Amazing Debut!
Michael Courtney | San Antonio, Texas United States | 01/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's hard to believe with the production on this disc how good the music is, but that just goes to show how good the band actually is at this point in their career. From looking at the list of tracks I can actually say I remember all of these songs even though I first heard them over 25 years ago! The weakest part of this disc is "Heart of Fire" and a few lyrics from "Overdrive". Then again I never sold a record, so, what do I have to gripe about.Despite those few weaknesses this is an excellent release, particularly for a first album on such a small label (Firesign/Attic). I must admit, I bought it because Triumph was on Attic records at the time. It was worth every penny, too! Classics include "Desperation", "Warrior", "Tokyo Rose" and "This Is What I Get (For loving You)". Truthfully, every song here is worth listening to over and over. This is the first of three great releases in a row for Riot, but good luck finding "Narita", I'm still listening to my album!"
Rock City: A Killer Debut
Raniel Almaria | Roselle, IL | 01/30/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Riot was one of those great bands that was somehow tragically overlooked by the media. From Guy Speranza's killer vocals to Mark Reale's scorching guitar, ROCK CITY was a very assured debut effort from this band. The debut just teased on how great this original line-up could have become. The lyrics were great, the songs were outstanding, but this is only the tip of the iceberg for this sadly overlooked metal band. Their later releases showed flawless execution of heavy metal material.ROCK CITY is a great starting point for anyone who wants to find out how great Riot was."
Absolutely Incredible!
bigjimducksworth | Tinley Park, IL | 04/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"True Hard Rock at its finest. All the pieces are in place on this debut album. Mark Reale's guitar is excellent from riff to solo; Guy Sperenza on lead vocals is amazing! From "Desperation" to "Overdrive" to "Angel" this album ROCKS the entire way. If you're are looking for that void between Sabbath and Priest of the mid to late 70s and the NWOBHM movement, this is it. Good old american (NYC) rockers! An early metal "must have.""
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1