Riot - Rock City

It took me a long time to appreciate Riot. Even now, I still much prefer their early stuff - this debut especially.

I don't think this is the best debut out there. A couple of these songs are going somewhere (i.e. Warrior), but I wouldn't say there's really anything magnificent going on here. For a year '77 release you can expect old school, maybe this is too old school for my tastes.

Firts Covid 19 metal victi, Greek guitarist Louie Kouvaris who plaid on this album

From Facebook

Lou (LA) Kouvaris (RIP)
RIOT has lost another brother. Lou played on the very 1st Riot record "Rock City" and performed with the current lineup many times as we are Family. We are saddened by his passing and continue in his and the Riot family honor!
Rest in Power Lou! Now start working on music with Guy Mark and Rhett! Shine on Warrior!

This may not be the best debut out there, but I have a soft spot for it. I remember listening to these old Riot albums a lot back when I was working as a delivery driver, that's crapload of stress, low salary and running from one place to another all the time. This kind of genuinely dirty old heavy metal is just the kind of background music needed to cope with a crappy job like that. Warrior especially is one awesome song I could just repeat endlessly for hours, the melodic bluesy solo at the end is so good.

Birth of the seal-headed avenger! "Warrior" it's an awesome song, everything else - just okay Hard Rock.