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Photo Credit: Atomic Fire Records

Mean Streets, the seventeenth studio album by New York Metal icons RIOT V, is a reflection of the band's early years and legacy. Rock City (1977), Fire Down Below (1982), and Thundersteel (1988) are just three classic (then known as RIOT) albums that should be in every metalhead's collection.

Following the passing of guitarist and founder Marc Reale in 2012, the group has continued on RIOT V (five), with longtime bassist Don Van Stavern at the helm. Ex-JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR vocalist Todd Michael Hall joined the group in 2013, adding his trademark vocals to Unleash The Fire (2014), Armor of Light (2018), and RIOT V's latest offering Mean Streets (set for release April 12, 2024).

I had the chance to catch up with TODD MICHAEL HALL ahead of the album's release. Hall discusses the band's latest album Mean Streets, how the legacy of the band plays into the music and song ideas, why the release was pushed back from February, signing with Atomic Fire Records (now Rising Phoenix Music), their vicious white baby seal mascot, and their upcoming European Tour.

Todd also gives insight on how he joined RIOT V in 2013, his pop-oriented solo music, a follow-up to Sonic Healing (a collaboration with Kurt Vanderhoof of METAL CHURCH), his recent double CD solo release No Winner Takes All, and much, much more.

https://www.areyoureadytoriot.com/

Related content:

2021 - TODD MICHAEL HALL - Sonic Healing review HERE HERE
2018 - RIOT V - Live In Japan 2018 review HERE