Riot--Sons of Society

Riot--Sons of Society (1999/Metal Blade) Rating--7.1

Very similar in style to the band's last release, as Riot continues to tool around within the melodic/power genre. However, an underlying problem is starting to become more apparent: a lack of sharp and defined distortion. The band contructs good enough hooks and rhythms, but if you're going to be a part of today's power metal scene, you need to crank the dials a bit more.
All in all the songs are very steady--but not to the point of standing out. Again, perhaps some of this can be attributed to the sound...
The top track is the faster "Dragonfire," with some rapid and rolling notes being the main fuel. "The Law" is solid, and a number of cuts are good fare: "Snake Charmer," "On the Wings of Life," "Promises," and the title track.
Mark Reales has been a metal warrior for a long time, and has contributed a good deal to metal's evolution. However, the time may be coming where he will have to change with the times in order to remain effective...
TRACK LIST: Snake Charmer/On the Wings of Life/Sons of Society/Twist of Fate/Bad Machine/Cover Me/Dragonfire/ The Law/Time to Bleed/Somewhere/Promises

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