RIOT Signs With STEAMHAMMER/SPV

Legendary U.S. metal band RIOT has inked a deal with Steamhammer/SPV Records for all territories excluding Japan. The band's new album, "Immortal Soul", will be released on October 28 in Germany, October 31 in the rest of Europe and early November in the U.S. and Canada.

With lineup changes knocking their momentum and the Eighties developing into a thrash-fest, a new-look RIOT bounced back in 1988 with the widely-acclaimed "Thundersteel". Although the faces might have looked unfamiliar, with only guitarist Mark Reale now left from the band's formative years, the aggression and musicianship remained unrivalled and unchallengeable. With Tony Moore's distinctive vocals, the muscle and might of bassist Don Van Stavern and drummer Bobby Jarzombek powering the songs along, and Reale's precision playing RIOT were reborn, and followed "Thundersteel" two years later with the jaw-dropping "The Privilege Of Power", an inspiring and at times truly epic album. However, by this time the music world was turning into a very different place, and RIOT found themselves struggling against a tide of apathy. Reale continued to guide the ship through the next two decades, delivering albums of consistent, quality metal, culminating in 2006's "Army Of One" a true statement of intent, as if one were needed.

But the army of one is an army of five once more as RIOT's classic "Thundersteel" and "Privilege" lineup has reunited, adding guitarist Mike Flyntz who played in the live band at that time.

RIOT has been confirmed as special guest on the first leg of HAMMERFALL's European tour this winter. The trek kicks off on October 26 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and ends on November 18 in Cologne, Germany. This will be the first time the legendary "Thundersteel" and "The Privilege Of Power" lineup of Tony Moore (vocals),Mark Reale (guitar),Mike Flyntz (guitar),Don Van Stavern (bass) and Bobby Jarzombek (drums) has played in Europe on a full tour, after the band's celebrated one-off show at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2009.

Commented Olly Hahn, A&R representative at Steamhammer: "Mark, Tony, Don, Bobby and Mike are really fired up once more, and 'Immortal Soul' will be a true successor to the legacy of 'Thundersteel' and 'Privilege'. Classic metal will never die, and who did it better than RIOT?"