Heard It Here First

One of the most formidable duos in the bass scene, RIOT, just dropped their biggest project yet. “The Machine” is a fifteen-track juggernaut of heavy dubstep and industrial-tinged techno, released via NGHTMRE and SLANDER’s Gud Vibrations label. It’s raw, rebellious, and unapologetically loud—everything fans have come to expect and more from this impressive production pairing.

RIOT—Tom Davidson and Daniel Magid—originally moved from Israel to Los Angeles with one goal: shake up the electronic scene. Known for fusing thunderous bass with sharp, progressive melodies, they’ve carved a space that’s entirely their own. With huge releases on Monstercat, Dim Mak, and Insomniac, plus collabs with SLANDER, Kayzo, and Dirtyphonics, their track record speaks for itself. Add in official remixes for Illenium, Knife Party, and Infected Mushroom, and it’s clear—RIOT isn’t just part of the modern dubstep movement. They’re leading the charge.

Following the release of multiple highly anticipated singles, fans are eager for more rig-ripping bass from the RIOT duo. “High Alter” fuses anecdotal radio clips, sharp string sections, and a driving bass that punches through the entire track. The second drop utilizes snappy drum samples and a laid-back trap beat to settle the ear, right before smacking through the speaker again with whirring vocal melodies and that droning low-end bass.

“Deadshot” is a primal, electrifying tune that blends both heavy dubstep elements and sporadic techno breaks. The upbeat vocal laced between the two is a testament to RIOT’s ability to fuse multiple stylistic components into one sonic masterpiece. This one is short, punchy, and sure to raise hell at festivals everywhere.

“March of the Machine” can be characterized in two words: downright mean! This track feels like the end of a Michael Bay Transformers movie. It is mechanistic, violent, and chunky. The first drop pairs choral vocals and a gritty bass that gives chronic bass face to all who listen. The buildup after the first drop cranks through with a tight rap beat and vocals, leading into a wicked second drop. Sometimes the most beautiful things (and songs) in life are the most brutal, and this track is a clear example of that phenomenon at work. Feast your ears on the gothic glory of The Machine.

Here’s what RIOT had to say about their new album:

“‘The Machine’ was born out of rebellion and the strong belief that no matter how massive the machine is, we won’t back down. We wrote this from the perspective of the machine—not because we are it, but because we refuse to become it. To us, the machine represents everything we’re up against as artists and as people. It’s the expectations, the pressure, the cold system that tells us how we should sound, look, or move in order to succeed. But we’re not here to play by those rules. Every note we play and every lyric we write is part of our march forward. Not toward control but toward liberation.” – RIOT

RIOT seriously outdid themselves with this release. This is high-octane dubstep at its finest, unapologetically raw, weaving the thread between melodic enchantment and poised storytelling.

We are beyond stoked to see the duo make waves in the scene once again with this album, and are ready to catch them across the country as they continue touring venues nationwide. Be sure to catch them at a local venue near you on The Machine Tour, and as always, let us know which of these tracks you are rocking with the most down below and on socials!

In support of the album, RIOT is embarking on The Machine Tour, hitting major cities and festival stages across North America including Shambhala, Lost Lands, Dancefestopia, Ember Shores, Apocalypse, and headline stops in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Honolulu, and more. You can buy tickets here!

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