The CD is just what is needed to blow those winter cobwebs away. Featuring a solid rhythm section of  Monster Magnet’s Bob Pantella and Jim Baglino, the superb guitars of Garret Sweeney and the vocal talents of Mark Sunshine, Riotgod’s second album “Invisible Empire” is worthy of a major label release- and they have really missed out on this gem of a record!!

In essence the band have been together since 2006 and released their self-titled debut in 2010. Their sound has an anchor in stoner rock but there is much more to Riotgod than that- with vocals that sit somewhere between The Cult’s Ian Astbury and Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson (you won’t think it on the first few listens but you’ll get it), there are also some Led Zep style moments, in particular the vocal s on the near 9 minute “Hollow Mirror” and the acoustic album closer “Rebirth”.

The heavy groove of tracks such as “Crossfade” and “Lost” will appeal to fans of Black Sabbath, whilst there is a second acoustic number in “Gas Station Roses”. Other highlights include “Fool”, “Firebrand”, “Saving It Up”, “Tomorrow’s Today” and big melodic track “Loosely Bound”.

“Invisible Empire” is an album that will not disappoint. I look forward to hearing more from Riotgod in the future.