Released in 2002, Riot's Through the Storm stands as a crucial hard rock statement in the band's extensive catalog. This era of Riot, featuring the commanding vocals of Mike DiMeo, delivered an album that was distinctly hard rock-oriented, utilizing strong melodies and driving riffs rather than the often heavier complexities of power metal. The album's focus is on sharp hooks and powerful execution, resulting in a mature and enduring sound.
The album’s powerful foundation is provided by an elite rhythm section featuring Bobby Rondinelli on drums and Pete Peres on bass. Rondinelli, renowned for his work with rock legends like Rainbow and Black Sabbath, brings his signature powerful, yet technically precise drumming, driving the entire record with authority. Peres locks in perfectly, ensuring a dense, yet nimble, low-end that forms the album's essential rhythmic backbone.
Adding significant polish to the recording is the involvement of Bruno Ravel (of Danger Danger fame), who served as an engineer on the album. Ravel’s touch is partly responsible for the crisp, powerful production that gives Through the Storm its clean, professional edge—a relationship that continued with members of Riot in later years. The album is further elevated by the brilliant vocal contribution of Tony Harnell (TNT), whose instantly recognizable voice provides shimmering depth on backing vocals throughout the choruses.
Through the Storm is a consistent, quality listen from start to finish:
The album immediately hits hard with "Turn the Tables" (5:21), a powerful opener that sets the tone. "Lost Inside This World" (4:44) and "Chains (Revolving)" (4:43) follow, showcasing the band’s mastery of melodic hard rock. The mighty title track, "Through the Storm" (6:13), is a dynamic centerpiece, balancing melody with power. The sequence continues strong with the focused anthem "Let It Show" (4:37) and the driving "Burn the Sun" (4:26).
Later highlights include "To My Head" (5:59) and the concise rocker "Essential Enemies" (3:48). The band also includes a respected nod to rock history with a high-energy cover of UFO's "Only You Can Rock Me" (3:56), before reaching "Isle of Shadows" (4:08).
The album officially concludes with the fan favorite and truly special track: "Here Comes the Sun" (3:57). Riot’s stunning interpretation of The Beatles’ classic, written by George Harrison, is transformed into a majestic, emotionally resonant hard rock ballad. This track is a beautiful anomaly on the album, demonstrating the band’s emotional range and creating a powerful moment that is a must-hear for any serious Riot collector.
Through the Storm is a fully realized and celebrated work of hard rock, expertly delivered by a seasoned band and world-class collaborators, making it a powerful testament to the enduring craft of Riot.
Recorded and mixed by Paul Orofino at Millbrook sound studios, Millbrook New York Additional engineering Chris Cubeta Bruno Rravel, Ronnie Jarzombek and Mike Flyntz pre production at Tri Star studios Long Islnad New York Materd by Paul Orofino at Millbrook studios Produced by Mark Reale and Paul Orofino for Letom productio
Executive producers Jeff Alelne and Jakc Bart All songs for Longhouse publishing Bmi exept (Only you can rock me Chrysalis Muisc
Backing vocal Tony Harnell (Tnt) and Mike Dimeo
String arangments MaViolins varied speed violin keybords and reocrder Yoko Kayumi
Keybords on Only you can rock me Josh Pincus
Notes by Mark Reale tribute to George Harrison
