Due to this album being originally released in Japan, was and still is overlooked usually in favour of the more widely available and even more brilliant 'Fire Down Under'. This their debut however is a cracking piece of work and sees 'Riot' laying down their own blend of 'Arena Rock' meets 'melodic NWOBHM' (before this genre was established). In retrospect, although given little credit, this is a pretty landmark album, as few groups were playing with this consistent pace and uncompromising style back in 77'.

'Rock City' opens up with the driving plodder 'Desperation', the strong rhythm work really carries this song, with bassist 'Jimmy Iommi' and 'Peter Bitelli' giving it plenty of enthusiasm, the guitaring as with all the tracks present, is solid and accomplished. Even better though is the fast paced gem 'Warrior', for me the best rocker present, with it's galloping tempo, fantastic duelling guitar work, blissful instrumental solo and 'Guy Speranza' tearing through the superb lyrics with his melodic, passion fill vocals. Following in fine form is the title track, another up tempo number, but this ones more carefree and sports a strong harmonised chorus, that's both catchy and powerfully sung. It does have a certain 'Status Que' feel to it, but this is well above their league- checkout more fantastic duelling guitar work from 'Mark Reale' and 'L.A. Kouvaris'- outstanding. Despite the slightly repetitive lyrics to 'Overdrive' and the slow build up, it still matures into another great rocker, complete with punishing rhythm, scintillating fret work and more crystal clear vocals- again checkout the instrumental outro, a pure delight. Next up is the easy going 'Angel', this jewel lays down a fine groove from the outset and holds it throughout, 'Guy Speranza's' melodic vocals really suit this number. The pace drops again for the melodious 'Tokyo Rose', a well written track that is sung and performed with real passion. Overlooking the quirky intro to 'Heart of Fire', (remember this was written in the mid 70's), It builds into a strong groover, with mean driving rhythm work being the mainstay throughout. The last two tracks I don't feel are as strong, 'Gypsy Queen' feels a bit light, and although 'Guy Speranza' works the lyrics excellently, it doesn't quite cut the mustard. 'This is what I Get' again could do with an injection of pace, as it lumbers around the light stadium rock genre, the vocal distortion also sounds pretty dated.

'Riot' really hit the ground running with 'Rock City', and overlooking the fact that it only runs for around 33 minutes, is an accomplished debut that sets them up nicely for the next two cracking (Mark I) albums.