Search - Rob Rock :: Rage of Creation

Rob Rock - Rage Of Creation (Actually 4.5 stars)

Fred Monster | Zwijndrecht, Holland | 06/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rob Rock has been active in the world of hardrock for quite some time now. The last few years he was the singer in Chris Impelliteri's band and now he thinks it's time to start up a solo career. On Rage Of Creation he knows himself surrounded by a few very good musicians of whom Roy Z (who was also responsible for the production) and Jake E. Lee are the most well known.. With his powerful voice Rock treats us to eleven rockhard classic hardrock songs while he never looses sight of the melody. When you're used to a guitarvirtuoso like Chris Impelliteri you won't settle for - much - less of course and Roy Z - just like Jake E. Lee - is playing the stars from the sky on Rage Of Creation. Time after time these gentlemen produce one great riff after the other, but they know how to play a solo as well. Just listen to Roy's excellent guitarwork on the closing song Forever. Most surprising song on the album is the ABBA-cover Eagle which has been given a very convincing rocktreatment. Ritchie Blackmore once said that ABBA was the perfect popband. The fact that their songs are very suitable for a more solid performance has already been demonstrated by Helloween and Yngwie Malmsteen. And now it's Rob Rock's turn to come up with his version of an ABBA-song which he does very successfully. All in all Rage Of Creation is a great debut, but I didn't expect anything else from someone with such a record of service. Unfortunately at the moment the CD will only be available in Japan (releasedate was July 26th) but chances are there will be a European release soon. Let's pray..."

Fantastic heavy metal album!!

Rob Skinner | Hastings, United Kingdom | 07/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first words will be that more people should know Rob Rock because he is seriously one of the best metal vocalists around. He is way up there with the likes of Halford, Tate, Dickinson and Dio in vocal quality.



For those unfamiliar with Rob Rock let me do a quick rundown of his history in heavy metal. Rob has made his name as the long-time vocalist for guitar wizard Chris Impellitteri's band Impellitteri lol. Rock has also worked for German guitar legend Axel Rudi Pell on his album Nasty Reputation. Rock actually started his career in the supposed 'super heavy metal band' MARS on their cd Project: Driver back in '86. He worked with greats like Tony MacAlpine and Tommy Aldridge both of Ozzy fame. Rob Rock has also appeared on The Metal Opera by Avantasia.

This album features Rob Rock on vocals (obviously), Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson and Judas Priest) on guitar, bass and keyboards, Reynold Carlson on drums (ex Jag Panzer) and has Ray Burke (ex Ozzy) doing bass on some songs and Jake E Lee (ex Ozzy) laying out some shredding lead solos on a few songs.



So 20 year history lesson over lol lets get onto this bad boy. Rage of Creation is actually Rob Rock's debut album but from the smoothness of the overall album you would have never guessed that. Anyway the standout tracks for me have to be the intro 'In the Beginning', 'Sun Will Rise Again', 'Streets of Madness', 'Eagle' (Abba Cover), 'Media Machine', 'In the Night' and 'Forever'. And really to tell you the truth there is only one weak track on here which is 'Never Too Late'. 'All I Need', 'Judgement Day' and 'One Way Out' are all good tracks just not particularly my favourites like the others.



I will go into a little detail now for those still not fully convinced of this album's greatness. Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first though. 'Never Too Late' doesn't really have anything totally wrong with it but as a song it just doesn't stand out at all. Though in all fairness it is a decent rocker with an average solo but it just doesn't hit any high points or boast any stellar performances from any of the musicians. 'One Way Out' is a straight out rocker with an awesome solo! 'Judgement Day' however is a dark song with apocalyptic lyrics. The guitar is way thicker and raw on this song with loads of palm muting. This song shows the versatility and range of Rock's voice going from rasp to howl. Good song to get the crowd jumping. It is the longest song and fades out with an interesting bass bit. 'All I Need' and 'Media Machine' are really cool fast paced rock songs with loads of mini-solos inbetween choruses courtesy of Jake E Lee. They both have kickass solos. 'Media Machine' is a favorite of mine to just stick on in the morning and air guitar to in my underwear lol. Rock also sings his lungs out on this song. 'In the Beginning' a short intro and 'Sun Will Rise Again' are kinda one song because the latter leads off the first one and even ends with the 'In the Beginning' riff! Anyway both very Maiden-like songs and are done in true heavy metal fashion with a powerful chorus and good solo. 'Streets of Madness' starts with a bass bit and then breaks free with a very uplifting riff. Has fantastic lyrics i must say, the chorus is very anthemic and memorable. Guitarwork is solid and the solo is brilliant. This song should become a classic! It's very Dio-like to. Now onto the slower paced tracks 'In the Night', 'Forever' and 'Eagle'. 'In the Night' is a great song and Rock really hits a shining point with his voice here. The chorus is sorta Bon Jovi-ish but don't let that put you off because the solo on here is excellent and harmonized well. 'Eagle' is a cover of Abba and don't let that put you off at all because this sounds nothing like Abba in Rob's hands, this song is absolutely freakin awesome. It has this epic quality and a good subtle use of keyboard. And the solo MY GOD!! Lovely emotional solo that closes the song, the last few notes will tear you up man!! 'Forever' is a fantastic way to close the album. It features the best vocal performance from Rob and the best guitar playing with a shredding solo..FANTASTIC!!



I'd like to point out that this is a quality album all round and should be destined to become a classic. Roy Z and Rob Rock work very well together and Roy Z is a true metal hero in my view, producing some of the best heavy metal in recent years and working with the highest calibre musicians. Listen this album is fantastic enough just having everyone but adding Jake E Lee is the icing on the cake totally worth it! I know i sound over-enthusiastic but this album makes me realize why i love the metal genre. Do yourself a favor and buy it, you will 100% not regret it! 100% Heavy metal Maiden and Priest Style!!



Hope that was helpful.



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