A few days back, Riot V the heavy metal band unleashed their newest brutal effort titled, Armor of Light via, Nuclear Blast Records. Their sound in undeniably old school, with extreme guitar solos, vocals and drum blasts. Their record simply reminds the world of what metal can do, and the potent impact they can have in the metal scene. Riot V, were recently inducted to the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame and their sound is here to prove they are worthy of such honor. We had the chance to talk to Donnie van Stavern about the recording process, and much more check out the interview below.

Since their legendary debut album “Rock City” (1977), RIOT has released numerous heavy metal classics, including “Fire Down Under” (with classics like “Swords And Tequila“), their masterpiece “Thundersteel” (1988), and the unforgotten “The Privilege Of Power“(1990).

After the death of Mark Reale and the departure of Tony Moore, Todd Michael Hall (from Michigan, USA), completed the line-up of the band, which in the meantime performed under the name of RIOT V under the auspices of the two long term members and main songwriters Donnie van Stavern (bass) and Mike Flyntz (guitar). With the critically acclaimed “Unleash The Fire” (2014), a pure power metal jewel once again underlined the musical importance and influence of the quintet.

Many artists name-check RIOT as an important influence of their musical career and have paid tribute to the power metal godfathers on multiple occasions. The list is long and includes several well-known acts such as HAMMERFALL (Flight Of The Warrior), Luca Trill’s RHAPSODY (Thundersteel), AXEL RUDI PELL (‘Warrior’) and newcomers such as NIGHT DEMON (Road Racin), ALPHA TIGER (Flight Of The Warrior), SAVAGE MASTER (Swords And Tequila) and STALLION (Rock City).

RIOT V live:
27.07. D Hagen – Kultopia (w/ WOLFEN)
28.07. D Brande-Hörnerkirchen – Headbangers Open Air
29.07. UK Glasgow – Ivory Blacks *NEW*
30.07. UK Newcastle – Trillians *NEW*
31.07. UK London – Underworld *NEW*
02.08. D Mannheim – 7er Club
04.08. D Wacken – Wacken Open Air
05.08. B Genk – Colosseum *NEW*
08.08. E Villena – Leyendas del Rock

APOCALYPSE OVER EUROPE Tour 2018
w/ PRIMAL FEAR
28.09.              D         MANNHEIM – MS Connexion Complex
29.09.              D         MEMMINGEN – Kaminwerk
30.09.              HU       BUDAPEST – Barba Negra
02.10.             AT        SALZBURG – Rockhouse
03.10.              IT         MILANO – Legend Club
04.10.              F          GRENOBLE – L´llyade
05.10.              ES        BARCELONA –             Salamandra 1
06.10.              ES        MADRID – Mon
07.10.              ES        BILBAO –  Santana 27
10.10.              F          PARIS –            Le Petit Bain
11.10.              UK       LONDON – The Dome
12.10.              BE        VOSSELAAR – Biebob
14.10.              D         BOCHUM – Zeche
16.10.              D         HAMBURG – Markthalle
17.10.              D         ROSTOCK –  Alte Zuckerfabrik
18.10.              D         BERLIN – LIDO
19.10.              CZ        ZLIN – Masters of Rock Cafe
20.10.              D         CHAM – LA Cham
23.10.              AT        GRAZ – Explosiv
24.10.              CZ        PRAGUE – Nova Chmelnice
25.10.              CH       PRATTELN – Z 7
26.10.              D         STUTTGART -LKA Longhorn
27.10.              D         GEISELWIND – Live Music Hall