After searching high and low, I eventually got my hands on a mint vinyl copy of this 'Tony Moore's' second and final album with 'Riot'. And if I thought obtaining a copy was difficult, reviewing it's even harder as this, their most progressive semi conceptual release is a strange but ultimately splendid album. Where do I start? Well firstly, although this isn't classed as a concept album it certainly has strong themes running through it, with the title being the first clue as to the foundations of ' The Privilege of Power'. Between most tracks we are bombarded with interludes of TV / Radio News broadcasts, although I'm not too sure what most of the articles are about, the general theme appears to be "The power and influence of individual on others and the environment", there are however standalone songs with no theme and quite how the short bust of traditional Oriental music fits into this I don't know. What's the music like you ask? Well it's generally not as consistently heavy as 'Thundersteel' but it definitely does have it's moments and most are still in the Power Metal genre. The interludes are to be honest overdone and while a couple act as poignant introductions, most are a little annoying, but as with 'Thundersteel' the vocals and instrumentation are top class.

After a disjointed intro which appears to be someone opening a door and switching on their TV, we are bombarded with news clips which are all played to a backdrop of the intro to 'Racing With the Devil on a Spanish Highway' (the last track). When we eventually get into 'On your Knees' proper, it's a great melodic power metal gem, the heavy pummelling rhythm supports stunning 'Tony Moore' screeching vocals and the usual magnificent flowing fret work from 'Mark Reale'. Another long winded intro announces 'Metal Soldiers' but this one is very well done, foreboding news snippets are played over eerie female vocals which creates a very intense atmosphere. When this all winds down the song kicks in and it's a great fist raising rocker, not as brisk as 'On your Knees' but a solid plodder complete with powerful lyrics, soaring vocals and tasty sweeping fret work. The tempo drops for the balladsy 'Runaway' a passionately sung slow number with sweet acoustic guitaring and 'Tony Moore' sounding superb on this more subtle track. 'Killer' follows in fine fashion and overlooking the bizarre intro, is another great cut. Firstly vocals are split between 'Tony Moore' and guest vocalist 'Joe Lynn Turner' to make for a great contrast, musically this is not typical 'Riot' as it features a very Funky sound, It all turns out surprisingly well though to make for a quality grooving rocker. Why Oriental music was chosen as a lead-in to 'Dance of Death' I will never know but it's pretty awful, too long and generally not needed, thankfully the track proper is a Speed Metal jewel, a blistering journey into the land of screaming vocals and shredding axe work. Side two opens up where the first left off, with the brisk blazer 'Storming the Gates of Hell', this is probably my favourite track present, although it's a closely ran contest. The pulsating rhythm is just a joy, while the intermittent hunting horn really enhances the overall effect, this is all supported by superb guitar work and more soaring vocals. The pace softens for the mid tempo 'Maryanne' a well performed number which sticks out like a sore thumb alongside all the Speed and Power Metal, despite this it's still a decent effort, as the melody is especially sweet with a harmonised chorus that works particularly well. Sticking with the lighter material is 'Little Miss Death', personally I don't think this quite comes off, lyrically it's a mixed bag with a chanted chorus that's just plain weak, the instrumental break is a highlight but not enough to change my opinion. Much better is the 'Judas Priest' sounding 'Black Leather and Glittering Steel', in fact this cut could be straight off 'Painkiller', very simplistic in approach with a typical thumping 'Bobby Jarzombek' led rhythm, laced with blistering 'Mark Reale' guitars and 'Tony Moore' doing his best 'Rob Halford' impression. The closing track is the instrumental 'Racing with the Devil on a Spanish Highway' a reworking of a number by Jazz Fusion guitarist 'A. Dimeloa', an eclectic mix but superbly played throughout.

Overlooking the interludes which tends to break the flow between tracks, this is an excellent album full of cracking cuts that will please any fan of 'Thundersteel'. Regrettably this would be the last album with 'Tony Moore' and ended the days of 'Riot's' full on Power Metal albums. Fear not though 'Mark Reale' again chooses an excellent replacement in 'Mike DiMeo' as the band continue through the 90's with a more toned down Melodic Metal / Melodic Power Metal approach.