In a new interview from Chile's PowerOfMetal.cl, RIOT V bassist Donnie Van Stavern spoke about the band's recent split with singer Todd Michael Hall and addition of Italian musician Valentino Francavilla.

He said: “Well, what happened was we got hit with a blow from Todd.

It was very unexpected, and it was kind of crazy.” The reason for the split reportedly due to Todd having serious family issues that made him unable to continue touring.

Van Stavern explained: “RIOT is a band that has had many member changes.

Since the first album, second album, they had different people.

Second album, third album, different people.” He continued to talk about their history and recent additions: “As long as we're putting out good music and we have good musicians, I think people realize what's going on,” Van Stavern explained.

“So we dodged a bullet because, after we got that phone call, we did try to talk to Todd about it, and it was just going nowhere,” he said.

Valentino Francavilla, the band's new singer, has been making waves with his powerful vocals and guitar skills.

Van Stavern noted: “One thing about him is that...

he knows certain scales and he knows certain swagger to his voice.

He compared Valentino's voice to late RIOT singer Guy Speranza, saying: “They compare him to that.

And so we were, like, 'Well, that's good.'” The band will continue touring with Francavilla and has released a new statement about their plans for the future.

In 2013, Todd joined RIOT after Mark Reale's passing, when they decided to forge ahead under the name RIOT V.

Valentino Francavilla is a solo artist from Italy who has been working on his own music, but will now be joining forces with RIOT V.