One of metal finest voices belongs to Rob Rock. He has been the voice in so many groups and on so many albums. Finally he releases something using his own name. Other bands he's been in, or sung with,  include M.A.R.S., Driver, Impellitteri, Axel Rudi Pell, Angelica, Joshua, Warrior, Avantasia and Powergod.

RAGE OF CREATION (2000) MASSACRE

I love just about everything this man have done before. And I'm pleased that his solo-album is another killer effort from Rob. Collaborating with Roy Z (Band Of Gypsies, Bruce Dickinson, Driver) seems to be a recipe for good albums, so I'm actually not surprised. From start to end you get killer melodic metal tunes, with Rob voice wailing over, and Roy's stylish guitar-playing. If you are familiar with Rob's other work, then I think you'll agree that this is a logical sound for him. There's even a rumor going that when Chris (Impelliteri, Rob's former band) heard this album, he kicked Rob out of the band! Well, that is about the best testimony this album can get. Also a guest on this album is Jake E. Lee (Badlands, Ozzy). Oh, must also add that "Eagle" is an ABBA cover.

Killer tracks: The Sun Will Rise Again, Judgment Day, All I Need, In The Night

EYES OF ETERNITY (2003) MASSACRE (Digi-pack)

I truly loved Rob Rock's first solo-album. Yet I didn't dare to have any high hopes for this one. Whether that paid out or not I'm not sure, but I'm pleased to announce this as one of my favorite records from 2003. Man, what a great bunch of songs. Roy Z is such a great musician, songwriter and producer, he seems somewhat like one who just can't fail. The pace has been turned up a notch from last time, making the band sound more European. Melodic power metal at it's best! But do not be afraid, Rob still delivers some of the best ballads around as well. From the catchy, anthem-like "Rock The Faith", to the awesome ballad "Beautiful Lady", 'Eyes Of Eternity' doesn't contain any dead center. 

I'm a bit puzzled though. The album contains a song called "Rage Of Creation", which was the title of his first album. And in the booklet his band is named Rage Of Creation, and they even have their own website. But the album does not say Rob Rock's Rage Of Creation, it only used Rob's name. What's the meaning of all this?

Killer tracks: All of them are great!

HOLY HELL (2005) AFM

Man, they did it again! Rob Rock, together with Roy Z, have managed to surpass their excellent 2003 release, 'Eyes Of Eternity'! Who needs Chris Impellitteri when you have Roy Z?!! 'Holy Hell' is stinkin' heavy, yet with lots of melody and hooks. "Slayer Of Souls" and "Holy Hell" are so darn heavy, they will blow the wax out of your ears! But we also know that Rob is a killer ballads writer too, and "I'll Be Waiting For You" (dedicated to his late father, I believe) may just be one of the finest ones he's ever put to CD. To be frank, this entire CD just smokes from beginning to end. This is what metal is all about. Add to this some of the most faith laden lyrics the man has ever written, and you have a perfect album in my book. Rob's band this time is an all-star line-up, including Carljohan Grimmark (Narnia, Saviour Machine), Andreas Olsson (Harmony, Narnia, Divinefire) and Bobby Jarzombek (Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, Riot, Halford). Also look out for guest appearances by Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia) on the ABBA cover, "Move On". Rob is also resurrecting some old classics here. "I'm A Warrior" was originally on the 'Driver' EP (Impellitteri also re-recorded it on 'Answer To The Master'), and "When Darkness Reigns" is a re-recording of "Fly Away" from the same 'Driver' EP. 2005 is looking to become an excellent year for metal, and if it hadn't been for so many other great CD's this year, I would have put 'Holy Hell' as a top 5 contender this year. Still, it will make an entry in the top 10 area of my top 20 list for 2005 releases.

Killer tracks: All of them!

  GARDEN OF CHAOS (2007) AFM

Has it been 2 years since 'Holy Hell' already? Man, time flies fast when you're getting older! Nevertheless, Rob Rock and crew are back with more melodic heavy metal. And as usual it's quality material we have at hand. The band is the same guys that backs up Christian Rivel in Narnia. They have been playing for Rob for quite a while now, and you can hear that these guys are tight, and "synchronized" as musicians. And although I don't think it is a necessity, it must still be good for Rob to work with such great musicians whom also share the man's faith. There are of course plenty of guests on this album too. Roy Z is a given, but also Gus G make a "comeback" with Rob on "Ride The Wind". Now, I'm not convinced that 'Garden Of Chaos' is a strong as 'Holy Hell', although it has way better production. But it holds the same high standard as all of the other albums you can hear Rob's voice on. And you gotta love the fact that he has recorded a pure metal anthem in "Metal Breed". So if you like your metal really heavy, borderline modern power metal, but yet with a lot of good melodies, then this album is for you. And what's not to like? I for one love the crunchy guitars, galloping drums and thunderous rhythm section! It will certainly make my top list of 2007 releases.

Killer tracks: Savior's Call, This Time Is The Last Time, Spirit In The Sky, Metal Breed, Millennial Reign

Rob Rock guest appearances:

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

Laudamus - 'Lost In Vain'

Roy Z guest appearances:

Steel Prophet - 'Dark Hallucinations'

Warrior - 'Ancient Future'

Warrior - 'The Code Of Life'

Tribuzy - 'Execution'

Carl Johan Grimmark guest appearances:

Sanctifica - 'Negative B'

Rob Rock - 'Eyes Of Eternity'

Divinefire - 'Glory Thy Name'

Divinefire - 'Hero'

Divinefire - 'Into A New Dimension'

Audiovision - 'The Calling'

Andreas Olsson guest appearances:

Veni Domine - 'Tongues'

Rick Renstrom guest appearances:

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

Related artists:

Impellitteri, Joshua, Angelica, Axel Rudi Pell, Warrior, Avantasia, Bruce Dickinson, Narnia, Divinefire, Wisdom Call, Harmony, Saviour Machine, Riot, Halford, Demons & Wizards, Grimmark, Flagship