Sons of Society continues
Riot's move into a more European metal sound, strongly reminiscent of
Rainbow and
Thin Lizzy and tailored for the preferences of the Japanese market. It's a solid if unexceptional record, with all the well-executed craft of seasoned veterans and the rather conservative predictability of journeymen. Still, for most
Riot fans, the former will far outweigh the latter. [In 2017,
Sons of Society was reissued in a Bonus Edition featuring six bonus tracks: "Queen" plus five additional rough mixes.] ~ Steve Huey