It is almost impossible to overestimate the importance of Riot for the evolution of American heavy metal. The New Yorkers form the bridge between the first generation of American hard rock and metal bands from the early to mid-1970s (Blue Öyster Cult, Kiss and Van Halen) and the new wave of the late 1970s/early 1980s (led by Canadian proto-speed metallers Anvil and Exciter). Like its two predecessors, "Archives Vol.3" once again contains a large number of unreleased recordings from the depths of the Riot archive. The focus here is on the Mark III phase with the line-up of Tony Moore (vocals), Mark Reale (guitar), Don Van Stavern (bass) and Bobby Jarzombek (drums). The third part of the archive series offers interesting demo recordings of the "Thundersteel" album (including the title track, "Fight Or Fall", "Sign Of The Crimson Storm", "Buried Alive", "Flight Of The Warrior" and the classic "Johnny's Back") as well as a foretaste of the 1990 album "The Privilege Of Power" (including "On Your Knees", "Metal Soldiers" and "Killer").