Driver
Countdown
Metal Heaven
2012
Back in the 80s, Rob Rock’s name came into prominence, among other reasons like being the singer of Impellitteri, or taking part in the classic white metal gem “Intense Defense” by Joshua, for being one of the four members of M.A.R.S Project:Driver, a one off effort that comprised of MacAlpine, Aldridge, Rock, Sarzo, great players of the genre, one and all! The “Driver”, moniker, was retained, when Rock teamed up with the then unknown, Roy Z, who later made his name mainly as a producer and the reignitor of the solo careers of people like Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford. Together, they circulated a demo, of a handful of songs on cassette in the early 90s, that however well received by the public, never resulted in a deal with a company, as back then the interest was quickly shifting from rock and metal to grunge. The interest waned and Rock, went on to do, various project, with various collaborators.
Then many years later, frankly in 2008, the two reunited and decided to re-record those old songs plus some newer ones and commit them to a proper release. The resulting CD, must have done relatively well, as now, a few years later a follow-up, sees the light of day!
Cut from almost the same cloth as its predecessor, “Countdown”, has it all. Great songs, catchy riffs and choruses and brilliant solos. Rock’s vocals, elevate the result even higher, as he sings with great conviction, some amazing vocal lines. “Return to the Sky”, “Countdown” or “Hollywood Superstar” maybe almost in succession of one another, but they’re all excellent specimens of melodic metal! And the album doesn’t run out of “juice” until the very end, when there are no more songs to play! Be it the amazing ballad “Always on my Mind” the compelling “Feel The Fire” or the very versatile “Destiny” that start up slowly and builds up into a monster of a track!
Well, what else can I say, other than, that this is another jewel, in the crest of one of the true royals, of melodic rock! Well done, Bravissima!
Then many years later, frankly in 2008, the two reunited and decided to re-record those old songs plus some newer ones and commit them to a proper release. The resulting CD, must have done relatively well, as now, a few years later a follow-up, sees the light of day!
Cut from almost the same cloth as its predecessor, “Countdown”, has it all. Great songs, catchy riffs and choruses and brilliant solos. Rock’s vocals, elevate the result even higher, as he sings with great conviction, some amazing vocal lines. “Return to the Sky”, “Countdown” or “Hollywood Superstar” maybe almost in succession of one another, but they’re all excellent specimens of melodic metal! And the album doesn’t run out of “juice” until the very end, when there are no more songs to play! Be it the amazing ballad “Always on my Mind” the compelling “Feel The Fire” or the very versatile “Destiny” that start up slowly and builds up into a monster of a track!
Well, what else can I say, other than, that this is another jewel, in the crest of one of the true royals, of melodic rock! Well done, Bravissima!