More than just a reunion album, 2011's Immortal Soul stands as a heroic, yet tragic, swan song for founder and guitarist Mark Reale and the original, legendary incarnation of Riot.
The album successfully brought back the classic Thundersteel-era lineup: the powerhouse vocalist Tony Moore (whose soaring falsetto and harmonies remained impressively intact), bassist Don Van Stavern, and—crucially—the return of drumming virtuoso Bobby Jarzombek. Together with guitarists Mark Reale and Mike Flyntz, they resurrected the high-octane energy fans had missed for decades.
The recording of Immortal Soul was a unique endeavor carried out under challenging circumstances. The project took place over several months in 2011 and was recorded across multiple major studios and states in the U.S., including Texas, New York, and California. The members did not track together; instead, they recorded their parts remotely and separately.
Crucially, due to Mark Reale’s severely compromised health, he could not physically perform the lead guitar recordings. Reale remained the creative heart—supervising the arrangements and writing all the guitar parts—but the performance duty fell entirely to his bandmate. Mike Flyntz took on the enormous responsibility of executing virtually all the guitar solos and primary guitar work on the album. Flyntz delivered a fiery, respectful performance, brilliantly interpreting Reale’s final vision. This remote collaboration and dedication resulted in a true triumph of teamwork. Musical Style: A Bridge Across Eras
Immortal Soul is widely hailed as the true spiritual successor to Thundersteel, delivering powerful, riff-heavy, melodic metal that validates the concept of a genuine comeback.
Speed and Aggression: Tracks like "Riot," "Still Your Man," "Wings Are for Angels," and the title track channel that signature high-energy power/speed metal assault typical of Riot's late '80s peak.
Maturity and Depth: Conversely, songs such as "Fall Before Me," "Sins of the Father," and "Echoes" introduce a more layered, melodic depth and emotional resonance, demonstrating that the band was not simply rehashing the past but blending legacy with hard-won maturity.
The band’s performance is impeccable: Tony Moore sounds commanding; Jarzombek’s precise, energetic drumming provides a thunderous foundation; and Van Stavern holds the rhythm section tight.
The album kicks off with an immediate statement of intent: "Riot" and "Still Your Man" are high-octane speed metal assaults, driven by Jarzombek’s pinpoint double-bass and razor-sharp riffs, connecting instantly with the Thundersteel era. The energy rarely drops, as demonstrated by the relentless, technical explosion of "Insanity."
The record also boasts powerful, anthemic metal tracks like "Wings Are for Angels" and the triumphant title track, "Immortal Soul," where Tony Moore’s soaring vocals deliver huge, emotional choruses. These are balanced by the more dramatic, mid-tempo songs such as "Fall Before Me" and "Sins of the Father," which showcase deeper emotional complexity and a strong storytelling element.
Adding to the musical variety is "Whiskey Man," a fun, high-energy track with a classic rock ’n’ roll edge, and "Believe," one of the album's most melodic and accessible songs. The beautiful instrumental "Majestica," composed by Reale, serves as a spiritual successor to classic Riot instrumentals like “Narita.” The album concludes with "Echoes," a powerful, mid-tempo track with an elegiac atmosphere—a resonant, emotional finale that many fans interpret as Mark Reale’s final goodbye.
Immortal Soul is not merely one of Riot’s strongest modern works; it became the final, powerful testament to Mark Reale’s enduring songwriting vision before his passing in January 2012. It serves as the definitive final chapter of the original Riot legacy.
Drums recorded at Blue House Studios (San Antonio TX) and Milbrook Studios (Milbrook .NY)
Bass recorded at DVS Studios(San Antonio .TX) and Milbrook Studios (Milbrook. NY)
Guitars recorded at Soundcheckers Studios (West Hempstead ,NY) and Milbrook Studios (Milbrook .NY)
Vocals recorded at Soundcheckers Studios (West Hempstead ,NY) and Silvercloud Recording (Redondo Beach,Ca)
All tracks engineered by Bruno Ravel at Soundcheckers Studios,Paul Orofino at Milbrook Studios and Joe Floyd at Silvercloud Recording
All tracks mixed and mastered by Bruno Ravel
All tracks produced by Riot and Bruno Ravel
