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..

IMPELLITTERI (EP) (1987, 1996) RELATIVITY RECORDS/SONY RECORDS

Impellitteri came bursting into the scene with this 4 track EP in 1987. The band consisted of former Vice band mates, Chris Impellitteri (guitars) and Rob Rock (vocals), and drummer Loni Silva.

Musically this short EP is way ahead of it's time. Impellitteri's brand of ultra-fast melodic metal has more in common with the modern European power metal scene (minus the keyboards, of course) than anything coming out in 1987, when this EP was released on Relativity Records. We all know Chris to be a lightning fast shredder, but on the albums that were to follow this debut, the band played a much more neo-classical brand of metal, more in common with bands like 80's Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force. But here it's almost frickin' speed metal, complete with Rob's screaming high vocals and some double bass drumming. Impellitteri comes across as a more melodic band though, and the thrash metal leanings most speed metal bands withheld are not present here. Still, every song on this album are really great. Everything Rob touched turns to gold, and he has a knack for delivering hooks that will sink in already on the first listen.

Initially only released on vinyl, Sony Records in Japan reissued this gem on CD in 1996. It is still pretty hard to find for a decent price, but I was lucky to find a decent priced copy on eBay. After this EP both Rob and Loni left the band. Rob went on to join Joshua, and recorded their legendary 'Intense Defense' album in 1988.

STAND IN LINE (1988, 1999) CENTURY MEDIA

Chris went to search for a new line-up, and landed on a legendary bunch of musicians, including Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Michael Schenker Group), Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot), Phil Wolfe and Pat Torpey (Mr.Big). This version of the band recorded Impellitteri's first full-length album, entitled 'Stand In Line', originally released on Relativity Records in 1988.

I had heard the title-track, and read all this great reviews of Impellitteri. I also loved everything I had heard from Rob Rock (Joshua, Warrior etc.). But when I bought this album, the long face was on me. This 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 written by Russ Ballard, and recorded by Graham, 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!

Glen Sobel, Rob Rock, Chris Impellitteri, James Pulli

WICKED MAIDEN (2009) METAL HEAVEN

All that was askew in Impellitteri has now been straightened out. No more dabbling with modern elements (well, sort of, but more on that later). And powerhouse vocalist, Rob Rock, is back! 'Wicked Maiden' is the bands 9th studio album.

First of all, this is one impressive release! From get go you are sucked in by the power of the music. This has got to be the heaviest Impellitteri album to date. So with downtuned guitars, and today's production standards, this is one CD that screams METAL! Rob shines like he always does. And here he delivers his best non-solo album effort since, well... since he last was in Impellitteri. And Chris has really upped the ante, delivering scorching riffs, solos and licks throughout the entire record. The man is literally on fire here! Still the focus is on the songs, and the ever present sing-along choruses. The songs are rolling past with breathtaking ease, one by one, like pearls on a string. The speed doesn't decrease until "Eyes Of An Angel", and even that track is pretty stinkin' heavy. So there are no ballads on this CD. Thus the songs sound a tad samey. They are all great, but with very little variation.

I have a couple of complaints though. A little more variation in the pace of the music would have been nice. And I just can't see why a classic band like Impellitteri feel the need to modernize their sound. What was wrong with the melodic metal of 'Stand In Line' or 'Eye Of The Hurricane'? As it stands now, Impellitteri sounds like yet another Rob Rock project, and frankly as long as Rob has his solo career, everything else he does sort of pales in comparison. Chris and Rob should have focused more on recapturing the trademark Impellitteri sound instead.

However, these are minor complaints. Because I'm really enjoying the music on 'Wicked Maiden', and have been playing it non-stop since I bought it. And to be fair, Impellitteri's first EP, recorded in 1987 was of the same speedy variety as this 2009 release. This is one that will throne pretty high on the top 20 from 2009 list.

Killer tracks: The songs sound so much alike, I'll have to say all of them.

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, Chastain, Alice Cooper, Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P., Black Sabbath, White Lion, Dio, Malice, Alcatrazz, Fires Of Babylon