The Classic Metal Album Reviews:

	Title: Thundersteel Artist: Riot Label: CBS Records Release Date: 1988 Rating: 5 Skulls
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Reviewed by Requiem:
Remember listening to that particular album that turned you onto a new genre of music? It usually remains as one of your most classic albums of all time. The Thundersteel album by Riot turned me 180 degrees into a full blown power metal fanatic. Although I discovered this album a few years ago, it's hard to believe that it is now 14 years old. Power metal has been a hot genre in the past few years, but Riot had their shit going strong back when these current bands were still sucking their thumbs. If any of you are familiar with my reviews, you know that this album is the bible of power metal as far as I'm concerned. Any band that comes close to replicating this sound usually gets high praise in my book. Why? Cause it's catchy as hell. That's why.
Right from the get go, things get going with some technical riffs and upbeat tempos layered with double bass madness from beginning till the end. It's almost like if glam rock smashed headfirst into thrash metal. Every tune has the perfect elements of metal. Without a doubt, my main love for this band and album in particular is vocalist Tony Moore. He's got more hooks than you'd find in a tackle box. It's a shame they only held on to him for a short while. He stealthily stays in the mid range in a tasteful manner in order not to overdo the high notes. Every song is unforgettable due to this man's ability to keep things catchy. Much credit is due also to drummer Bobby Jarzombek (who now sits behind the kit for Halford). He's got lots of punk meets metal upbeat tempos and rocks the house with the flashiness that carries these already classic tunes to a higher pedestal. Guitarist Mark Reale works his magic on the fretboard with skillfully executed fast paced hard rock riffs and loads of material that I am sure set the standard for many of today's power metal bands. Bassist Don Van Stavern holds the fort down with his tight rhythmic skills, melodic bass fills and harmonies that fill the one guitar void. These four men wrote an incredible album called Thundersteel that is one of my all time favorites. I own it on CD and vinyl for crying out loud.
Although all the tunes are fantastic, the album highlights include "Flight of the Warrior" which is a fast paced and technical track, but succeeds most on its great chorus melodies. "On Wings of Eagles" has a more vintage heavy metal quality with another fantastic chorus. It's this chorus alone that sold me on this album. Don't be surprised if you have the urge to listen to it multiple times a day. It's that good. "Johnny's Back" is an all around solid tune, which showcases not only vocal godliness again, but some crafty basslines throughout the tune. The beats are right on par all the time for an extra heavy metal feel good experience.
The bottom line is that you must own this record if you are in any way, shape or form if you are a power metal enthusiast. It's downright classic, catchy and these guys are rockin as much hairspray as Cinderella or Poison did in their prime. Plus they have the balls to wear tassel jackets with utmost pride. Fans of Hammerfall, Onward and Nocturnal Rites will most likely enjoy what they hear on this. I have already turned many others on to this and hopefully I can encourage some of you to realize what a great album this truly is. I have been stubborn in my negligence to check out the further Riot catalog with the exception of The Privilege of Power which also features "the man" Tony Moore. Unfortunately, this album is a flop in comparison, which shows me that Riot is not consistent with their flawless material. I'll admit that I do not have a Ph.D. in power metal, but from what I have heard so far, this is the my favorite power metal album in potential tie with the amazing Lost Horizon debut. Seek it out, and prepare for some power metal mania from four guys that look like they could have played in Great White.

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