RIOT (V) Releases New Studio Album, Mean Streets; Video For Record’s Title Track Now Playing!

Photo by Tom Flynn

Story: Ralph Greco, Jr.

Today, cult US heavy metal unit RIOT (V) unleashes their much-anticipated studio album Mean Streets via Atomic Fire Records! Their first studio album in six years delivers fifty-one minutes of sheer heavy/power metal glory.

Bassist Don Van Stavern shares his thoughts on the new album: “We’re more than proud to finally present Mean Streets to the world! It’s an album that we put a lot of passion into for our legacy and fans. Throughout the years, I have learned what the listener expects from the band. We had some time off, so we really wanted to make the fans happy with our return. We always write with [late guitarist] Mark [Reale] in mind and what he might have done. This one represents all eras of the band from the rock beginnings of Rock City to our last power metal release Armor Of Light. We always unleash the fire down under!”

RIOT (V) celebrates today’s album release by launching the official music video for the record’s speedy title track with lyrics that nostalgically deal with the group’s New York City origin. The audiovisual result was directed by Tom Flynn (Lamb Of God, Black Stone Cherry, Suffocation) who was also responsible for RIOT (V)’s popular “Feel The Fire” video.

Watch RIOT (V)’s video for “Mean Streets” at THIS LOCATION.

Watch the band’s previously released video for “High Noon” HERE, “Feel The Fire” HERE, and “Love Beyond The Grave” HERE.

Mean Streets features twelve tracks recorded and mixed by Bruno Ravel and mastered by Bart Gabriel. Artwork was provided by Gyula Havancsák (Accept, Stratovarius, Brainstorm) who captured the galloping style of the new material skillfully without missing the band’s signature seal.

Mean Streets is available on CD, LP, and digital formats. Order the album in the physical format of your choice, stream it on your favorite DSP, or order it digitally now at: riotv.afr.link/meanstreetsPR.

With Atomic Fire Records/Reigning Phoenix Music behind the band and with many more releases to come, as well as reissues on Sony Music, EMI Records, and Metal Blade Records, RIOT (V) is consistently on radio and metal charts worldwide. The band has also been listed among “New York City’s Top 20 Most Influential Metal Bands,” “100 Best Metal Albums Of All Time,” “100 Best Metal Bands Of All Time,” and numerous mentions on classic episodes of VH1’s That Metal Show with Eddie Trunk with staff sighting RIOT (V) as one of the innovators of heavy metal music in America and beyond. Additionally, 2018 saw RIOT (V) inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame with the likes of Ronnie James Dio, Randy Rhoads, Lemmy Kilmister, and Black Sabbath among others.

Subscribe to Reigning Phoenix Music on YouTube HERE and listen to “Mean Streets” as well as other new tracks in the RPM New Releases playlist on Spotify HERE.

“The legacy continues with all guns blazing.” – Blabbermouth

“A solid metal album. Mean Streets represents their origins. They grew up on the streets of New York. It’s a return to their original sound, but with a twist of modern power metal. RIOT (V) continued with Mark’s and the band’s legacy, because nobody can stop heavy metal, it’s a passion and this band knows that well.” — This Day In Metal

“…thanks to the unbridled efforts of longtime bassist Don Van Stavern and guitarist Mike Flyntz, the RIOT (V) era not only honors Reale’s legacy, but brings the legacy to new heights on the band’s newest offering…” – KNAC

“Mean Streets was worth to wait a bit longer, and with a loud heavy metal voice, lots of sing-along parts, and a boatload of headbanging moments, RIOT continues their story adding on their V chapter…” – Metal Kaoz

“RIOT (V) solidifies their stature among the venerated stalwarts of the genre.” – My Global Mind

“You can hear that the album comes from the band’s motivation to continue going forward, whilst still committing themselves fully to get the best out of their passion and dedication as experienced musicians and artists. Mean Streets is a fun thrill ride, so don’t miss out on it!” — Metal Bite

“With or without the V, RIOT’s been on the upswing for over a decade now, and even the tragic and untimely loss of their leader hasn’t really slowed them down. From Unleash The Fire onward, I’ve enjoyed each album bearing the RIOT (V) banner a little more than the one before, and that makes Mean Streets my favorite RIOT (V) so far, and easily one that should appeal to any and all fans of melodic heavy metal. Hail to these warriors, indeed, because this is exactly what it should take to make anyone Riot…” — Last Rites

“This album is a must for fans of the band and US power metal in general.” — Metal.de

“…since their formation after the tragic death of Mark Reale, RIOT (V) has done their founder proud in flying the RIOT (V) flag high.” — Pop Culture Beast

RIOT (V):

Todd Michael Hall – vocals

Mike Flyntz – guitars

Nick Lee – guitars

Don Van Stavern – bass

Frank Gilchriest – drums

https://www.areyoureadytoriot.com

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https://www.instagram.com/officialriotv

https://www.twitter.com/riotvmetal

https://www.youtube.com/officialriotnyctv

https://www.reigningphoenixmusic.com/artists/riot-v

Ralph Greco, Jr. is the devilishly clever nom de plume of professional writer/musician Ralph Greco who lives in the wilds of suburban New Jersey. He is also a podcast co-host, but as everyone has a podcast these days, this fact is of very little consequence.

Ralph can be reached by writing [email protected]