RIOT V To Release 'Unleash The Fire' In October

RIOT V, the new band featuring nearly all the surviving members of the most recent lineup of U.S. metal pioneers RIOT, will release its new album, "Unleash The Fire", on October 28 (one day earlier internationally) via SPV/Steamhammer. Avalon/Marquee will make the effort available in Japan.

RIOT V is continuing on in honor of the late great founding RIOT guitarist Mark Reale, who died from complications from Crohn's Disease in early 2012. The musicians decided to continue on with the blessings from the estate of Reale to keep the music and spirit of RIOT alive.

The continuing members decided to alter the name to RIOT V as the fifth chapter of the band's long history as well as Todd Michael Hall being the fifth singer following Guy Speranza (March 1956 - November 2003),Rhett Forrester (September 1956 – January 1994),Tony Moore and Mike Dimeo in the some 30-odd years of the band's existence.

RIOT V's lineup features longtime RIOT members Mike Flyntz (guitar),who has been Reale's guitar partner for over 25 years, and bassist/songwriter Don Van Stavern ("Thundersteel", "Privilege Of Power", "Immortal Soul"),new vocalist Todd Michael Hall (BURNING STARR, REVERENCE) and RIOT's "Army Of One" drummer Frank Gilchriest (VIRGIN STEELE, LIEGE LORD).

Although Reale can never be replaced, RIOT V recruited former student-turned-teacher at Mike Flyntz's guitar school in Long Island, New York, 26-year-old guitar virtuoso Nick 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 of RIOT V performing the new song "Metal Warriors" on February 9 in Athens, Greece can be seen below.

Said Flyntz: "This record is for my friend Mark Reale. I am very proud of it. We made a great record on a shoestring budget. When it is released, you will hear Mark's spirit throughout. We couldn't have done it without the constant support from the RIOT fans and, of course, the support of [Mark's father] Tony Reale."

Regarding the addition of Lee to RIOT V's lineup, Flyntz said: "The decision whether to add a guitarist or try it myself was very difficult. We did play some shows without Mark when 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, as Mark added me in 1989.

"It is very important to me that everyone knows that Nick is not Mark's replacement. Mark Reale can never be replaced. I [am] taking on Mark's parts and Nick [is] doing most of my parts.

"Nick studied with me weekly from ages 9 to 17.

"Nick has 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 met Mark and saw us play live.

"I know there is no one else better matched to come in and help us recreate the RIOT sound. After the first rehearsal, I was convinced that we are doing the right thing by carrying on Mark'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 with Mark, but know the band will shine on in his honor and not disappoint the diehard fans."