2006 incredibly marks the 30th year for 'Riot' and despite having a history marred by bad breaks, music industry problems and tragedy, one thing has remain constant and that's the quality of the music. This their 13th studio release follows strongly in the footsteps of the excellent 'Through the Storm' and if anything is an even more consistent and enjoyable release. Musically pretty similar to it's predecessor, but at times delving further into the Hard Rocking of the 'Guy Speranza' era and the Bluesy Metal of the 'Rhett Forrester' albums. 'Army of One' also welcomes new drummer 'Frank Gilchriest' who fits in nicely in the 'Bobby Jarzombek' mould, although at times is perhaps a little too heavy in the mix. 'Mark Reale' has appropriately dedicated this album in memory of original vocalist 'Guy Speranza' who sadly passed away in November 2004.

As with 'Through the Storm', 'Army of One' kicks off with an absolute stunner, this time around it's the blistering Melodic Speed Metal title track, which recalls former glories of 'Thundersteel' but with the harmoniousness of 'Night Breaker', 'Mike DiMeo' delivers the lyrics with power and passion, while 'Mark Reale' and 'Mike Flyntz's' guitars just tear it up- One of the best song you'll hear this year! The tempo falls for the more restrained mid-paced 'Knockin' at My Door', a slightly Bluesy affair which at times has a 'UFO' feel, but driven by a solid grooving rhythm, the guitarists still manage to get in some subtle hooks and solos and overall makes for a nice departure. A similar pace is maintained with the more edgy slightly down-tuned 'Blinded', a hearty pulsating plodder, that's decently penned and equally matched with clever arrangements and execution. Next up is the uplifting, harmonious rocker 'One More Alibi', which highlights more than a little 'Westworld' influence, but that said still identifiable as 'Riot', thanks to the introduction of more cutting Metallic guitars, helping make this another excellent cut. The fine run continues with the ardently performed mid tempo rocker 'It all Falls Down', personally I think the drums are too heavy in the mix here, but that doesn't disguise the fact this is another quality song, 'Mike DiMeo' sings as cleanly as ever, while the fret work is inventive and stringent. The momentum falls for the balladsy 'Helpin' Hand', which nicely balances subtle with the occasional heavier section, the softer passages are reminiscent of 'Westworld', while the more up tempo is classic 'Riot'- nicely worked. The pace is lifted once again, this time around for the blazing Melodic Power Metal of 'The Mystic', which recalls heavier moments from 'Inishmore', emphasising glorious work from the rhythm section of 'Perez' and 'Gilchriest', while 'Mark Reale' and 'Mike Flyntz' blaze away on the fret board in a manner not too dissimilar from 'Yngwie Malmsteen'- another jewel. Ensuing with a more bluesy strut is 'Still Alive' which brings back memories of the 'Rhett Forrester' era, I'm not sure about the occasional distorted vocals, but 'Mike DiMeo's' 'Coverdale' approach suites the style down to the ground and all told makes for a pleasent surprise. The more laidback 'Alive in the City' is definitely a nod to the late 'Guy Speranza', a classic moody mid-tempo rocker, which includes a great melody and is further braced by a couple of excellent solos from 'Mark Reale' and guest guitarist 'Andy Aledort'. The pace is notched up for the brisker more uncompromising 'Shine', which contrastingly opens subtly, but soon builds into a pulsating rocker, 'Gilchriest' turns in a rigorous performance as does 'DiMeo' who works the strong lyrics wonderfully. The customary instrumental 'Stained Mirror' is introduction at this point and typically is another divine piece of 'Mark Reale' fret work, surprisingly based upon 'Nino Rota's' 'Theme from Romeo & Juliet'. The album winds down with the melodic mid paced 'Darker Side of Light', which supports a splendid melody, fitting keyboards from 'Bruno Ravel' and more glorious guitar solos, perhaps the chorus is a little light, but still another very solid track.

'Mark Reale' and Co. have notched up yet another masterfully consistent album full of quality Melodic Metal and Hard Rock, if you like these genres, do yourself a favour and pick up a copy, you won't be disappointed!