Riotgod – Invisible Empire
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Highlights: Breed, Fool, Slow Death, Firebrand, Gas Station Roses, Tomorrow’s Today, Loosely Bound, Lost, Hollow Mirror, Rebirth
Coming off the heels of their stellar self titled debut, Riotgod returns with a sophomore effort that completely exceeded my expectations. Riotgod’s debut really appealed to me with their Captain Beyond like Classic Rock imprint. Just when I thought I had Riotgod figured out, here they come with “Invisible Empire” and boasting a collection of songs that is all over the map when it comes to influences. While this may sound like a bad thing (and for some bands it is), it totally works in Riotgod’s favor. The album opens up with “Breed” boasting the very familiar and comfortable Black Sabbath inspired riffage and groove but just when you think you’re settling in, here comes “Fool” boasting a heavy vocal and melodic influence of acts like Alice In Chains, Ronnie James Dio and Mother Love Bone. I know it’s insane to imagine those names together but Lead Singer Mark Sunshine has found a way to pull inspiration from singers like Ronnie James Dio, Layne Staley and former Mother Love Bone vocalist Andrew Wood to create a raw, passionate and organic voice. Guitarist Garrett Sweeny does the same channeling everyone from Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt to Jerry Cantrell and Jimmy Page. It’s so refreshing to hear a band not ashamed to wear multiple influences on their sleeves all at once. Some may not dig it but hey, I’m a sucker for that kind of thing and Riotgod does it really well.
As I listened to “Invisible Empire” for the 3rd time (yes, THIRD time), I found myself realizing that one of the things I loved the most about this album was it’s subtle imperfections. “Gas Station Roses” is a song of acoustic Led Zeppelin proportions but it’s true beauty lies in it’s imperfections. Mark Sunshine’s vocals aren’t perfect but they are heartfelt, organic and real and this is how a band should sound. “Loosely Bound” is another one of those beautifully imperfect songs that drips of emotion and really beckons the spirit of Mother Love Bone’s Andrew Wood. A simple yet beautiful ode to music much like MLB’s “Man of Golden Words.” Both of these songs are a really nice change and departure from what I expected of Riotgod but just proved to me that they are a band that knows no limits or restraint. It doesn’t stay quiet for long though as drummer Bob Pantella does his best Bill Ward as the band slams into “Hollow Mirror” diving head first into some serious droning psychedelic awesomeness. “Rebirth” closes out the album and is without a doubt one of my favorite songs on the album. While I’m not a fan of albums ending on a “slow note”, this song really gives the listener a sense of resolve. It’s somewhat of a “cool down” after and extremely intense ride of many twists, turns and loops.
“Invisible Empire” is a versatile collection of songs each wearing their own hat, their own mask and possessing their own identity. Riotgod almost seemed to take their time with this album and create something special. Instead of picking a path to do down, they seem to have just decided to forge their own path with each song not caring what influence it bared in the end result. In all honesty, this is what I love the most about this album. “Invisible Empire” has no blue print and knows now boundaries. It goes just wherever it wants to go and hopes that the listener will follow along. Put this one on and just allow it to lead the way.
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