This album completely wiped away the previous blues direction, pursuing speed, aggression, and melody to the absolute limit.

The high-speed riffs exploding right from the intro of the title track "Thundersteel" and Tony Moore's screaming possessed an energy capable of rivaling the thrash metal momentum of the time, while simultaneously maintaining the stylized beauty of traditional metal. Other songs like "Fight or Fall," "Flight of the Warrior," and "Johnny's Back" exerted an immense influence on subsequent power metal bands, functioning as the "textbook" for this genre.

4.3 The Experimental and Ambitious Work: "The Privilege of Power" (1990)

Having achieved a complete resurrection, the band attempted further evolution, or rather adventure, with their next album in 1990, "The Privilege of Power." While the musical foundation was speed metal similar to the previous work, they adopted a progressive and experimental composition, boldly introducing the horn section (wind instruments) of Tower of Power and inserting long intros and narrations between tracks.

Additionally, Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Rainbow) participated in "Killer" as a guest vocalist, making it highly talked about. From this album, Mike Flyntz, who had been a student at Mark Reale's guitar school, joined as the second guitarist. This established a system that could fully replicate the complex twin guitars of the studio album even in live performances.

4.4 Enthusiasm in Japan and the Departure of Tony Moore

With "Thundersteel" and "The Privilege of Power," RIOT's popularity in Japan exploded. Their Japan tour in June 1990 was enthusiastically received in Tokyo and Osaka, and the performances were released in 1992 as the live album "RIOT in Japan - Live!!"

However, the history of the band repeats itself. Due to business troubles and differences in musical direction, vocalist Tony Moore departed. Furthermore, bassist Don Van Stavern also left the band, causing the golden lineup to collapse in a short span of time.

5. Chapter 4: The Mike DiMeo Era and Return to Hard Rock (1993-2006)

Welcomed as Tony Moore's successor was vocalist Mike DiMeo, whose talent was also recognized by Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple. With his arrival, the band's sound shifted once again from pure speed metal toward a style that emphasized traditional hard rock and melodious elements.

5.1 "Nightbreaker": A Return to Roots (1993)

1993's "Nightbreaker" marked the beginning of the DiMeo era. It included a cover of Deep Purple's classic "Burn" and a re-recording of their own classic "Outlaw," showing the band's respect for their roots in British hard rock. DiMeo's rich mid-range singing voice added a mature sorrow and depth to the songs.

5.2 Fusion of Concepts and Folk Music

• "The Brethren of the Long House" (1995): A concept album inspired by the film "The Last of the Mohicans." John Macaluso participated on drums. It became an ambitious work that themed the history and tragedies of Native Americans, incorporating folk melodies and grand orchestration.
• "Inishmore" (1997): A work that heavily incorporated elements of Irish lore and Celtic music, which were also Mark Reale's own roots. Bobby Jarzombek returned as the drummer, and it is highly regarded as the finest masterpiece of the DiMeo era, blending intricate rhythms with beautiful melodies. Songs like "Angel Eyes" and "Kings Are Falling" were particularly well-received in the Japanese market.

5.3 Period of Stability and Stagnation

The band continued to release albums consistently after that.

• "Sons of Society" (1999): A work that returned to a more straightforward metal sound.
• "Through the Storm" (2002): Features a cover of UFO's "Only You Can Rock Me." The only album where Bobby Rondinelli (ex-Rainbow) handled the drums.
• "Army of One" (2006): Frank Gilchriest participated on drums. It became the final studio album featuring DiMeo.

During this period, although RIOT maintained stable popularity in Japan and Europe, they were completely buried within the United States amidst the rise of grunge and nu-metal. While Mike DiMeo's vocals were always stable, it was also a fact that some fans craved the aggression and excitement of the "Thundersteel" era. In 2006, DiMeo left the band to join Masterplan, among other reasons.

6. Chapter 5: Reunion, Last Album, and the Death of Mark Reale (2008-2012)

6.1 The Return of a Legend and "Immortal Soul"

In 2008, the reunion that fans had long dreamed of with the "Thundersteel" era lineup (Mark Reale, Tony Moore, Don Van Stavern, Bobby Jarzombek, Mike Flyntz) finally came to fruition.

After several years of touring and production, the album "Immortal Soul," released in 2011, was truly a miraculous work. The speed and aggression of yesteryear revived with modern production, and it was highly praised by critics and fans as a masterpiece loudly declaring "RIOT is Back."

6.2 Tragic End (January 25, 2012)

However, behind this revival, leader Mark Reale's health was reaching its limit. He had suffered from Crohn's disease since his youth, and years of battling the illness had ravaged his body. In January 2012, while the band was scheduled to perform live on the "70,000 Tons of Metal" cruise, Reale suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage and fell into a coma at a hospital in San Antonio.

On January 25, 2012, Mark Reale passed away at the age of 56. As the sole original member of the band and the creator of all its music, his death seemed to signify the complete end of the band RIOT.

7. Chapter 6: RIOT V - The Inherited Soul and a New Legend (2013-Present)

7.1 A Father's Wish and the Pledge of "V"

After Mark Reale's death, the remaining members (Don Van Stavern and Mike Flyntz) were in deep grief. Should they disband the band, or should they continue? The answer was provided by Mark's father, Anthony Reale. He strongly requested the members, saying, "Please don't let my son's music die. Keep RIOT going."

Receiving these words, they resolved to continue their activities. However, there was also hesitation about calling the band "RIOT" as it was without Mark. Therefore, they decided to change the band name to "RIOT V." This "V" carries multiple meanings:

1. The 5th vocalist: Welcoming a fifth singer following Guy, Rhett, Tony, and Mike.
2. Chapter 5: The beginning of a new chapter in the band's history.
3. The Roman numeral V: Indicating that the band consists of a 5-member lineup.

For the new vocalist, Todd Michael Hall, who had been active in Jack Starr's Burning Starr and other projects, was selected. His clear, high-tone vocals could not only perfectly perform songs from the Tony Moore era but also brought a new charm to the band. Frank Gilchriest returned on drums, and Nick Lee joined as the new guitarist.

7.2 The Onslaught of the Reborn RIOT V and "Mean Streets"

• "Unleash the Fire" (2014): The first album under the name RIOT V (the Japanese edition was released under the name "RIOT" due to contractual reasons). Including memorial tracks for Mark Reale like "Immortal" and "Until We Meet Again," it became a work filled with positive energy that overcame sorrow while inheriting the RIOT sound of yesteryear.
• "Armor of Light" (2018): A work marking their transfer to the major German metal label, Nuclear Blast. Speed metal numbers reminiscent of the "Thundersteel" era lined the album, making it a powerful effort where Todd Michael Hall's vocals perfectly fit the band.
• "Mean Streets" (2024): Initially scheduled for a 2023 release, it was postponed due to factors like label reorganization (from Atomic Fire to Reigning Phoenix Music) and was released as their latest work in May 2024. The album cover features the mascot Johnny dressed like a biker gang member, suggesting a return to roots as a band born from the streets.

The current RIOT V is not a mere tribute band. At large-scale European festivals (such as Wacken Open Air) and performances in Japan, they continue to win over not only older fans but also younger generations, remaining at the forefront of the scene as the "guardians of traditional heavy metal" who carry on Mark Reale's legacy.

8. Discography

Below is a detailed account of all studio albums and major live albums by RIOT and RIOT V.

8.1 Studio Albums

Year of Release	Title (English/Japanese)	Vocals	Key Tracks / Remarks
1977	Rock City	Guy Speranza	Tracks: Warrior, Rock City, Tokyo Rose Note: Memorable debut album. First appearance of the mascot "Johnny".
1979	Narita	Guy Speranza	Tracks: Narita, Road Racin', Born to Be Wild (Cover) Note: Released first in Japan. Highly acclaimed in the UK during the NWOBHM era.
1981	Fire Down Under	Guy Speranza	Tracks: Swords & Tequila, Fire Down Under, Outlaw Note: Early masterpiece. Released by Elektra after a refusal to release by Capitol.
1982	Restless Breed	Rhett Forrester	Tracks: Restless Breed, Loanshark, Hard Lovin' Man Note: Blues color intensifies. Final release from Elektra.
1983	Born in America	Rhett Forrester	Tracks: Born in America, Wings of Fire Note: Last work before temporary dissolution. Released by Quality Records in Canada.
1988	Thundersteel	Tony Moore	Tracks: Thundersteel, Flight of the Warrior, Johnny's Back Note: Monument of power metal. First resurrection volume by Mark Reale.
1990	The Privilege of Power	Tony Moore	Tracks: Metal Soldiers, Dance of Death, Killer (feat. Joe Lynn Turner) Note: Experimental work introducing a horn section. Mike Flyntz joins.
1993	Nightbreaker	Mike DiMeo	Tracks: Soldier, Burn (Deep Purple Cover), Outlaw (Re-recorded) Note: Return to traditional hard rock.
1995	The Brethren of the Long House	Mike DiMeo	Tracks: The Last of the Mohicans, Glory Calling Note: Concept work themed on the film "The Last of the Mohicans".
1997	Inishmore	Mike DiMeo	Tracks: Angel Eyes, Liberty, Kings Are Falling Note: Melodious masterpiece strongly influenced by Irish/Celtic music.
1999	Sons of Society	Mike DiMeo	Tracks: Snake Charmer, On the Wings of Life Note: Popular album in Japan.
2002	Through the Storm	Mike DiMeo	Tracks: Turn the Tables, Only You Can Rock Me (UFO Cover) Note: Bobby Rondinelli (Dr) participates.
2006	Army of One	Mike DiMeo	Tracks: Army of One, Still Alive Note: Final work featuring Mike DiMeo. First participation of Frank Gilchriest (Dr).
2011	Immortal Soul	Tony Moore	Tracks: RIOT, Still Your Man, Wings Are for Angels Note: Mark Reale's final work. "Thundersteel" members reunite.
2014	Unleash the Fire	Todd Michael Hall	Tracks: Ride Hard Live Free, Immortal Note: Commencement under the RIOT V name (RIOT name for Japan edition). Mark Reale tribute work.
2018	Armor of Light	Todd Michael Hall	Tracks: Victory, Messiah, Angel's Thunder, Devil's Reign Note: Transferred to Nuclear Blast. Return to speed metal.
2024	Mean Streets	Todd Michael Hall	Tracks: Hail to the Warriors, Love Beyond the Grave Note: Latest work released in May 2024.

8.2 Key Live Albums

Title	Year/Location of Recording	Detailed Data
RIOT Live	1980 (UK)	Recorded: Monsters of Rock (Donington), Hammersmith Odeon Note: Precious record of the Guy Speranza era. First CD release in Japan in 1989.
RIOT in Japan - Live!!	1990 (Japan)	Recorded: Osaka & Tokyo (June 1990) Tracks: On Your Knees, Tokyo Rose, Rock City, etc. Note: "The Privilege of Power" tour. Performance at Tony Moore's peak.
Shine On	1998 (Japan)	Recorded: Club Citta, Kawasaki Note: "Inishmore" tour. Contains stable performances from the Mike DiMeo era.
Live in Japan 2018	2018 (Japan)	Recorded: Club Citta, Kawasaki (March 11, 2018) Note: Live performance as RIOT V. Includes a full replication set for the 30th anniversary of "Thundersteel".

9. Biography: Profiles of Key Members

The band RIOT also had an aspect like a "school" where many talented musicians entered and left around the leader, Mark Reale. Profiles of key members are provided below.

10. Immortal Soul

The history of RIOT was by no means smooth. RIOT was constantly exposed to the headwinds of the times, buffeted by the absurdities of business, and faced with the unavoidable fate of death. However, the music left behind by RIOT—the rawness of "Rock City," the passion of "Fire Down Under," the steel brilliance of "Thundersteel," and the sorrow of "Inishmore"—continues to shine as classics of heavy metal, transcending transient trends.

The strength shown in "Mean Streets" is proof that RIOT continues to evolve as a metal band in the present tense. Mark Reale is no longer here. However, his soul will be passed down eternally by members like Don Van Stavern, Mike Flyntz, and Todd Michael Hall, as well as fans around the world. "Shine On"—just as RIOT once sang those words, the story of RIOT continues into the future without ending, casting a steel brilliance.