This the first live offering from 'Riot' was recorded way back in 1980/81 at the Hammersmith Odeon / Castle Donnington Monsters of Rock Festival and features the classic line-up that went on to record the well respected 'Fire Down Under'. Despite the fact that they only had two albums under their belts, you would think a live release would be pushing it a bit, well ignoring the fact that one song is included twice and an average previously unreleased track creeps in, this is a quality release. 'Rock City' and 'Narita' are both excellent early Metal albums and here 'Riot' do those studio tracks justice, as they blaze through 10 early classic. 'Guy Speranza' shows why he is often regarded as the best 'Riot' vocalist as he easily matches his studio performances while 'Mark Reale' blazes away superbly and again proves he was ahead of his time. Production wise this album is pretty good, especially considering the date of the recordings, the version I have is a 1993 Metal Blades re-issue, but this album was originally released in Europe back in 83'.

After a brief introduction 'Riot' hit the stage with a brisk version of 'Angel', heavier than the original but still melodic and thoroughly enjoyably with sweet fret work and 'Guy Speranza's' silky smooth vocals. 'Do It Up' follows and while I believe this was one of the weaker tracks from 'Narita', this rawer, heavier live rendition is definitely better, with guitar soloing that is especially sharp. Next up is the first rendition of 'Road Racin', this in my opinion was the top track from 'Narita' and again 'Riot' have pulled out all the stops for this almost Speed Metal approach to a cracking track. The fine run continues with the quality rocker 'White Rock' and while it sticks pretty closely to the original, it's still another choice cut. 'Warrior' continues and immediately you will notice a difference, here we have an expanded intro, a gothic style lilt, very similar to classic 'Dio' era 'Rainbow'. Suddenly the track explodes down your speakers as the quality riffs come to life, 'Mark Reale' and 'Rick Ventura' blaze away superbly while 'Guy Speranza' makes light work of the powerful lyrics. The title track to their second album 'Narita' kicks in next and again the boys give plenty on this cracking instrumental, while musically it's pretty similar to the original it's still noticeably faster. The tempo drops for 'Tokyo Rose' a lighter more melodic number, doesn't work quite so well as other tracks live, maybe it's just the reduction in pace, and recording crispness, but for me the studio rendition has the edge. Back on track is a gutsy cut of 'Overdrive' another quality, raunchy rocker, which displays the vocal range and power of 'Guy Speranza' who rises over the melody for a fine solo performance. The stalwart 'Rock City' follows and fails to disappoint while 'Kick Down the Walls' is a decent rendition but not one of my favourites from 'Riot'. 'Back on the Non-Stop' is the only track I'm not familiar with, it's a tamer, jazzier effort that has never since surfaced on any studio album- the only real filler present. The only cover takes the shape of the well worn 'Train Kept a Rollin'', while they do a decent lively version, 'Riot' will definitely do better covers than this in the future. Last up is a second blast of 'Road Racin'' and this rendition has the edge on the first cracker, this is even faster, with pummelling rhythm work, splendid audience participation and more top notch guitars.

Another overlook gem from 'Riot', and while the second half has a couple of weaker efforts there's some brilliant live tracks here and just remember what year this was recorded. It's a shame that this album doesn't include work from 'Fire Down Under', now that would be a stunning live album, imagine the set list below with the addition of 'Swords & Tequila', 'Outlaw', 'Altar of the King' and 'Fire Down Under'- Wow!.