OVERVIEW

It’s almost impossible to overestimate the importance of Riot for the evolution of American heavy metal. The New Yorkers built the bridge between the first generation of hard rock and metal bands springing up in the early to mid-1970s (Blue Öyster Cult, Kiss and Van Halen) and the new wave carrying the torch in the late 1970s and early 1980s (led by Canadian proto speed metal merchants Anvil and Exciter).

 

Among numerous other rare and unreleased recordings, »Riot Archives Vol.2« contains a song called “Hot Life”, which did not make it onto any Riot album, Rick Ventura believes it was written by Mark Reale. In addition to that, the record also features the original auditions for Rhett Forrester, with him singing “Hard Lovin’ Man” and “Vigilante Killer” – a real jewel – plus an extraordinary 8-minute version of “Loved By You”. Rick Ventura comments: “I know. It’s so cool! Just one of those things.”

 

Comparing the different eras with Guy Speranza and Rhett Forrester on vocals, Rick Ventura, whose last album with the band was »Born In America« (from 1983), concludes: “Well, certainly the Guy era was decisive, that’s what got the fan base. I enjoyed both. Rhett was fun to work with. In the end I left Riot because of frustration, overall direction and management issues. No major label wanted us. It just wasn’t the same Riot anymore.”

 

The CD and LP versions of this release both contain bonus DVD: Through the Years.

MARKETING & PROMOTION / SELLING POINTS

• New York City's RIOT delve into their early archives to bring you RIOT “Archives Volume 2: 1982-1983” 

• “Archives Volume 2: 1982-1983”  contains no less than 20 tracks! 

• Riot recorded one of the best heavy metal albums of all time: 1981’s "Fire Down Under" 

• CD and LP both come with Bonus DVD: Through the Years 

• CD comes in slipcase + bonus DVD 

• Double LP comes in blood-red vinyl with gatefold cover + bonus DVD 

• Promotion by Gabriel Management 

• Multiple advertisement

 

TRACKLIST

1. You Better Run

2. Hard Lovin Man

3. CIA

4. Restless Breed

5. When I Was Young

7. Dream Away

8. Over to You

9. Violent Crimes

10. Showdown

11. Loved by You (8 Minute Version)

12. You Better Run (Instrumental)

13. Violent Crimes (Instrumental)

14. Hot Life 

15. Born in America

16. You Burn in Me 

17. Vigilante Killer

18. Gunfighter

19. Hard Lovin Man (Audition)

20. Vigilante Killer (Audition)

Bonus DVD:

1. Nightbreaker Studio Report Japan TV Special 1992

2. Brethren Of The Long House Japan TV Special 1995

3. Inishmore Promo Interview Japan TV 1998

4. Making of the "Santa Maria" Video Clip 1995

5. Restless Breed 1982 Video Clip

6. Born In America 1983  Video Clip