The 'Melodic Power Metal' specialists are back with another superlative offering of crunching guitars and crystal clear power vocals. This release pretty much follows on in the vein of 'Brethren of the Long House' and 'Irishmore' but isn't concept based, the lineup has fortunately changed very little since 'Night Breaker', and the consistency in releases is really notable. The guitar section is still in the form of 'Mark Reale', 'Mike Flyntz' and bassist 'Pete Perez' and is one of the best combinations around, 'Bobby Jarzombek's' drumming is top rate and not only does 'Mike DiMeo's' voice sound better and better with each album, additional backing vocals are by 'TNT's' 'Tony Harnell' who himself is a superb vocalist.

I do however feel, they played it a bit safe with this release, overall the majority of songs are fairly predictable and stray little from the 'Riot' trademark, this however doesn't disguise the fact that this still a solid album, with plenty of crunch. Regrettable the production on 'Sons of Society' is one of the flattest I have heard from a 'Riot' release and this takes away some of the sharpness of album.

The Indian sounding, sitar based instrumental 'Snake Charmer' kicks the album off, why? I don't know, this isn't a concept album and has no relevance to the other tracks, to me it sounds right out of place. The true opener is the thundering 'On the Wings of Life' a quality, rhythm heavy rocker, with 'Perez' and 'Jarzombek' really giving it their all, complete with an instrumental break that is both rigorous and energetic. The title track is next, a fast paced, crunching ripper, with a pulverising distorted chorus, driving rhythm and explosive axe work. The more melodic 'Twist of Fate' follows, a memorable flowing number, with 'Mike DiMeo' and backing vocalists on stellar form. 'Bad Machines' is another rhythm fuelled rocker, again with vocals that are harmonious and lyrics that are very well written. The balladsy 'Cover Me' is very melodic and passionately executed. The pace is picked up again with the blistering 'Dragonfire', a song very reminiscent of tracks from the brilliant 'Thundersteel', with hell-bent drumming and slightly higher pitch vocals that are implicative of 'Tony Moore'. 'The Law' is another swift pace blazer, but this features more grooving guitar work than most tracks and although musically and lyrically quite basic, its still very effective, with a great sing-a-long chorus, very akin to 'Judas Priest's', 'Breaking the Law' in approach. My choice cut has to be 'Time to Bleed', a no-nonsense driving melodic pounder of the very best kind, the rhythm is uncompromising and the composed vocals do justice to the exceptional lyrics, not forgetting the guitar work, this is just duelling excellence. The closing tracks are both strong, 'Somewhere' is a high octane rocker with punishing guitar solos and 'Promises' is a tasty drum heavy groover.

The 'Mike DiMeo' era is shaping up as the best generation of 'Riot', Keep it coming lads, but watch the ropy production!