Sons of Society marks the latest release from veteran rockers Riot. Led by founding member Axe-Master Mark Reale, who happens to be one of Hard Rock's most underrated guitarists, Riot delivers some of the coolest Melodic Power Metal heard today. Lead Vocalist Mike DiMeo sings his ass off on this record!! He shows a vast improvement from his previous studio work -- not that he was bad before, it's just that he really impressed me on this record. He sounds like a mix of Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner these days, a style which fits the music on Sons of Society very, very well.

Mark Reale is his usual stellar self. He is one of the most talented shredders out there today. Don't believe me? Go out and buy Sons of Society, on which Reale plays some of the sickest licks I've ever heard. Joining Reale is his partner in (guitar) crime, Mike Flyntz, who's no slouch either. Together they provide some great melodic dual guitar harmonies. The funny thing is that even though they sound great together and they totally complement each other, come solo time, you can pretty much tell when it's Reale or when it's Flyntz, and that, my friends, IS a sign of a great Shred Team.

The rhythm section of bassist Pete Perez and drummer Bobby Arzombek is just superb. Jarzombek is a machine waiting to explode. Oh and as an added bonus, the great Tony Harnell provides very prominent vocal harmonies. The songs are very well written and the production is handled well by Reale and Paul Orofino. The vocals and instrumentation are in-your-face, very sweet indeed.

Here's the track by track review:
1. Snake Charmer - Middle Eastern style instrumental track.
2. On The Wings Of Life - Straight-ahead, in your face rocker. DiMeo really shines.
3. Sons Of Society - Another fast-paced heavy rocker with awesome guitars. Great dual guitar solos.
4. Twist of Fate - (MetalGod's Pick) Very catchy fast rocker with great vocal hooks. Tony Harnell fans will be able to hear him clearly on this one.
5. Bad Machine - Heavy groove-oriented tune.
6. Cover Me - Darkish power ballad, very soulful vocals. Check out Reale's fills and solos.
7. Dragonfire - Great melodic song, awesome shred solo.
8. The Law - Fiery Heavy Rocker, very cool lyrics.
9. Time To Bleed - Check out the dual solo on this one.
10. Somewhere - Great drum song!!
11. Promises - Heavy groove tune, with almost a Sabbath feel. Pete Perez's Bass licks are awesome on this one.

Sons of Society provides EXACTLY what we as Metal Fans want: rippin' guitars, screaming vocals, thunder drums and fast-paced, IN YOUR FACE melodic metal. Riot definitely delivers!!

Reviewed by MetalGod

Check out our review of Westworld featuring Mark Reale. Stay tuned for a Riot/Westworld feature that will include reviews of a couple of classic Riot albums as well as a great interview with Mark Reale.

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