Fucking crickets...
I think The Privilege Of Power album is amazing and I'll take it over Thundersteel easy.
OK....on to the..
Mike Dimeo Era
So a few words about the Mike DiMeo albums. I was not at all familiar with these albums, but I have to say, these 6 albums are a goldmine. For one, they are amazingly consistent. The band had their longest era of stability, other than the drummers, but that was really due to Bobby Jarzombek becoming in demand by Halford, Fates, etc...
In fact, both John Macaluso and Bobby Rondinelli would record Riot albums during this period.
Mike DiMeo came to Riot after being Ricthie Blackmore's pick to replace Joe Lynn Turner in Deep Purple. Seems the record company insisted Ian Gillan return. Deep Purple's loss was Riot's gain. Musically, Riot makes a major change in their style again. Departed bassist Don Van Stavern brought a real metal influence heard on both Thundersteel and Privilege. With newly added second guitarist Mike Flyntz and DiMeo now in the band, the music is more melodic hard rock. I actually find the guitar playing quite European. I hear Blackmore, Gary Moore, and Brian Robertson. I even hear some Accept in a number of solos.
One issue that would continue to plague the band is that their lame cover songs. More on those as we go through the albums.
Again, anyone thrown off by the two Tony Moore albums should find comfort in the DiMeo albums.
If you like Joe Lynn Turner Era Rainbow, you should love the DiMeo Era.