RIOT V: To Release 'Unleash The Fire' In August

RIOT V, the new band featuring nearly all the surviving members of the most recent […]

July 30, 2014

RIOT V, the new band featuring nearly all the surviving members of the most recent lineup of U.S. metal pioneersRIOT, will release its new album, "Unleash The Fire", on August 27 viaSPV/Steamhammer.

RIOT Vis continuing on in honor of the late great foundingRIOTguitaristMark Reale, who died from complications from Crohn's Disease in early 2012. The musicians decided to continue on with the blessings from the estate ofRealeto keep the music and spirit ofRIOTalive.

The continuing members decided to alter the name toRIOT Vas the fifth chapter of the band's long history as well asTodd Michael Hallbeing the fifth singer followingGuy Speranza(March 1956 - November 2003),Rhett Forrester(September 1956 ' January 1994),Tony MooreandMike Dimeoin the some 30-odd years of the band's existence.

RIOT V's lineup features longtimeRIOTmembersMike Flyntz(guitar), who has beenReale's guitar partner for over 25 years, and bassist/songwriterDon Van Stavern("Thundersteel","Privilege Of Power","Immortal Soul"), new vocalistTodd Michael Hall(BURNING STARR,REVERENCE) andRIOT's"Army Of One"drummerFrank Gilchriest(VIRGIN STEELE,LIEGE LORD).

AlthoughRealecan never be replaced,RIOT Vrecruited former student-turned-teacher atMike Flyntz's guitar school in Long Island, New York, 26-year-old guitar virtuosoNick Lee, to handle the lead-guitar duties on the band's recent tour and upcoming album.

"Unleash The Fire"track listing:
01.Ride Hard Live Free
02.Metal Warrior
03.Fall From The Sky
04.Bring The Hammer Down
05.Unleash The Fire
06.Land Of The Rising Sun
07.Kill To Survive
08.Return Of The Outlaw
09.Immortal
10.Take Me Back
11.Fight Fight Fight
12.Until We Meet Again
13.Thundersteel(live bonus track)

Fan-filmed video footage ofRIOT Vperforming the new song"Metal Warriors"on February 9 in Athens, Greece can be seen below.

SaidFlyntz: "This record is for my friendMark Reale. I am very proud of it. We made a great record on a shoestring budget. When it is released, you will hearMark's spirit throughout. We couldn't have done it without the constant support from theRIOTfans and, of course, the support of [Mark's father]Tony Reale."
Regarding the addition ofLeetoRIOT V's lineup,Flyntzsaid: "The decision whether to add a guitarist or try it myself was very difficult. We did play some shows withoutMarkwhen he was sick. Although they went as well as could be expected given the circumstances, I felt it was better for the music to add a second guitarist, asMarkadded me in 1989.

"It is very important to me that everyone knows thatNickis notMark's replacement.Mark Realecan never be replaced. I [am] taking onMark's parts andNick [is]doing most of my parts.

"Nickstudied with me weekly from ages 9 to 17.

"Nickhas always been a perfectionist and has always poured his heart into his music. He is a great writer and performer. I am very proud of him. He lives and breathes music and is one with his guitar. He has metMarkand saw us play live.

"I know there is no one else better matched to come in and help us recreate theRIOTsound. After the first rehearsal, I was convinced that we are doing the right thing by carrying onMark's music and legacy.

"At our first rehearsal playing our opener'Narita', I actually shed a tear hearing the song that I had played so many years side by side withMark, but know the band will shine on in his honor and not disappoint the diehard fans."