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Rob Rock - Garden of Chaos
Metal supreme Rob Rock has returned with his heavy metal band and what a remarkable album they all deliver!
Garden Of Chaos is nothing short of a metal masterpiece in its beautiful, elegant, catchy, and melodic, you name it, metal! I've loved each and every one of his previous released but this feels as something extra ordinary. The music is a bit more melodic and the songs are catchy as heck. And on top of it all is Rob's fantastic voice, which I'm not sure I've heard anything this good coming out of his pipes during his 20 years long career.
And he better have to, since he's surrounded by world class musicians like his old pal Roy Z, Peter Hallgren, Gus G and Carl-Johan Grimmark to mention a few of the co-workers that are producing some stunning stuff on the album. Rob seems to have decided to go for a more melodic edge this time and when I've heard the result I must say that he did just the right thing in doing it.
And if this wasn't enough he has also created some darn good songs as well. I have a hard time picking out a single song I don't like and when my ears receive songs like "Savior's Call", "This time is the last time" and the ultra melodic "Millennial Reign" I am just left in awe how wonderful music can be when it's played perfectly.
With a heavy and crystal clear production Rob Rock has created something that for sure will be hailed as one of 2007's best albums.
An absolute must-buyer!
Style: Melodic Heavy Metal
Overall: *****
Year: 2007
Review by: Victory
ROB ROCK
Garden of Chaos
HEAVY, issue 10/2007, No. 105
Very cool! Rob Rock is back with a vengeance. Don`t get irritated by the title: “Garden of Chaos” rocks. Rob Rock, who created his own memorial with M.A.R.S. long time ago, pulls out all the stops for his latest output. Like the great magician Houdini the man with the golden voice is able to blow away every bad mood very quickly. A proof for this is the extremely catchy “Only a Matter of Time” or the pretentious but not overblown mega ballad “Ode to Alexander”. But Rob can also rock and is supported by Firewind guitarist Gus G. and Carljohann Grimmark, who also shreds the guitar for Narnia. To sum it up: “Garden of Chaos” is on the same level like “Holy Hell”, the critically acclaimed predecessor. Therefore we recommend: “Buckle up, open your ears and right into the chaos!”
Peter Fischer (10 points)
ROB ROCK
Garden of Chaos
BREAKOUT, issue 5/2007, October / November
I don`t know how it looks like in Rob Rock`s garden. But it`s a matter of fact that on his fourth solo album everything reigns but chaos. The friendly singer with the distinctive and powerful voice is a synonym for straight-forward melodic Power Metal. Yet the opener and title track is a double bass killer with a great hookline that you can`t get out of your head. Besides speedy tracks (Metal Breed) there are mid-tempo songs like “Spirit in the Sky” or the contemplative double act at the end of the record called “Unconditional” and “Ode to Alexander”. Carl-Johann Grimmark´s guitarwork has some slight modern tunes (“This Time is the last Time”, “Only a Matter of Time”) but they are not overdone. And this is a remarkable detail: Rob Rock keeps up with the time but nevertheless he absolutely sticks to his roots. One of these Power Metal albums that are unconditionally recommendable.
Stephan Treu
GARDEN OF CHAOS
- 7/7 Metal Hammer: They call it a "Masterpiece" ( Translated from German to English)
There is probably hardly to find such a brilliant as well as underrated
voice at the same time like from Rob Rock.
More than 20 years ago it improved the Melodic Speed Metal classic PROJECT: DRIVER by the star ensemble M.A.R.S. (feat. guitar wizard Tony MacAlpine as well as the brilliant rhythm section Rudy Sarzo/Tommy
Aldridge, both were later playing with Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake).
Owing to his great vocals that improved all his albums, the
Californian guitar master Chris Impellitteri has a God-like status in
Japan.Also for his own published solo albums since 2000 (GARDEN OF CHAOS is no. 4) the slogan is: one name - one programme! This year supported by musicians of the Swedish colleagues Narnia and producer Roy Z, Rock once more created an album that is extremely versatile. But nevertheless-owing to the harmonious vocal lines- the album leaves a tight impression.
Actually each of the ten tracks is designated to be a taster but I
limit myself by naming anthem-like songs like the opening title track,
pure headbanger stuff like “Savior`s Call”, “Metal Breed” and
“Millenial Reign” as well as “Spirit in the Sky” and “Only a Matter of
Time”, latter provide some dark vibes indeed. The fact is that there
can only be the maximum note for such a masterpiece.
Andreas Schöwe
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ROCK HARD, Issue No. 216 (may of 2005)
Rock Hard - #4 Album of the Month, 11 reviewers, Live 2 page Tour review, 8.5 out of 10 featured review, Song 2 on Dynamit CD (Slayer of Souls)
ROB ROCK
Holy Hell
Holy hell, what Thrash- and Speed Metal records did Rob Rock hear in the past two years? Or is it due to Bobby Jarzombek`s (ex Halford / Iced Earth) drumming on the album? The opener “Slayer of Souls” explodes with such an impact out of the speakers that Rock should think about changing his last name into metal. Also the title track and “Lion of Judah”, that includes an excellent guitar solo by Carljohann Grimmark, really kick ass. All the other tracks are more based on rock, all played on a top level as usual, only Rocks voice is a guarantee for that. Beside charismatic vocals and strong solos there are some killer riffs, for instance on “When Darkness reigns” and on “The Revelation” that make pure headbanger stuff out of both. The midtempo track “Calling Angels” is a bit too catchy and the only weak one on a really strong record.
(Jenny Roennebeck)
8,5 pts.
METAL HEART, Issue may of 2005
Metal Heart Magazine - #1 Album of the Month, 10 reviewers, 8.5 out of 10 points on the featured review, 2 full page article
ROB ROCK
Holy Hell
Holy Hell! The heavenly hosts march into the final battle against the legions of the devil. Apocalyptic scenes in front of a back-drop of anthem-like metal refrains and uptempo rhythms. Rob Rock as the loud-voiced general commands the final christian legions together with Narnia guitarists Grimmark/Olsson and Iced Earth-drummer Bobby Jarzombek. Dark clouds across the sky but the warriors of god ride unafraid with the “First Winds of the End of Time” into the battle. The furious “Slayer of Souls” will be fought with a mighty chorus that reminds of the strongest moments of Dio and Iron Maiden. The melodic yet heavy sounding title track and the left-over from the 80s “Calling Angels” with its neo-classical Malmsteen-like keyboards and “When Darkness reigns” sound in the vein of classic traditional stuff. Only “Lion of Judah” and “I`m a Warrior” are bit too weak. All in all pathos reigns on Holy Hell. That means dramatic gesticulation and epic metal mystic.
(Stefan Pfefferle)
8,5 pts.
METAL HAMMER, issue may of 2005
Metal hammer - #4 Album of the Month, 11 Reviewers, 6 out of 7 points in the featured review, Off Road Tracks Song 5 (Slayer of Souls),
ROB ROCK
Holy Hell
Ex- M.A.R.S., Axel Rudi Pell- and Impellitteri singer starts wild and furious on his new album: “Slayer of Souls” is a mighty uptempo anthem, based on a dark riff thunder and Rocks hysteric vocals, close to Bruce Dickinson and Carl Albert (R.I.P – Vicious Rumors). And the rest of the way is clear: powerful hard rocking Melodic Metal with screaming guitars that reminds due to the guitar work of Stratovarius, Malmsteen, Impellitteri or Vicious Rumors. Catchy and anthem-like refrains make this album extremely interesting for Hammerfall fans (“Calling angels” and the title track). For all of those who are into traditional classic Heavy Metal with great melodies and a first class voice there is no way to escape from Rob Rock and his guys.
(Andreas Schoewe)
6 pts.
HEAVY, No. 81 (may of 2005)
Heavy - #4 Album of the Month, 12 reviewers, 11 out of 12 points on the featured review, 2 page article
ROB ROCK
Holy Hell
Yeah, Rob Rock, the hard rocking voice genius who always recruted the créme de la créme of guitarists in his career presents with “Holy Hell” the next hot thing. For all of those who don`t know: Some germans don`t say “Holy Hell”, they scream “Holy Steel” and they are right, particularly to celebrate a curtain fire like the opener “Slayer of Souls” or a great earcatcher like “Calling angels”. The performance of all involved musicians has a lot of “Project:Driver”, the frist legendary sign of life out of the master`s throat. A proof for that is “I`ll be waiting for you”, a sad song on the highest level, comparable to Malmsteen and Schenker. Evil Rob has created another shining pearl, you know what to do.
(Peter Fischer)
11 pts.
VARIOUS ON-LINE REVIEWS:
To come straight to the point, I think “Holy Hell” is Rock’s best solo effort to this date. As always he sings magnificent, but this time the songs are of a more decent quality as well. Among my personal favourites are powerful, yet melodic tracks such as “Calling Angels”, “I’m A Warrior” and “When Darkness Reigns”, but at the meantime I’m also flattered by the ballad “I’ll Be Waiting For You”. Photographer SDR and editor AV went to see Rob Rock and his band play at Biebob (as part of the Flying Aces Tour, which also features Pure Inc., Circle II Circle and Masterplan) and they told me the gig was more than satisfying. A full gig report will follow soon… (?CL)
WOLF 359 (on 13/04/05)
Heavy but with tons of melody one of his best . I'm well impressed
melodic rocks (on 11/04/05)
Yes indeed, Pompy, I think it´s the best Rob Rock Record so far. He´s got a killer voice and his musical companions are master craftmen giving good vibe to the songs.....that are good as well but lack a bit of a classy touch of his former musical steps in Chris Impellitteri, Axel Rudi Pell,Angelica, Joshua and Mars. But Chris and Pompy are giving the listener a good direction : Worth enjoying and a pretty good CD !
AORPOMPY (on 10/04/05)
This is far better than the new Heartland and one of the best releases of the last months ! Great melodic metal and Rob is doing a great job here ! The length of the record (I'm no longer satisfied with good 40 minutes, 46:45 to be right) cost them a 1/2 star !
Some voices in Hard/Metal music I find irresistible. Needless to say, Rob Rock is on the list. I first heard his lungs on Joshua’s "Intense Defense" (1988) album; it was a matter of days to gather (nearly) all his discography. I’ve only missed one release(Driver, with Roy Z). Shit happens when you are "addicted"...
Rob Rock’s most valuable album to date - for me - is the M.A.R.S. project. Not only because this album ("Project: Driver" - 1986) features an all-star line up - guitar guru Tony Mc Alpine and the "Blizzard Of Oz" rhythm section of Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge - but because these tunes "adjusted" Rob’s style. Just listen to "Fantasy" and then write down similarities with Joshua’s "Only Yesterday", Impellitteri’s "Grin And Bear It" (1992 - the whole album), Axel Rudi Pell’s "Unchain The Thunder" from "Nasty Reputation" (1991) or his previous two efforts - "Rage Of Creation" (2000) and "Eyes Of Eternity" (2003). That’s right, the man needs awesome guitarist(s) balancing equally between Hard and Heavy, to cry his ass out delivering a powerful and passionate performance every single time he grabs the mic.
A mega bonus for "Holy Hell" is the participation of Bobby Jarzombeck, who I do consider one of the best players around EVER! The man is the perfect base on which every single tune, melody or lead part can be transformed into a hyper great song. I enjoyed the whole album and lots of credit goes to him specifically.
"Holy Hell" is a somehow "brutal" title for a Rob Rock album? Weird, ha? Don’t worry, it’s just the basic lyrical concept of the album that deals with - I guess - what I like to call "church" issues. Anyway, after viewing again the excellent cover, it’s the "inside" that matters: Heavy Metal music that kicks ass! Just put together the best elements of the European Power Metal genre (Brainstorm, Metalium), mix them with the basic elements of the U.S. Metal music (Cage, Riot, Fifth Angel, Warrior - the latest featuring Rob’s vocals on their 2001’s "Code Of life" album) and add ENDLESS amount of Rob Rock’s octaves! You’ll be bombarded from the very beginning - "Slayer Of Souls" - to the very end of this album to killer tunes like "Calling Angels", "I’m A Warrior" or "I’ll be Waiting For You". Achtung: there’s lots of melody in "Holy Hell", don’t think you’ll deal with a Power Metal album, it’s just the "deeds" of Mr. Jarzombeck we were talkin’ about some lines above...
I don’t know if Roy Z is featured again as co-writer (and producer???) (YES - HE IS) but the album’s sound is a killer, he must be "in" it somehow! Furthermore, Edguy singer Tobias Sammet and Italian keyboardist Mistheria are special guests on the album. I felt no need to state whether Rock sings well or not because there’s no way something else would be happening here. The story, attitude and bio of Rob Rock remind me of some other extraordinary vocalist of our times. Guess who...
To sum it up: T-a-k-e i-t!
Rob Rock - Holy Hell (2005)
For the first time I am going to do a review by doing a track by track analysis rather than a rough overview. Here's hoping it describes the album fairly.
The album opens with a blazing metal tune called "Slayer Of Souls". One of Rock's finest moments. This is a fast paced number that screams classic heavy metal. This has been released to radio and is sure to draw many new fans who are craving the traditional melodic metal sound.
Next up is a song that is a definite grower. The first time I heard "First Winds Of The End Of Time" I really didn't think much of it but now after multiple listens it is one of my favorites on the new disc.
Track three is a mid-paced metal anthem titled "Calling Angels" and, in my humble opinion, has one of the most infectious choruses Rob has ever sung. This tune has also been released to radio for airplay and I agree that this was a wise choice for a single.
"Holy Hell". Another barnburner with an incredible chorus. Sometimes I wonder how Rob is able to keep coming up with so many catchy and memorable vocal melodies. This song shows that Rob is truly a master of his craft.
"Lion Of Judah". Probably the most epic of all the tracks here. This one has quickly become one of my all-time favorite Rob Rock tunes. The power of this song has to be heard to be believed! I can't say enough great things about this track. So I won't try. I will let you the listener find out for yourself.
For some reason Rob decided to do a new recording of an old standard. "I'm A Warrior" has become something of a Rob Rock trademark or theme song if you will. I must say his voice sounds better on this version than any previous version of this song. A true classic. Mid-paced and highly melodic, this song will have you singing alone by the second chorus! If you haven't heard this song before then this alone makes the disc worth the price of admission.
"I'll Be Waiting For You". One of the most moving ballads I have ever heard. I think part of the emotional impact comes from knowing it is dedicated to the memory of Rob's father who passed away last year. You may remember Rob's father (along with his mother) contributed some vocal harmonies to the song "Fields Of Fire" from Rob's 2003 epic "Eyes Of Eternity".
"When Darkness Reigns". Another ripping tune that has an opening guitar riff that reminds me of something from 80's era Maiden or Priest. Then the song suddenly changes to a very modern guitar tone, almost metalcore in delivery, with a harmonic squeal firmly in place. Then somehow it melds everything together to create the perfect metal sound. The guitars are more varied in this song. This is all courtesy of guitar master Roy Z. (Halford, Priest, Dickinson).
"Revelation" is a track that sports a Maiden-esque gallop with a traditional metal sound. Not leaving out some harmonic squeal that reminds the listener we are in the year 2005. The listener is once again reminded of the fact that Rob is simply at the top of his game vocally.
Last up we have another Abba cover (Rob covered "Eagle" on 2000's "Rage Of Creation") which features dual vocals from Rob and Edguy mastermind Tobias Sammet. This song is amazing and stands out as something a bit different from the rest of the disc giving it some diversity and making it a more enjoyable listen.
The lead guitar work throughout "Holy Hell" is superb and showcases the talents of several different guitarists including Carl Grimmark (Narnia), Roy Z., Bob Rossi,and Rick Renstrom. Lyrically fans will love this as Rob lets his faith shine and tells glorious tales of triumph and virtue in a world of darkness and decay.
Rob Rock - Holy Hell
Rob Rock's "Holy Hell" is one of this year's most anticipated albums. During the last 20 years he has been delivering stunning performances with bands like Impellitteri, Joshua, Driver, MARS, Warrior, Angelica, Axel Rudi Pell and most recently also with his solo band.
His last two releases with his own band have been most impressive and many fans hold them as their favourite Rob albums. A factor to their success must be the famous Roy Z, who has produced and also contributed on both albums. He made them extremely heavy and also provided an excellent production. He has also provided help on this album and the production is heavier than ever!
Other people helping out on this album are Narnia geniuses Andreas Olsson (Bass) and Carl-johan Grimmark (guitars). Also we get some quality beatings from no other than Bobby Jarzombek (Halford and Iced Earth). Two special guests as well, Tobias Sammet from Edguy and keyboard mastermind Mistheria.
Well, the title may scare away some narrow-minded people, but as Rob sings in the title track it’s about the battle we Christians are having on this planet. The battle we’re all in. How the sins are floating around in the world, affecting nearly everyone. But it also tells about the importance of staying clean in spirit.
As said, the production is REALLY good here, providing that little extra to the album. It makes great songs like “Lion of Judah”, “I’m a warrior” (Originally a Driver song) and “When Darkness reigns” even better! Rob sings absolutely great on this album, but check out the already mentioned song “When darkness reigns”, simply amazing!!!
The more I listen to this album, the more I like it, which is a very good sign. Since many albums tend to be good at the first listen, just to be forgotten a couple of weeks later. This isn’t an album which will be loved at the very first listen; it has to grow on you. Listen to it a couple of times then return to it the next day and you’ll notice that you’ll become more and more in love with it – just as I did.
Style: Heavy Metal
BREAK OUT MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2005
Here`s the translation:
For the third time ex-M.A.R.S.-singer Rob Rock makes the thirsting Melodic-
and Power Metal fans happy with a new album. The predecessor "Eyes of
eternity" didn`t get any respect from the crowd, but this time there`s a
big chance, that the little american gets what he deserves with "Holy
Hell". Opened by the rousing "Slayer of Souls", Rob Rock focused more on
heaviness this time, nevertheless the record is peppered with ear-catching
melodies. Highlight of the album, which has been recorded by a complete new
team featuring Narnia-guitarist Carljohann Grimmark, is the strong and
powerful "Lion of Judah". Produced by Roy Z, "Holy Hell" is a real cool
album.
(Martin Kosbab-Zillmann)
One of the best power metal vocalist going said a friend as I played him this new Rob Rock cd and by God he was right. After one play through of this album you get the feeling that Mr. Rock is on top of his game, easily putting out his best album to date. Very much in the Firewind early Dream Evil mould but with tons of Rob Rock blended in which helps to give it it's own identity. The first thing that struck me was the sheer power of the songs that hit you head on like an eighteen wheeler but are also tempered with bucket loads of melody . That is where I think Rob Rock has hit the winning formula for although the songs are heavy each has a hookline to die for, that drills into your mind and stays for days.
The people he has gathered around him are also worthy of high praise Roy Z / Carljohan Grimmark and the Warlock are outstanding on guitars and guest soloist Rick Renstrom ( Holy Hell ) is simply stunning, the keyboards courtesy of Mistheria are wonderful and give a solid melodic background to the songs and twined with the thumping bass and drums of Andreas Olsson and Bobby Jarzombek you just don't get any better than this. After a couple of plays I found it hard to pick out real standout tracks as they are all equally as good as each other, so I'll just say if amazing vocals / musicianship and melodic metal are your bag then this will be for you ( in the top tens of many this year I'm sure).
90/100
Ian Johnson
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Review by
Rating
Vera
8,5/10
nederlands
Review
A fortnight ago I saw Rob Rock live on stage at De Bosuil during the Rock Inc Festival. It was a set that shone of skilfulness and inner strength. Not only the marvellous voice of the man kicks ass, but he is always surrounded by extremely talented musicians. This album, his third solo effort in the meantime, is no exception.
Rob Rock started his vocal career in ‘M.A.R.S. Project: Driver’, accompanied by rock giants as Tony MacAlpine, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge. We are talking about the eighties here. Later he loomed up at the side of coryphaeus like Chris Impellitteri, Axel Rudi Pell, Roy Z and Joshua. Even the solo-career of the firm vocalist is very successful and the reason why is illustrated one more time on ‘Holy Hell’. The album contains ten new tracks that we can consider as melodic hard rock, but they are quite heavy indeed. ‘Slayer Of Souls’ and ‘Calling Angels’ are two killer tracks where we can enjoy not only Rob’s eminent vocals but also lashings of excellent guitar skills of Carl Grimmark and Daniel Hall. The only calm track of the album is the ballad ‘I’ll Be Waiting For You’. All the other songs are catchy classical hard rock tracks, agreeable to listen to, and recommended to fans of Whitesnake, Axel Rudi Pell and even Yngwie Malmsteen. This Florida based vocalist has succeeded in making a logical prolongation of his rock star status with ‘Holy Hell’.
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