When Sons of Society arrived in September 1999, Riot stood at a unique crossroads in their long and unpredictable journey. Two decades after Mark Reale first launched the band in New York City, Riot had already lived through different eras, lineups, and musical evolutions — from the wild energy of Rock City and Fire Down Under to the speed-metal rebirth of Thundersteel and The Privilege of Power. Yet somehow, with every chapter, Riot kept finding a way to reinvent themselves without losing the spirit that made them special.
Sons of Society represents the maturity of that spirit. Recorded at Millbrook Sound Studios in early-to-mid 1999, the album captures Riot in one of its most unified and confident incarnations:
Co-produced by Mark Reale and Paul Orofino, Sons of Society is a polished yet emotionally rich record, blending heavy metal with melodic hard rock and touches of power metal. Rather than chasing trends, the album shows a band comfortable in its own identity — confident, expressive, and driven by strong songwriting.
The opening track, “Snake Charmer,” sets the stage with a tight, riff-heavy punch, while “On Blackened Wings” combines atmosphere and melody with a classic Riot sense of uplift. The title track, “Sons of Society,” stands as one of the album’s most heartfelt pieces — a soulful reflection on struggles, unity, and resilience, themes that had long followed the band.
Throughout the record, the twin guitars of Reale and Flyntz shine with clarity and emotion. Their interplay is especially evident in songs like “Twist of Fate,” “Dragon’s Breath,” and “The Law.” Mike DiMeo delivers one of his strongest vocal performances with tracks such as “Cover Me” and the emotional “I Was the One,” while Bobby Jarzombek’s intricate drumming lifts even the softer moments with finesse and precision.
Japan received two bonus tracks — “Queen” and “Justice” — which further highlight the band’s melodic and power-metal leanings during this era.
While Sons of Society may not be the most aggressive album in Riot’s catalog, it stands strong as one of their most musical. There is a warmth and humanity running through the record — a sense of veteran musicians pouring their experience, passion, and hopes into each song. It captures Riot at a moment of artistic clarity, bridging their fiery past with a renewed sense of purpose for a new generation.
The legacy of Sons of Society continues to grow among fans who appreciate its craftsmanship, sincerity, and the unmistakable chemistry of the lineup that created it. For Mark Reale, this album reflected not only the sound of Riot in the late 1990s, but also the perseverance and heart that carried the band through countless challenges.
More than two decades later, these songs still resonate — powerful, melodic, and undeniably Riot. Sons of Society remains a testament to a band that refused to fade, a band that kept shining, and a band that stayed true to the vision that Mark Reale carried from the very beginning.
Liner notes(2017) by Mike Flyntz
I realy feel like Riot was on foire in 1999. We played more shows between 1997 and 1999. Then we did the previous 7 years. Mark would always say" You have to get out there and pound the pavement if you want to make in in this business". Riot always had problems with tours geting canceled in the past.This time we had a good 2 year run and we were stoked to go in the studio with guns blazing.
Sons of society was the quckest recored ever did since in joined in 1989. We wrote some of the songs on the road some of it when we returned home.The recording went smooth and the bans was tighter then ever. I think its the bands most polished record. We really felt confident tha we had strong tunes and that the song would propel us to the next level. Unfortunately, afther the realese of the record band memeber changes and other projects folowed and i was back to the drawing board of Riot.
Recorded and mixed by : Paul Orofino at Milbrook Stdios (NY)
Addditonal engineering : Chris Cubeta
Mastering by : George Marino at Marina Studios New York City
Remastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony in march 2017
Production Electra Studios Long Island New York
Produced: Mark Reale & Paul Orofino for Letmo production
Executive producers : Jeff Allen and Jack Bart. All songs for Long House publishing, B.M.I
Cover illustration: Eric Philippe
Graphic Design& Layout: Vinny Ciminio
Photography: Eddie Malluk, Vernoica Hudak and Mark Reale
Backing vocals: Tony Harnell, Burt Carey, Mike Dimeo and Mark Reale
String arrangments on Cover me: Mark Reale
Sitar and Tamboura on Snakes Charmer:Frank Carillo
Re-Issue cordination: Giles Lavery
Riot use on this record:
Gibson,Fener,Demarino electric guitars, Taylor acustic guitars
Marshall, Vox, and Ampeg ampflication,Di Addario and G.H.S. strings
Seymor Duncan and Bartolini pickups, Samson wireless system
Jim Dunlop costom picks, Chivas
Chivas and Molson alchoholic beverages
Shine on.
