09/28/2026
Riot is one of those “should have been huge” band. They had all the right ingredients but just never got the recognition they deserved. They were so important to me during my high school years. Having heard them first on KZEP 104 on Mario Munoz “Classic Metal Show.” The band was/still are very well revered in San Antonio.
Having failed to break through the mainstream with their previous album, the absolutely stunning “Fire Down Under” along with line up changes, the biggest being vocalist Guy Speranza leaving and Rhett Forrester taking over as frontman. Announcing his arrival with the opener “Hard Lovin' Man” a song that would also serve as the bands concert opening. Crunching guitars, pounding drums and Rhett’s vocals makes this one of their best tunes. “C.I.A.” Has a hint of southern rock to the song, especially in the chorus. Drummer Sandy Salvin owns this one his precision complements the song very well. The title cut is next and Rhett’s love for Paul Rogers and Bad Co really show here. Their cover of the Animals “When I Was Young” is outstanding here along with the side one closer, the break next speed of “Loneshark” my favorite off the LP. Side two opens with “Loved By You” one of the best tunes on the LP. Rhett shows off his harmonica skills here. “Over To You” would sound right at home on “Fire Down Under” again, an excellent tune. “Showdown” sounds like something from mid 70’s Thin Lizzy, and that’s not a bad thing. “Dream Away” would have fit better on the first side but seems to get lost in the shuffle here, it’s one my favorites off the album. The blitzkrieg is back for the album closer “Violent Crime.” The song would prove to be ironic for Rhett who sadly was murdered during a carjacking in Atlanta in 1994. Released on May 21, 1982. The album again failed to make a dent on the charts but is still revered as a classic amongst hard rock/metal purest.
DJ Madness
https://live365.com/station/Craniumradio-com-a08150
