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Track Listing: Light Of The Sun Crusader The Time Is Now Horizon 9th Life Omega Collapsing Stars Pinata Drone Station Love It Or Leave It Rift Sweet Kaos High Time Grand Design

Stoner rock band RIOTGOD consist of current members of MONSTER MAGNET. Their brand of '70s-style rock, '90s grunge and psychedelic rock is an interesting blend. It has a familiar sound - somewhat radio-friendly - yet fresh and vibrant.

Drummer Bob Pantella and bassist Jim Baglino's association with MONSTER MAGNET will garner interest in RIOTGOD, but guitarist Garrett Sweeny and vocalist Mark Sunshine give the band its distinct flavor. Sunshine's raspy and commanding vocals combined with Sweeny's electrifying guitar leads are mesmerizing, even after repeated listens.

RIOTGOD's sound is a cross between SOUNDGARDEN and LED ZEPPELIN, with Sunshine mimicking Chris Cornell at times, then Robert Plant. The music has a sludgy feel to it, a little space rock at times, but melodic and catchy.

The self-titled debut offers 14 tracks of diverse and catchy songs that never seem to get boring. It was originally self-produced and released in 2009, but with the group now signed to Germany's Metalville Records, it's been re-released, and the European digipak contains two new songs.

The lead-off track, "Light of the Sun", is a heady stoner trip that grooves with a Chris Cornell wail. The chorus is infectious and memorable. A dominating bass line comes into play at the beginning of the funky "Crusader" as Sunshine decrees: "Going to change the world with rock 'n' roll". It sounds a little bit like the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and manages to stick in your head. "The Time is Now" sees Sunshine at his best Robert Plant and a little ZEPPELIN Presence or Houses of the Holy influence. Harmonics and feedback samples make up instrumental "Omega", a trippy spaced-out romp that adds a cool variation to the album. It's a welcomed precursor to the psychedelic "Collapsing Stars", which could sound the closest to MONSTER MAGNET's "Power Trip". It's in a different tempo but has the same type of vibe.

This is a great sounding band with tons of energy and great catchy songs. There are no lackluster tracks, and the album is consistent and memorable. For fans of melodic rock 'n' roll with a groove, this is a must-have.

To buy the CD and for more information, check out their official website.