Riotgod – Invisible Empire

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Marching on with a second album in as many years Riotgod continue to be as prolific in both output and touring as they can between Monster Magnet activities, with three members now being involved in both bands since guitarist Garrett Sweeney replaced Ed Mundell at the end of 2010. Riotgod continue to be the stoner version of Queen in many respects; the presence of the English rock legends making itself felt on everything from relentless stomper Saving It Up to the acoustic Gas Station Roses. At other times (Loosely Bound) they could be mistaken for Gary Stringer (Reef), or even Andrew Wood (Mother Love Bone), singing for Monster Magnet, and in that sense they’re almost what Reef should have always been themselves. As a record, Invisible Empire is a far more refined effort than both the latest Monster Magnet offering, and the first Riotgod album. There are immense riffs (especially Crossfade), moments of beauty (Led Zeppelin-esque acoustic ’70s psych-folk closer Rebirth), and moments of sheer class (the lead breaks in Loosely Bound). There are a couple of the riffier tracks which could use a little more variation (Hollow Mirror) but otherwise Riotgod have produced a real masterpiece here.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2011, Albums, Quick.Play Reviews, Stoner, Riotgod