Band formed by high-speed neo-classical guitarist Chris Impelliteri, whose style is reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen. He produced a self-financed album of instrumentals in 1986 and formed his own band in 1987. Chris Impellitteri's guitar-shredding, and Rob Rock/Graham Bonnet's vocal-wizardry is what makes this bands sound. They are considered a Christian band, but the lyrics are not always evangelistic.

STAND IN LINE (1988) CENTURY MEDIA

I had heard the title-track, and read all this great reviews of Impellitteri. Also I loved everything I had heard from Rob Rock (Joshua, Warrior etc.). But when I bought this album, the long face was on me. Graham Bonnet sings on this CD, and it is the most commercialized product Chris & co. ever released. It's not a bad album, it's just that it lacks the charm of a product not made to get airplay on MTV. The Rainbow-influences are very obvious on this album, and the band even covers "Since You've Been Gone", a song Graham originally sang for Ritchie and company. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is an instrumental take on the old 'Wizard Of Oz'-classic.

Killer tracks: Stand In Line

EYE OF THE HURRICANE/VICTIM OF THE SYSTEM (1997) DREAM CATCHER

I'm not sure why I've never attempted that hard to collect more Impellitteri CD's. I'm a die hard lover of heavy metal, and have a pet peeve in collecting metal with Christian lyrics and/or members. And since Impellitteri is one of the most respected Christian acts, also in the secular scene, it is almost a mystery why this is only my second CD by them, so far. 'Eye Of The Hurricane' has Rob Rock on vocals, and he is a much better match for them than Graham Bonnet was. This is top-of-the-line melodic heavy metal, with an neo-classical flair. The solid production brings out the best of the dynamic material. Rob's God-given voice, and Chris' God-given talent is a match made in heaven. And speaking of mysteries, why did this band never gain the same respect as say Yngwie Malmsteen? Was it because of the bold Christian lyrics? Or maybe the fact that this flawless album was released in 1997, when metal was still considered a cuss-word in the music industry? Nevertheless, this is the sort of music that I like, so I could care less if other people know about Impellitteri. My version of the album contains a bonus CD that is marketed as the EP 'Victim Of The System'. But only 2 of the tracks on this CD are the same as on the mentioned EP. The others 3 are previously released songs also, with the awesome "Warrior" (originally performed in Rob's Driver days, and later also recorded with Rob's solo band) as my favorite.

Killer tracks: Every song is great!

Rob Rock guest appearances:

Powergod - 'Bleed For The Godz - That's Metal Lesson 1'

Laudamus - 'Lost In Vain'

Frost - 'Raise Your Fist To Metal'

Ken Mary guest appearances:  

Ken Tamplin - 'An Axe To Grind'

Related artists:

Rob Rock, Joshua, Axel Rudi Pell, Angelica, Warrior, Avantasia, Fifth Angel, Alice Cooper, Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P., Black Sabbath, White Lion, Dio, Malice, Alcatrazz