For the period it was released in, Riot’s ‘Rock City’ can be seen as a sophisticated set of hard rock, with shades of metal and boogie.
Written by: Dangerzone
ARTIST: Riot
ALBUM: Rock City
LABEL: Ariola
SERIAL: ARL 5007
YEAR: 1977
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Guy Speranza – vocals * Mark Reale – guitars * L.A. Kouvaris – guitars * Jimmy Iommi – bass * Peter Bitelli – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Desperation * 02 Warrior * 03 Rock City * 04 Overdrive * 05 Angel * 06 Tokyo Rose * 07 Heart Of Fire * 08 Gypsy Queen * 09 This Is What I Get
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Information on Riot’s exact origins are sparse to say the least. The band was formed in Reale’s basement in 1976, the group signing to the independent Firesign Records. Recorded in late 1976 through mid 1977 the album took off in Europe upon its release. Ariola seized upon the band and signed them, allowing the album to be widely marketed, although Capitol Records would be their label for 1979’s ‘Narita’.
For the period it was released in, ‘Rock City’ can be seen as a sophisticated set of hard rock, with shades of metal and boogie. It contained more clout than the likes of Starz and Kiss, more in keeping with the spirit of Montrose‘s 1973 debut, unabashed US rock and roll.
The Songs
There’s a hefty gallop to ‘Desperation’ with rolling boogie riffing, an eye-catching opener. ‘Warrior’ is an early slice of North American metal genius, vintage dual riff attack and inspired lyrics like: ‘shield at his side, cloak across his breast.’ Extremely heavy and almost obliterating what Judas Priest were doing at the time, ‘Sin After Sin’.
Future generations of metal acts lived on this epic style, Iron Maiden, Saxon.. you name it. In total contrast ‘Rock City’ is boogie in the finest tradition of AC/DC, with an unstoppable riff that Krokus would later use a few times. The hand clap breakdown with someone screaming ‘yeah’! is magic. Amazing this was before Molly Hatchet, and superior to Lynyrd Skynyrd and other Southern rebels.
A more common hard rock sound is employed for ‘Overdrive’, but the end effect is punishing via Reale’s attack. ‘Angel’ is able to stand with Rose Tattoo as bad boy rock is concerned, a bracing wall of noise in the instrumental sections up there with ‘Astra Wally’. ‘Heart Of Fire’ is close to Priest’s ‘Rocka Rolla’ period, but more updated given the few years in between. The most melodic choice is ‘This Is What I Get’, veering towards the Boston harmonies found on their debut.
In Summary
After 25 years, seventeen members and twelve studio albums, Riot are still here, with Reale at the helm as the sole original, although the lineup found on 2002’s ‘Through The Storm’ has existed for almost a decade, with a few drumming changes in that time.
Of Riot’s four vocalists Speranza is still considered the definitive by Riot purists, although the late Rhett Forrester (1982-83) and Tony Moore (1988-92) had their moments, notably 1984’s ‘Born In America’ and the power metal of 1988’s ‘Thundersteel’ respectively.
Sadly the debut has been forgotten over time, a closer inspection reveals it to be not as clean as Van Halen‘s debut production wise, but significantly more dirty and heavier. And if given a chance, more influential.
Riot on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
