Inishmore is the finest release ever issued by Riot.
12/26/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over their long history, (Riot has been together in one form or another since 1975), the quality of this bands material has been consistantly strong, but it is this 1998 release that showcases them at their finest. This is power metal in its truest form. Fast, heavy, melodic, powerful. The guitar duo of Mark Reale and Mike Flyntz is incredible. These guys just get better on each release. The guitar work beautifully combines fabulous classical stylings with blues and creates a unique sound which is utterly Riot. The vocals of Mike DiMeo prove him to be Riots most versatle singer yet. The man really sounds great no matter what he is singing.Bobby "The Zombie" Jarzombek is probably the finest drummer in metal today. His fills are utterly amazing. Every song tends to be fast on the record with the exception of the great "Watching The Signs" and some excellent instrumental work. "Angel Eyes" features the best guitar solo I've heard in years. "Liberty", "Kings Are Falling", "Cry For The Dying" and "Gypsy" also are very strong. There is actually not a bad cut, not a single filler song on the entire CD. Those listeners who enjoy interesting, well thought out lyrics will also enjoy this CD emensely. In a world full of mediocre metal bands, Riot rises heads up above most if not all in terms of songwriting, musicianship, quality, and consistancy. To these ears,I consider them to be the finest metal band in the world today. Do not deprive yourself of this absolute jem."
There's still hope for heavy metal thanks to Riot
L. B. Ivarsson | Rock City | 02/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Riot are a band that somehow lived in the shadow of more commercial successful bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Scorpions etc. Ain't that a shame? Cause Riot, led by guitarist Mark Reale were and still are a very talented band playing traditional heavy metal, or power metal if you like. If you're a fan of the traditional metal direction I bet you won't be disappointed in Riot."Inishmore" is a very even effort and features melodic heavy metal songs of high quality. Although the music is fast and hard, Riot have managed to combine that with a very catchy chorus on almost every song. The best way to describe "Inishmore" is by blending Iron Maiden with Black Sabbath's Tony Martin era.Although "Inishmore" is simular to "Sons of society" and "Throught the storm", it is slightly better because the material is stronger."
Awesome power metal
king beagley | warsaw, in usa | 07/31/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"riot is an awesome power metal band here in the states. this proves once again that the usa is capable of putting sugary pop and alternative garbage in the landfill where it belongs. metal is KING!"
Solid Power Metal
Antonio Figl | Fremont, CA USA | 12/16/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Riot have been around since the late 70's, with main songwriter Mark Reale the sole remnant from that early lineup.Opening the booklet for _Inishmore_, I was greeted with a story about the Irish famine of the mid 19th century. This led me to believe that this was a concept album. Not so. Only the bookends are heavily synthesized pieces with a real Irish feel (a bit different for Riot). The remainder of the songs stay true to modern power metal. In other words, guitar- and melody-heavy riffage with a sprinkling of speed metal here and there. This may not be a masterpiece of originality, but is a rock solid album."