Riotgod
sparked from the inspirations of Monster Magnet's Bob
Pantella and Jim Baglino while out on tour as early as 2006.
While touring with Monster Magnet
provided them with some great times and afforded them the opportunity
to perform around the world, each communicated a desire to express
their own musical ideas.
During time off from the road, they began exploring the the creation of their own band. Bob began to lay down some ideas in 2007.
Bob while recording what would become the songs on
Riotgod's
first CD, also sought out musicians for the then nameless band.
Contacted first was Garrett Sweeny
for guitar. Garrett had been playing and still mans the guitar for the
band Psycho Daisy.
For the vocals, Sunshine was contacted, a long time friend of Bob.
Once the line-up was complete the band started to finalize the music
for their initial self-produced CD.
They decided
on the name Riotgod. Sunshine had been using the name for his music at one point, and there are still distant echoes of this but when Bob suggested using it -- it was agreed. Done.
The band soon played shows in NYC, Pennsylvania
and New Jersey. The venues would range from nationally familiar clubs
such as Asbury Park's Stone Pony
to a gig in a Brooklyn loft.
Touring for the band would be another story. Each member has their own musical interests and scheduling would be challenging. They took whatever opprtunities available then and still do.
Riotgod did a mini-tour
in 2009, hitting the road with fellow NJ rockers The Friends of Bill Wilson. Riotgod hit the US mid-west
and Canada, playing venues such as Chicago's Double
Door, Detroit's Blondies, Toronto's Bovine Sex Club as well as some
lesser known colorful establishments along the way.
Riotgod was signed to Metalville Records and has just produced their second album "Invisible Empire" Riotgod is on tour in February / March 2012 playing select dates in the US and Europe.
Play "Mind's Eye",one of two bonus tracks on the Riotgod
digipak!
Doug Fairbanks: Hey
Kids, I'm a manager of "The
Bovine
Sex
Club" up here in T.O. and
RiotGod had to be one of the easiest bands I've had the pleasure to
deal with (even with border issues) they did everything possible to
help the night and the other bands (Friends of, & Hammersmith) on
the bill including teardown...and then they FUCKIN' ROCKED! It can be
rare that a band "plays to play". So thanks.
~PFC King: I got the CD you sent today (signed!), thank you so
much for the support, the soldiers will LOVE listing to your music as
we head out to, and fight in, the desert.
The Pilgrims x Cool tunes fella, can't wait for the tour, see
you guys in a bit innit! Cheers
Morgan: Hey thanks for contacting me I'm a huge Monster Magnet
fan and now a RiotGod fan.You guys remind me of old Soundgarden awsome
shit! Best of luck!
Jeremy: Love the tunes! A friend told me about you and I can't
wait for the official CD to be released. Any idea when that will be?
Hamboussi:I want to record you guys! Check out my studio in
Brooklyn...
Sbrojoe: Hey guys you rock !!!!
You're my favourite band and i love the way you create heavy 'n' angry
songs !
I want you here in Italy !
P.s: Can i have a shot of Jim's pedalboard ?
Bye and keep on rockin so fuckin'hard !
Gegroet A. 2.35 in the morning overhere and I can't sleep so I
am passing thru for some soothing melody. Your tunes help me to
remember and expect. Thanks man.
BOBZILLA I'm giving up the Motley Crue show at pnc to go see
Riotgod!!
zeichentier: The album sounds great! (J*B handed me one of yer 13
track promo-copies)
Hagen:OK, I've listened to your fantastic tunes so how do I get my
hands on a CD? You rock, guys.
