The theory is that you can't keep a good band down. For New York based five piece Riot that assumption is not only true but a huge under-statement.

Against all odds Riot fought for their right to be heard by overcoming huge obstacles and battling a completely indifferent music industry.

That they came through the wars intact, with a musical legacy and integrity to match, is arguably a minor miracle and an achievement not lost on their legions of loyal fans.

Riot's early struggles have been fully documented. Their two previous albums (especially 1980's "Narita'"), made for a riveting preamble for the appearance of Fire Down Under'.

But before its release, despite notching up serious momentum, including healthy album sales and being embraced by the UK and its burgeoning NWOBHM scene, the band's fortunes were in the dumps.

Their label (Capitol) had elected to abandon them, refusing to release the album. In an enterprising move Riot's fan following instigated a campaign to get the record issued...

which, in an early example of people power, was eventually accomplished but on a new label, Elektra records.

"Fire Down Under', originally issued in 1981, turned out to be the band's creative zenith, containing a brace of tracks that placed Riot in the upper echelons of hard rock royalty.

Produced, once again, by their production/management team in New York City, the record explodes with deadly intent.

Tracks such as 'Outlaw, Swords And Tequila", "Run For Your Life and the title track take no prisoners, allowing vocalist Guy Speranza and guitarist Mark Reale to shine like diamonds.