The Spotlight Kid
This album is nothing short of kickass heavy metal/US Power Metal perfection.
Riot is a band that was always a step ahead of their contemporaries and times, which is one of the reasons for their obscurity. On their first three albums they were considered too heavy by record companies and radio, which is crazy because those are some of the best rock/heavy metal albums ever made and were a huge influence on the NWOBHM. So much so that they would be considered by many to be honorary members of that movement even though they hail from New York.
With "Thundersteel" they would once again be ahead of the curve creating a perfect Power Metal album which was closer to that European Power metal sound that would become popular in the mid 90's. Again coming in a bit to early and therefore not getting the credit it deserves. The album belts from top to bottom. I love every track on this album and it's one of those albums that truly is all killer no filler. Tony Moore's laser like vocals, Mark Reale's killer shred attack and riff mastery, Bobby Jarzombek's drum onslaught and Don Van Stavern's dynamic bass playing...all ingredients that create a perfect album.