THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

[May 7, 2009] Rob Rock -"The Voice of Melodic Metal - Live in Atlanta" will be released on May 22, 2009 via AFM Records for Europe and June 30th via Regain/Koch for the USA.

This Progpower USA9 Live DVD is Produced by Ken Young, Rob Rock, and CJ Grimmark. This first Rob Rock live release will be availabe as CD and DVD/CD package.

[January 25, 2009] NEW DRIVER "SONS OF THUNDER" ALBUM REVIEW:

Driver can trace its history to the late eighties Southern California melodic metal scene. Rising out of the ashes of Los Angeles based bands Joshua and Gypsy Moreno, Driver, in its initial form, comprised vocalist Rob Rock, bassist Emil Lech-Brando and keyboardist Greg Schultz (all three Joshua) along with guitarist Roy Z and drummer Butch Carlson (both Gypsy Moreno). The talented five piece unit played the local club circuit (including The Troubadour, The Whiskey, The Palace and Joe’s Garage) in addition to gaining worldwide acclaim as a result of the professional 5 song demo/EP it released in 1990. While Driver never signed with a label – one of the reasons being the grunge rock scene that emerged during the early 90’s – its two core members, Rob Rock and Roy Z, reunited in 2008 and re-recorded their old demo material along with several new songs as well. The end result is the fall of 2008 Metal Heaven full length debut of Driver, Sons Of Thunder.

What Driver brings to the table is eighties influenced melodic metal with an edge. Heavier than projects Rob Rock had been previously associated with (at the time), such as Joshua and Angelica, Driver reflects that “edge” in question with its penchant for the guitar driven- all the while delivering a sound that is catchy without trending towards the overtly commercial. I guess you could say that Driver brings just the right amount of muscle and the hook driven. And that is a very good thing. Fans of Impellitteri, Rob Rob’s solo releases and Letter 7 will find a lot to like here as will those into Mad Max, Shining Star (Fatal Mistake and Enter Eternity eras) and Whitecross.

Sons Of Thunder includes all five tracks from the 1990 EP- “Warrior”, “Fly Away”, “Hearts On Fire”, “Only Love Can Save Me Now” and “I Believe in love”. The latter two are top of the line ballads that have “hit” written all over them while “Fly Away” and “Hearts On Fire” head in a melodic metal direction with catchy choruses and polished vocal harmonies. “Warrior”, with its anthem-like feel and great guitar solo, is quintessential metal at its best. Groove rocker “Tears That I Cry”, a track recorded during the Driver sessions that was never commercially released (it made its way onto the demo the band sent to labels), appears along with the aptly entitled “Dark World”, power metal laced “Winds Of March” and the albums spirited title track. Rounding things out is another ballad, “Changed Heart”, and a positive metal piece in “Never Give Up”.

Rob Rock puts forth the type of stellar performance one would expect from him- right up there with his work with Impellitteri and four solo releases. White Throne editor Dave Johnson, in his review of the Driver EP from White Throne #8 (1991), described Rob as having “the power of David Coverdale and the delivery of Ronnie James Dio but somehow (he) outshines them both”.1 I think that pretty much sums things up best (I could not have said it better myself).

As for Roy Z, Dave says that he is “excellent” and that “some Randy Rhodes and George Lynch influences can be heard in (his) style but (he) can slow it down and make his axe sing beautiful melodies for the slower passages”.2 Doug Van Pelt, who reviewed the EP in Heaven’s Metal #28 (1990), had this to say about Roy: “Roy Z is in league with Yngwie. I’ve yet to hear him solo for 20 minutes, but he does make his guitar sing.”3 My thoughts? Sons Of Thunder features some of the finest playing I have heard from Roy Z to date- just check his soloing on “Dark World”, “Hearts On Fire” and “Sons Of Thunder” to understand my point.

Please note that to complete the recording process original Driver drummer Reynold “Butch” Carlson was brought in along with keyboardist Edward Roth (Impellitteri) and bassist Aaron Samson.

Lyrically, this might not be as bold or forthright as Fires Of Babylon or Holy Hell and Garden Of Chaos (Rob Rock’s third and fourth solo releases respectively), but Rob, nevertheless, makes his faith known throughout the project (such as on “Fly Away”, “Hearts On Fire” and “Never Give Up”).

The album opens to “Titans Of Speed”, a frenetic instrumental upheld its distance by a blend or bristling rhythm guitar and pounding drums.

Sons Of Thunder is the fourth release to include “I’m A Warrior”. The song made its debut on the Driver EP (under the title “Warrior”) before returning four years later on Impellitteri’s Answer To The Master (also entitled “Warrior”). Holy Hell also finds the song making an appearance, this time featuring the full title “I’m A Warrior”.

The question to be asked at this point, of course, is do we really need to hear four different versions of “I’m A Warrior” (irregardless of title)? I would have to answer with a resounding yes! Why? Because it is a special song. From the passion of Rob Rock’s vocal delivery, to its engaging chorus, to its Christian metal soldier imagery (“I’m a soldier under His command”), “I’m A Warrior” proves nothing less than an inspired metal anthem.

The Impellitteri version of the song, with its use of backing vocals (that add a nice touch of the commercial) and Chris Impellitteri’s unbeatable guitar solo, is my favorite. That said, “I’m A Warrior” comes to life on Sons Of Thunder with its muscular rhythm guitar sound and complementary mix of keyboards (Roy Z is no slouch on lead guitar either!).

“Fly Away” also made its initial appearance on the Driver demo. What stands out most about the song are its bountiful vocal harmonies – particularly during its melodic based chorus – and resonant mid-paced impetus. Every bit as heavy as it its catchy, “Fly Away” finds Carlson putting forth quite the technical performance on drums while Roy Z, again, tears it up on lead guitar. Rob Rock is renowned for writing intelligent lyrics and such is the case here:

Looking for answers deep in the night
Caught in the shadows hiding from sight
Losing my senses out in the cold
When I felt the power breaking the hold
Fight to survive, you’ll stand or fall
You’re dead or alive, inside this war

Fly Away, you can find the way
Fly Away, the price is paid

“Heart’s Of Fire” comes across heavier in comparison to the original demo version with its steadfast mid-tempo inclinations and forward mix of rhythm guitar. Musically, the song proves melodic metal at its finest in showcasing a huge chorus – the hook here is prevalent and will pull you in on first listen – and atmosphere bordering on the commercial: if Driver had been signed back in the day “Hearts Of Fire”, along with several tracks here, had the potential to dominate FM radio and MTV. This one is mature from both a musical and lyrical standpoint:

All this time you’ve been hungry
For fortune and fame
You realize you can’t hide
From the power of the flame
Deep inside a true believer
You’re caught in between
The Rock and the hardness of pride
Take the mask from the deceiver
Emotions will lie, you’ll never deny

The pace picks up for the albums stunning title track. Opening to several seconds of guitar feedback before taking off at an upbeat tempo, “Sons Of Thunder” roars through its first verse and bridge before culminating for a spirited chorus shored up by the smooth sounding feel to Rob Rock’s vocal delivery. Roy Z steps forward with a run of fast fingered lead guitar. Determination and perseverance are the subject matters here:

Nimble and quick, running the race
Manic and swift, setting the pace
Velocity rules, pushing the edge
Rushing the wind, riding the rail

With an angel over me
I’m never looking back
Flying on the wings of speed
I’m breaking from the pack

“Never Give Up” does a good job highlighting the albums crystal clear production. The rhythm guitar really stands out on this one – particularly during its instrumental based opening – while the pronounced low end brings out the best in its uplifting chorus and jam-based instrumental section. Slow in delivery but stately in feel, “Never Give Up” can best be described as positive metal:

I hear you say “never give up”
You’ve got to fight
There’ll be peace when you can finally
Reach the light
I hear you say “never give up”
You’ve got to fight
There’ll be rest for you
On the other side of night

“Change Of Heart” represents as classy ballad as you will find. The song moves its distance to an acoustic guitar with occasional hints of rhythm guitar shoring up the backdrop, put over the top by the easy going feel to its chorus and instrumental section on the jazz-flavored side of things. All in all, I would rate this with the finer Rob Rock ballads out there. “Change Of Heart” talks about exactly that:

You, you’re looking away, you’re here but so far
You need a change of heart
Stop this anger you have or it will tear us apart
You need a change of heart

Now you know wherever you go I’ll be around
I’ll be there catching your tears before they fall

Sons Of Thunder hits its stride on its brilliant second half.

“Dark World” proves a dignified piece with its near perfect melding of keyboards and rhythm guitar. An airy – almost ominous – environs prevails as the song pushes through its verse portions, impetus building as the rhythm guitar takes over and leads the way to a chorus advancing at a regal mid-paced tempo. Terrific hook here along with a radiant run of lead guitar from Roy Z. “Dark World” talks about finding your way:

What will it take
For you to find your way?
Every time you call
I’ve been there for you
Shadow’s fall, the night descends
And the mirror tells
The story on your face

Feelings fall like rain
The smile that covers every once of pain

“Winds Of March”, with its slight touch of power metal would not sound out of place on Holy Hell or Garden Of Chaos. A galloping guitar riff drives the song forward from the start, impelling things in portent fashion until a bottom heavy chorus every bit as inauspicious is achieved. Roy Z again stands out with his fluid work on lead guitar. “Winds Of March” talks about the apocalypse:

Nations are gathering for war
From the corners of the dark
Led by the armies of the North
Like rising Winds of March

Satan is gathering for war
From the corners of the dark
Taking the nations of the world
Through the mighty Winds of March

The semi-ballad “Only Love Can Save Me Now” is by far my favorite track here. Standing out with its huge commercial flavored melody, the song slowly drifts between verse portions laced by a joining of keyboards and acoustic guitar and a catchy chorus upheld by a sturdy wall of rhythm guitar. The end result is an emotional environs that, similar to “Hearts On Fire”, could have dominated FM radio if given a chance.

Groove based hard rocker “Tears That I Cry” brings to mind the old Impellitteri track “Grin & Bear It” (from the 1992 album of the same name). The song moves at an upbeat tempo its full length, taking a crunch heavy rhythm guitar and joining it with a chorus featuring a hook of the guaranteed to pull you in and refuse to go away variety. More blazing lead guitar is added to a song talking about leaving the past behind:

There comes a time when you stand alone
And you know
When you’re holding on to a broken dream
Let it go, let it go
You’re tearing the pages out of your life
And I want you to know
You’re going through changes
Crossing the line, and I’m waiting for you

“I Believe In Love”, the albums final ballad, is a majestic piece flowing forward to a piano from the start, initiative building until the rhythm guitar steps forward to drive a luxurious chorus shored up by abundant vocal harmonies. This one almost comes across Stryper-like in capacity. Not unlike “Hearts On Fire” and “Only Love Can Save Me Now”, I can see this one also making its mark on FM radio.

My overall feeling is that Sons Of Thunder ranks with Eyes Of Eternity and Impellitteri’s Answer To The Master as the finest projects I have heard from Rob Rock. From songwriting, to performance, to packaging and production, everything is done in a first class manner. If you are looking for melodic metal with an edge – again, Driver brings just the right amount of muscle and the hook driven – then you can do no wrong with Sons Of Thunder. Highly recommended.

I would like to close by stating it is the crime of the century that Driver never signed a deal back in the day. You would think that someone in A&R at a major label, having heard the groups demo, would have the foresight to understand that if given the right push Driver had the potential to sell 5 million records (or more).

Review by: Andrew Rockwell



[June 28, 2008] NEW ROB ROCK FAN MYSPACE PAGE AND LAST KNOWN INTERVIEW

Two (2) exciting and rocking websites were recently created:

www.myspace.com/robrockonline
www.myspace.com/impellitteri2008

Read the last known interview with Rob Rock conducted by HardRock Haven [www.hardrockhaven.net]:

Rob Rock
Interview December 2007

by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer

Matthew: Producer Roy Z, where did he come in to your career? I just interviewed Sebastian Bach and his great new album Angel Down was done by Roy. He seems to be everywhere these days. I first learned of him when he not only produced but played serious leads and solos on Dickinson’s latest CD.

Rob: Well he actually is a personal friend and one great dude. I first met Roy in 1989, when I auditioned him as a guitarist. He was an awesome little player back then; I think he was 19 then. At that time we tried to get signed on both coasts, but then the grunge scene came in. So Atlantic for example heard our demos but said we won’t be signing any more metal acts, just grunge. At that point I joined Impellitteri and went our separate ways, but when I went back to creating solo records I called him. He had started producing by then, and I said Roy do you remember all those songs we wrote? He had showed signs of top production back then as those demos I played for Atlantic were great and they were only on a 4-track. He has a great ear for production and in the studio he is a lot of fun. There are no head trips, he simply pulls out of each artist their strong suit and makes it a very powerful facet of their records. You know he kind of resurrected the careers of Halford and Dickinson. He helped make those singers shine in the old school ways, to make their real bands realize they should get back together. Now he has been with me since 1999 and I have created four solo albums in the last eight years with him. He is super. He was a big fan of these guys he wound up producing, so he has respect for them and really knows their strengths. He also is unselfish in his ways

Matthew: What’s your take on Chris Impellitteri’s playing? I really enjoy his technique of slowing it up and then jumping on the speed like he flicked a switch, kind of like he is going from 0 to 100 M.P.H in a split second or two.

Rob: I’ve known him since 1985 when I was opening up for Greg Allman. He came up to me and said we need to form a band, and with his talent we made it happen. A year and a half later he went to L.A to try and really get it going. But Matthew he was the type of guy that was always picking, always playing, he never put the guitar down. He always wanted to do one thing and do it very well. What I personally like are his rhythms, when I met him he was playing the part of Angus Young in an AC/DC cover band. So he was playing big riffs and hooks at the time and over the years he added speed within his great rhythms.

Matthew: What inspired you to be a lead singer?

Rob: I was in a cover band that was playing rock songs from bands like Kansas and Boston. I actually played the drums for that band. We gigged like 6 or 7 nights a week, then one night the band said I was a better singer than drummer and there was my opportunity. I told them if I sing I want to do heavier stuff so we shifted to a heavier styled set. It was two more years in the clubs 6 nights a week before I got a big break.

Matthew: How did you hone your instrument?

Rob: In the beginning I was copping all my techniques trying to master the styles of the big singers of that era. I was under tremendous pressure trying to learn a set that I would be singing six nights a week, three sets a night. With that intensity and pressure it really crystallized my singing. That’s what I think really helped me lock in the gig with M.A.R.S (MacAlpine, Aldridge, Rock, Sarzo).

Matthew: What has the creative process been like between your work with Impellitteri and Roy Z for example?

Rob: Chris would send me a recording that was pretty much him playing rhythm guitar over a drum machine. He would say I’m playing this, do whatever you want but I’m not changing my parts. Maybe 30% of the time he would already have the melodies, mine was the lyrics and the remaining amount of the melodies. Now working with Roy Z is a lot more flexible. Roy would write the song from an idea of mine then throw in a riff, or he would create the song and I’d write the lyrics. That was easier as I had a lot of experience with Chris Impellitteri in creating the lyrics from hearing the music

Matthew: I love guitars and normally interview the guitar heroes; you brought in a lot of guitar dudes from the underground for this record. Can you elaborate on these guys?

Rob: I started out with Roy and we wrote seven songs together, then Roy had a previous engagement with Halford so I called up Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia, Saviour Machine, Planet Alliance, Beautiful Sin, ex-Audiovision, Flagship) Then I contacted Bob Rossi (who had played with me on a previous tour), and Gus G, and they each sent me three tracks. So I picked out the ones I liked which happened to be “Garden of Chaos” and “Metal Breed” and “Spirit in the Sky.” These combined with Roy’s tracks gave me lots of variety in writing styles and the vocal ranges. From that point Grimmark took up the production, rehearsed recorded it. Grimmark is a great musician too, he has the Yngwie stuff as he grew up around that, but he also has a lot of feel too. He does two solos in title track and Gus G also rips up a solo on “Ride the Wind.”

Matthew: It flows nice and so it’s amazing that you used so many different creative inputs because that’s more of a compilation album concept from a label not a smooth flowing record that you created.

Rob: It’s all about the song for me, and I picked similar people within a certain style that respected that.

Matthew: What has your experience been like as a Christian within the often harsh world of metal?

Rob: The guys in the genre know about me and they don’t lash out at me. There is a M.A.R.S fan base overseas, as they are somehow a cult classic in Europe so I get respect there. And I think I generally get a lot of respect from my amount of years in the industry. I have seen a lot of t-shirts that are really offensive towards Jesus Christ, but I just blow it off. I am doing the opposite as the other bands, so it’s not like we hang out together. There is not really any face to face animosity there among the bands that I have seen.

Matthew: What do you listen to, mostly Christian stuff or something completely different?

Rob: I really listen to older stuff from bands like Dream Theatre and Megadeth or Primal Fear, stuff that has a bit of aggression but still with good vocals and melodies. I also like some of Arch Enemy’s material. I don’t listen to much newer stuff as I can’t stand the growling. When you can’t even understand the lyrics it’s not for me. I try and get a message through, when there is growling I can’t understand what they are saying and therefore where is the message. I am constantly writing lyrics and pass on a message so I don’t get the growling style.

Matthew: Hey who is that in the background; do you have a toddler?

Rob: Yes I have a two-year old little boy.

Matthew: Outstanding. I have a 14 month old little girl. They are spectacular aren’t they?

Rob: They sure are.

Matthew: Any plans for touring on this new record?

Rob: Yeah we are looking towards March time frame starting with Mexico and then South America. We are also hoping to hit Europe and possibly America after that.
As I have a young boy I really wanted to stay home for these holidays and spend a lot of time with the family.

Matthew: It’s super cool that you have a toddler. A two-year old boy named Alexander.
You know that Sascha is short for Alexander in Russia for boys and girls? My father in law is an Alexander (Sascha).

Rob: Wow my wife is Russian too. That’s pretty cool.

Matthew: Where did you meet her?

Rob: At a concert, surprise surpise, but I was not playing that night. She was in a promoter’s band, met through the producer. She is a musician too, a singer and keyboardist.

Matthew: Hey that’s really cool, all those things in common. Hey thanks a lot for being so generous with your time. Have a Happy Holiday season. And thanks for giving the world a viable metal band that also honors Christ.

Rob: Thanks for all the support. Merry Christmas to you and your family.


[May 10, 2008]

Rob Rock is currently in the studio recording vocals for the new Impellitteri CD titled "Good and Evil". Rob reunites with long time friend and guitarist Chris Impellitteri for their first collaberation together since the Impellitteri "Crunch" album. The new record titled "Good and Evil" is being mixed in Vancouver with Greg Reely (Devil Driver, Fear Factory, etc..). According to Chris Impellitteri "this is by far the most amazing recording he have been involved with". It is filled with amazing riffs, fast shredding solos, screaming vocals, and of course a brutal rhythm section. Impellitteri "Good and Evil" is an attempt to rival the best. And now for all of the patient fans --- ROB ROCK is officially back in the band. and Impellitteri will be creating their first official MySpace Page shortly.

The new Impellitteri fan page at www.shoutlife.com/impellitteri now online.

Another Rob Rock fan page at:
www.shoutlife.com/robrock
www.angelfire.com/yt/triad
www.purevolume.com/robrock

Make sure to visit the Official Website at:
www.robrock.com

News [May 05, 2008]:

Recently, Rob Rock & Fires of Babylon released it's debut cd. FIRES OF BABYLON is classic 1980's-style, shredding U.S. heavy metal reincarnated! Their lineup is one of highly skilled and lauded musicians, including guitarist Lou St. Paul (WINTERS BANE), vocalist Rob Rock (ex-IMPELITTERRI), bassist Kelly Conlon (ex-DEATH), and drummer Robert Falzano (SHATTER MESSIAH).

In 1990, guitarist Lou St. Paul formed WINTERS BANE and since that time has consistently displayed his excellent songwriting skills, playing great riffs and shredding solos over intelligent, well thought out lyrical essays. Highly impressed by Lou's playing on Redivivus, the owner of Metal Heaven Records asked St. Paul to write the material and put together a band to record a classic 80's metal album – and FIRES OF BABYLON is the result.

Powerhouse vocalist Rob Rocks's extensive discography includes classic albums with IMPELLITTERRI, WARRIOR, AXEL RUDI PELL, and M.A.R.S., PROJECT: DRIVER. Rob has recorded three excellent solo albums ( Rage Of Creation, Eyes Of Eternity, and Holy Hell ), and his latest opus, Garden Of Chaos, has just been released.

Bassist Kelly Conlon is a veteran of legendary death metal bands DEATH and MONSTROSITY.Kelly performed on the classic DEATH album Symbolic, as well as the MONSTROSITY albums Millennium and In Dark Purity . Kelly is also working with his own band, INFINITY MINUS ONE.

Drummer Robert Falzano is an alum of the Berklee College Of Music, where one his instructors, drum legend Mike Mangini, picked Robert to take his place in ANNIHILATOR for their 2004 tour with JUDAS PRIEST. While with ANNIHILATOR, Robert met guitarist Curran Murphy (touring guitarist for ANNIHILATOR and NEVERMORE), and both of them left the band after the tour to form their own outfit, SHATTER MESSIAH. Their 2nd album, God Burns Like Flesh was released last year.


IN THE BEGINNING . . .

Rob's first album "M.A.R.S, Project: Driver", featured stellar performances by debut vocalist Rob Rock, guitar virtuoso Tony MacAlpine, and the brilliant rhythm section of Ozzy Osbourne's "Blizzard of Oz" band; Rudy Sarzo on bass and Tommy Aldridge on drums. The album created a huge cult following all over the world and still stands as THE metal masterpiece of the mid 80's.

Rob then recorded nine (9) albums with Impellitteri and toured with the band for several years. Rob has also recorded with Axel Rudi Pell, Joshua, and Warrior, before stepping out on his own.

Rob's first solo album "Rage of Creation", was released in 2000 to rave reviews and a strong reaction from the industry. "Rob Rock" was voted "Best Metal Act" by both the People's Music Awards and the Orlando Metal Awards in 2001 in their home State of Florida. In 2002, Rob Rock was voted "Best Metal Vocalist" by the Orlando Music Awards.

In 2003, Rock released his second solo album "Eyes of Eternity", followed by many appearances worldwide including the 2003 Bang Your Head Festival in Germany and a tour of Japan in January 2004. This album again featured Roy Z (Judas Priest, Halford, Dickinson) as co-songwriter and producer and received an avalanche of positive reviews and accolades.

2005 saw the release of his third solo album "HOLY HELL" on AFM Records as Rob Rock was on tour in Europe.

The fifteen date, eight country tour was a great success and other concerts on the 2005 Holy Hell Tour included the "SwedenRock" Festival, "Metalfest" Germany, and "Elements of Metal Festival" in Switzerland.

Rob Rock came out with power-driven metal cd called "Garden of Chaos."

Rob Rock was credited as one of the backing vocals for Petra's Unseen Power cd. Rob performed in several cds including Avantasia (Metal Opera I and II), Randy Rhoads Tribute, Edguy, Powergod, Laudamus, Mistheria and Rick Renstrom.


SEND MAIL TO ROB ROCK:

Rob Rock
P.O. Box 622943
Oviedo, FL 32762-2943
USA
Email: rob@robrock.com

This website is maintained by Metal From The Rock (www.shoutlife.com/robrock) for Rob Rock.