Welcome to the METAL FROM THE ROCK's UNOFFICIAL ROB ROCK WEBSITE @ ShoutLife, supporting Rob "The Voice Of Melodic Metal" Rock since August 19, 1997; o·rig·i·nal·ly located at www.angelfire.com/yt/triad.
The Official Rob Rock websites are: www.myspace.com/robrock1 and www.robrock.com
Buy merchandise from Rob Rock: Merch at www.zazzle.com/robrockmerch[
Visit The Official Rob Rock Store At: www. robrock.com]
THE LATEST NEWS:
[SEPTEMBER 17, 2009] Rob Rock states: "Progpowerusa X was a great time! Performing with Crimson Glory was a pleasure and we all had a blast playing tribute to Midnight.
There were many guests singers throughout the set as Rob performed "Lady of Winter" with Lance King and provided backing vocals for "Lonely" which was the encore song of the night.
Many thanks to all of our friends and fans who showed their love and support all weekend!"
[SEPTEMBER 04, 2009] Check out this new promo video for the new Rob Rock DVD:
Rob Rock will be appearing at ProgpowerUSAX on September 11 and 12, 2009 to promote his new DVD "The Voice of Melodic Metal" Live in Atlanta, which was recently released on AFM Records worldwide and Koch Entertainment in the USA.
The new DVD/CD combo package was filmed and recorded last year at Progpower IX.
Rob will do a signing session on Friday September 11th at 7:45 p.m at ProgpowerUSAX.
Rob will also be performing as a guest singer with Crimson Glory later on that night. There will be many guests singers for the Crimson Glory headlining set as we all celebrate the life and songs of the late singer Midnight.
Now available in the Official Rob Rock On-line store [www.robrock.com] is the Rob Rock Live DVD/CD package and new limited edition Rob Rock T-shirts!
[AUGUST 21, 2009] IMPELLITTERI "GARDEN OF EDEN" LIVE VIDEO (Courtesy of bozzasch):
[AUGUST 18, 2009] ROB ROCK "GARDEN OF CHAOS" LIVE VIDEO (Courtesy of metalfortheking):
[JUNE 13, 2009] HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROB!
MORE BIRTHDAYS . . . Two (2) in June and Two (2) in August!
It's a busy month for birthdays in Rob Rock's band: Rick Renstrom on June 09, ROB ROCK on June 29, Stephen Elder on August 15 and Tracy Shell on August 23.
Rob Rock Live @ The Haven Rock Club (Courtesy of "Rob")
[JUNE 05, 2009] Rob Rock's Live CD and CD/DVD package is released in Europe on AFM Records now as PAL version Region 0. The NTSC version Region 0 will release in the USA on July 28th on Regain/Koch label.
More Rob Rock "The Voice of Melodic Metal - Live in Atlanta" release info at:
CD - AFM Shop [http://shop.afm-records.de/index.php?mp=products&file=info&products_id=461&&OOSSID=c082eb63bcf4bd14868083916324d328];
CD/DVD package - AFM Shop [http://shop.afm-records.de/index.php?mp=products&file=info&products_id=462&]
Rob Rock - Live in Atlanta - CD also available on itunes.
Rob Rock will be singing at the Swedenrock Festival on June 6th with the IMPELLITTERI Band. Link: http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm
Rob Rock will also perform with the DRIVER Band on June 19th in Santa Ana CA and June 27th at the Bang Your Head Festival.
http://www.driverofficial.com/
http://www.galaxytheatre.com/
http://www.bang-your-head.de/
Rob Rock will perform a guest appearance with "Uli Jon Roth and friends" at the Galaxy Theatre on June 18th at his Sky Acadamy show! ULI JON ROTH & Friends with Special Guests: Steve Lukather (Toto Guitarist), Roy Z, Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake Guitarist), Mark Boals, Martin Motnik Rob Rock (Vocals), My Demyze / Taz Taylor Band. Link: http://www.galaxytheatre.com/
[JUNE 01, 2009] NEW IMPELLITTERI VIDEO CAPTURED LIVE IN CALIFORNIA FEATURING "THE KING IS RISING" AND "SPEED DEMON" [Courtesy of I Am A Viking]:
May 15th 2009 Impellitteri played Paladinos
[MAY 29, 2009] HERE'S A FEW REVIEWS ON ROB ROCK'S THE VOICE OF MELODIC ROCK: LIVE IN ATLANTA CD/DVD:
The new live Rob Rock album is also available on iTunes so if you don't want to wait for the CD release you can already get it at iTunes. It sounds amazing and I am surprised on how well Tracy Shell played being a last minute addition to the band. Link: http://www.apple.com/search/downloads/?q=rob+rock+Live+in+atlanta
1. By BW&BK/BraveWords.com:
"The counterpart to the DVD filmed last fall at ProgPower USA, this is a 11 song, career spanning retrospective by one of the (sadly) overlooked vocal giants in the genre. Luckily, we caught him on the strength of perhaps his two strongest albums (certainly back-to-back releases): Holy Hell and Gardens Of Chaos. The set included three from the first disc (including his oft covered, rousing closer/anthem, 'I'm A Warrior') and four from the latter. Bearing personal witness to said show, captures most of the high-energy performance, including the between song banter and crowd applause/screams. Only the power ballad 'In The Night' slows things down, sounding like what it is, a tail end of the 80s leftover. Throughout the disc guitarist Carljohn Grimmark shows his prowess, adding to the aforementioned ballad, as well as wielding a killer six string on the likes of 'Metal Breed', 'Slayer Of Souls' and gritty 'Only A Matter Of Time'. 'Judgment Day', with its abrupt change midway through its 6:25 length, offers a different (more modern?) take on Rock's repertoire. 'Savior's Call' produces the quickest audience recognition and response. The rare domestic show, in front of a large, appreciative crowd was as good for Rock as it was his fans and he repeatedly (whole heartedly) thanks them all. Plans call for this disc to be available separately, and alongside the visual accompaniment. In either (both?) format, pick it up!"
Mark Gromen [8]
2. By MTUK METAL ZINE: http://www.metalteamuk.net/apr09reviews/cdreviews-robrocklive.htm
"This album was recorded at the Prog Power Festival in Atlanta last September and features a comprehensive set list of the back catalogue of one of the most respected and talented singers in this genre. Pigeon-holed as Melodic Power Metal, Rob and his band belt out some fine tunes to the appreciative audience.
I have to openly admit, I am not a huge fan of live albums with one or two notable exceptions from the late 1970's and 1980's, but this recording gives the listener a good idea of what they can expect from the Rob Rock live experience. Featuring 11 tracks, both from his solo efforts and the Driver album, Rob gets right up there in the vocal range and hits some notes other singers would only dream of. The overall production of the album is fairly good, it does not sound as if its been beefed up or fiddled with, this appears to be the raw live experience. 'Garden of Chaos' powers the set list from the start, strong power metal riffage is in abundance along with the many guitar fills associated with almost virtuoso metal. You can tell that later in the set some parts of the vocals get a little lost, but then this is what live music is all about, its not clinically produced like in the studio sometimes and the opening to the crowd pleasing song 'Rock the Earth' is firing on all cylinders and surely would make people's hair fly around. The vocal melodies compliment the music perfectly and feel effortless in parts with all the epic moments associated with some Iced Earth tunes.
One of my stand out songs 'Judgement Day' has all the crowd reaction you would expect to hear, the tracks flows well and is just made pure and simple for the live arena. Guitarists Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia) and counterpart Peter Halgren produce some wonderful guitar work and the drumming of Tracy Shell backs up this wonderful package of a talented band. Closing track is the absolute classic Driver tune 'I'm A Warrior'; this does sound good and completes the show perfectly.
There is not much more to say, it's an accomplished live album as far as live albums go, any rare UK & European live shows with this band should surely not be missed. Rob Rock is one of the masters of the vocals as an instrument, and there is no sign of this man stopping his relentless talent."
3. By LORDS OF METAL E-ZINE: http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=13821&lang=en
"Those of you who sometimes take the effort to read my small epistles, will know that I'm quite a fan of the American vocalist Rob Rock, who both in a group situation (MARS, Driver, Joshua, Warrior, Impellitteri, Fires Of Babylon to name a few) as well as under his own name managed to deliver some high quality products. And this live record 'The Voice Of Melodic Rock - Live In Atlanta' fits seamlessly in that list of quality releases. Despite of the fact that the title of the record sounds quite arrogant, mister Rock proves in eleven songs recorded at the Progpower festival in America that he's still one of the most powerful and diverse heavy metal singers around.
Also the song material that's offered here is like sweet candy: the fast and furious 'Garden Of Chaos' (with excellent guitar work of CJ Grimmark), 'Judgment Day', 'Metal Breed' or 'I'm A Warrior' are all there in mighty fine versions. On top of this the record is also sound-wise up to today's standards and with that in mind you'll understand that there are no limitations at all to get this piece of live music.
'The Voice Of Melodic Metal - Live In Atlanta' can also be obtained as DVD with much interesting bonus material like among others like recordings from 1991 and 2000 and rehearsal material from 1987. Unfortunately I only got the promo version of the CD, but on the basis of what I've heard there I'm certainly going to get the DVD version as well"
4. By Metal-Temple.com: http://metal-temple.com/review.asp?id=3776
"A live release is about putting the CD in, pressing "play" and kinda move to the venue together with the rest of the people that you hear yelling, singing along and clapping their hands. As if by magic, with the hearing of a live release, your room becomes full of people. In September 27th, 2008 Rob Rock gave a show in Atlanta, which was recorded and will be released end of May in CD and DVD by AFM Records.
Rob Rock, the voice of melodic Power Metal, lead singer of IMPELLITTERI, M.A.R.S who has participated also in AXEL RUDI PELL and AVANTASIA, since 2000 has followed a solo career and released four albums. This live CD includes tracks from his solo career. The sound is quite clear and gives the impression of an actual studio album as you become aware of the presence of the crowd only in the end of each song. Yeap, it is like studio tracks stuffed with some crowd factor in the end.
Comparing the sound to studio work indicates that the vocals of Rob Rock are holding nice lines without making mistakes. Also, the guitar and percussion has a fat sound, which is ideal for metal. For the specific release, one can forget that this is a 'live' CD and by no means purchase it as a Rob Rock best of collection. Yes the sound is that good, yet so sterile in a way. So, the fans of melodic metal, even if they know little of Rob Rock's solo career, have the chance to absorb the best songs of his four solo albums and enjoy an excellent sound in a live release. Go for it!"
[MAY 16, 2009] NEW IMPELLITTERI PICTURES UPLOADED:
More at:
www.myspace.com/robrockonline
www.myspace.com/jacobswellfarmhaus
[MAY 14, 2009] FEATURED REVIEW: IMPELLITTERI "WICKED MAIDEN" by MelodicRock.com:
"Finally an album that delivers exactly what was expected and hoped of it! And finally a ball-busting album with grooves big enough to damage ear drums.
Impellitteri doesn't reinvent the wheel here, but rather the star guitarist reunites with the original (and the best singer) he worked with in Rob Rock and turns back the clock to give fans the best and most traditional sounding Impellitteri album since the metal masterpiece Answer To The Master.
The performances are golden - Rob sounds amazing fronting the band again and Chris Impellitteri is simply all over this record with riffs, flurries and solos everywhere.
But most importantly, the songs are there. The last album showed promise, but experimentation with style put some fans off. This time it is all classic Impellitteri. Back to the 80s, back to the classic sound and style, but never is it dated.
Just big riffs, screaming vocals, harmony vocals in all the right places and some genuinely catchy choruses.
Albums like these do have the tendency to sound very similar from track to track, but I'm pleased to say that almost every track here has its own feel within the traditional Impellitteri framework. Wicked Maiden features Rob Rock at his screaming best and guitar flurries everywhere. Last Of A Dying Breed is simply brutal and Weapons Of Mass Destruction is snappy and ear crushing.
Garden Of Eden and High School Revolution is like the mid-80s...
There isn't a second on this album which isn't full of energy and delivering melodic metal in the most positive light.
The Bottom Line:
It sounds big, it's played big and it delivers big. The band's best album since Answer To The Master and once again these guys show how metal is done."
Over-All: 93%
Songs: 92%
Sound: 94%
[APRIL 19, 2009] ROB ROCK NEW DVD/CD COMING ON MAY 2009:
ROB ROCK's September 27, 2008 performance at the ProgPower USA IX festival at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia was recorded/filmed for a live CD/DVD release,"The Voice Of Melodic Metal - Live In Atlanta", due on May 22, 2009 via AFM Records for Europe and July 28th via Regain/Koch for the USA.
This is Rob's first official DVD release since the "voice of melodic metal" began his 20-year singing career and it includes selections from current and past bands, tours, rehearsals and concert footage that has been previously unreleased.
The DVD also includes a career spanning biography/discography history retrospective from the 25 albums Rock has recorded. This is also Rob's first-ever live CD and includes the complete concert featuring song performances from his four highly acclaimed solo albums.
The track listing is as follows:
01. Garden Of Chaos
02. First Winds Of The End Of Time
03. Rock The Earth
04. In The Night
05. Slayer Of Souls
06. Judgment Day
07. Only A Matter Of Time
08. This Time Is The Last Time
09. Savior's Call
10. Metal Breed
11. I'm A Warrior
Rob's band for the ProgPower concert consists of the following musicians:
CJ Grimmark (Narnia) - Guitar
Andreas Passmark (Divinefire, Narnia) - Bass
Peter Halgren - Guitar
Tracy Shell - Drums
Rob Rock - Vocals
[APRIL 18, 2009] DRIVER BAND UPDATE:
Driver announces their first concert dates in Los Angeles and Germany in June. Driver will play the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, CA on Friday June 19th with Warrior and Leatherwolf. Driver will perform at the famous Bang Your Head festival in Balingen Germany on Saturday June 27, 2009.
[APRIL 17, 2009] IMPELLITTERI BAND UPDATE:
Impellitteri will play several warm up shows in Los Angeles in May in preparation for their performance at Swedenrock 2009. The first warm up show is Friday May 15th at Palladinos in Tarzana California at 11:30 pm. The location is 6101 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana California. The band will run through their entire set in preparation for their first European festival gig.
The Impellitteri band will perform on the main stage opening for Journey, Dream Theater, and Heaven and Hell on Saturday June 6th, at Swedenrock. The group consists of Chris Impellitteri, Rob Rock, Glenn Sobel, Ed Roth, and James Pulli.
The Impellitteri Band will also tour Japan in July 2009, performing in Osaka and Tokyo. The band will then embark on a full world tour in support of their new record Wicked Maiden.
[MARCH 26, 2009] Driver will perform at the Bang Your Head Festival in Germany on Saturday June 27th, 2009. The Saturday afternoon set will be the fourth slot of the day, just before the band Tesla. Driver will feature songs from the Sons of Thunder album as well as a few other surprises!
[MARCH 06, 2009] CHECK OUT THE NEW IMPELLITTERI VIDEO "LAST OF A DYING BREED":
Last Of A Dying Breed / IMPELLITTERI
[FEBRUARY 28, 2009] IMPELLITTERI'S "WICKED MAIDEN" MUSIC VIDEO CREATED BY ROCKANDJESUS:
[FEBRUARY 01, 2009] IMPELLITTERI TO PERFORM AT SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL:
IMPELLITTERI are officially confirmed to play the Sweden Rock Festival in June 2009.
Audience capacity is 35,000 people and the band will bring a full blown arena stage set to the venue.
Impellitteri will play between a 75-90 minute set. The performance will feature new music from the anticipated 2009 release of "Wicked Maiden" and the classic songs. The Impellitteri shred fest tour will begin in summer and will be worldwide.
[JANUARY 31, 2009] IMPELLITTERI MUSIC VIDEO
IMPELLITTERI will shoot a major budget music video for Wicked Maiden on February 4, 2009 with Director John Logdson who directed the previous Def Leppard Video. The video will be a performance piece.
[JANUARY 18, 2009] DRIVER WEBSITE LAUNCHED:
Driver has launched their website at: www.driverofficial.com
driverofficial.com is going to provide a link between the band and the fans. Here you will find the latest news and information about Driver. Plus a chance for you to be a part of this website by sending your reviews, comments, photos with the band and questions.
The new CD "Sons of Thunder" is now available in the USA as a DIGIPAK and as DOWNLOADS right in the Driver's Official Store at www.driverofficial.com/store.htm
[JANUARY 15, 2009] Impellitteri welcome all new fans and friends to their first official MySpace Page at www.myspace.com/impellitteriofficialsite
[JANUARY 02, 2009] ROB ROCK COMMENTS ON NEW IMPELLITTERI ALBUM:
A message from Rob reads: "Happy New Year to you all! I am officially once again fronting the heavy metal band Impellitteri. There has been speculation of whether I am a member or not, so I am here to state that Impellitteri is officially re-formed with Rob Rock as the lead singer, and we have every intention of building a future for the band. We will be touring and exploring every possible venue to build the band into an international brand. We look forward to making many records in the future and look forward to touring as many countries as possible. Our first release titled "Wicked Maiden" will be released in late January starting with Japan, followed by Europe, and then the United States. The record is pure metal with screaming vocals, shredding guitar solos, killer rhythm section, and a fat production. Wicked Maiden was mixed in Vancouver Canada by Greg Reely, and mastered by George Marino!! I am sure that all the fans of the classic Rob and Chris "Impellitteri" albums will be very pleased with our new release - "Wicked Maiden".
2009 is looking to be an active year for me as I resurrect my role in "Impellitteri", and the "Rob Rock" solo band releases a live DVD later in 2009, and the "Driver" group performs at the "Bang Your Head" festival in June. These activities come at a time when the economy worldwide is in turmoil and I am extremely grateful to all of the music lovers out there that continue to support my creativity. Cheers to all of you, and have a happy and blessed New Year!"
[DECEMBER 26, 2008] RETROACTIVE RECORDS TO ISSUE FIRES OF BABYLON:
Retroactive Records is set to release the self-titled debut album by all-Star heavy metal band FIRES OF BABYLON. Already released in Europe, the album is only available as a pricey import. The USA release date is Tuesday January 27th, 2009.
[DECEMBER 24, 2008] Fireworks Magazine - The Melodic Rock Magazine - MelodicRock.com Issue 34 Out Now. Feature Interviews: Driver, Richie Blackmore, Jeff Scott Soto, Bob Catley, Michael Schenker, The Bangles, Uriah Heep, REO Speedwagon, Tony Harnell, Backyard Babies, Quireboys, Eden's Curse, Black Stone Cherry, Spock's Beard, Glyder, Sinner, Todd Rundgren, Venice, Crown of Thorns, Serenity, Edgar Winter and more. Plus a free CD which features the best in new melodic hard rock including the Driver song "I Am a Warrior".
[DECEMBER 10, 2008] The new IMPELLITTERI album is now called "WICKED MAIDEN". Release date on February 25, 2009.
[December 03, 2008] DRIVER FEATURED ON COVER OF HM MAGAZINE:
The new issue of Heaven's Metal Fanzine [Oct/Nov 2008 Issue #77] is out. It features Rob Rock and Driver. Plus a featured article, CD review and live review.
The DRIVER USA DIGIPAK releases December 12th. Visit www.driverofficial.com on December 12th for the new "Sons of Thunder" USA Digipak CD. Music Downloads, Retail and wholesale orders will be available, just in time for Christmas! Also get news, concert information, biography and photos of the Driver band. Coming soon - Special Limited Edition (SIGNED by Rob & Roy) Digipak orders and Driver T-shirts.
[November 25, 2008] DRIVER CONFIRMED TO PLAY AT BANG YOUR HEAD FESTIVAL 2009:
DRIVER are happy to announce the confirmation to play 2009's Bang Your Head Festival on 26th/27th of June which will be as usual held in Balingen, Germany. Also on the bill will appear Blind Guardian, U.D.O., Y&T, Ross The Boss, Hardcore Superstar and many more. For more infos about the festival, please visit www.bang-your-head.de
[November 03, 2008] DRIVER'S SONS OF THUNDER RANKS 2ND FOR NEH RECORDS OVERALL TOP 30 BEST SELLERS - SEPTEMBER 2008:
NEH Records, the largest online music store in North America specializing in AOR / Melodic Rock, has reported that Driver new album "Sons Of Thunder" ranked No. 2 in their Top 30 Best Sellers. Please note that the debut album was released on September 26 via Metal Heaven.
DRIVER - Sons of Thunder CD was also released on October 22 in Japan on King Records. This release features two extra bonus tracks exclusively for Japan. (These rare bonus tracks are original 4-track demos).
The DRIVER USA version will be a special Digipak edition released this month from the official website - www.driverofficial.com. Downloads will also be made available from the official site which launches this month. Selections from the CD can also be heard at www.myspace.com/driverofficial
It is noteworthy to quote Angelic Warlord review on the album, "I would like to close by stating it is the crime of the century that Driver never signed a deal back in the day. You would think that someone in A&R at a major label, having heard the groups demo, would have the foresight to understand that if given the right push Driver had the potential to sell 5 million records (or more)"
[October 08, 2008] NEW PICTURE OF THE ROB ROCK BAND ON STAGE IN ATLANTA - PROGPOWER USA 2008 [Courtesy of CJ Grimmark]:
[October 04, 2008] NEW ROB ROCK LIVE VIDEOS TAKEN AT THE HAVEN IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2008. WARM UP SHOW FOR PROGPOWER IX PERFORMANCE [Courtesy of drmetal8]:
"IN THE NIGHT" Live Video:
"METAL BREED" Live Video:
[September 23, 2008] NEW DRIVER CD RELEASE DATES:
Driver "Sons of Thunder" cd will be released October 22, 2008 in the USA (as a special edition digipak) and in Japan (with 2 exclusive bonus original 4-track demos added to the end of the cd).
[September 19, 2008] NEW DRIVER PHOTOS UPLOADED:
[September 01, 2008] ROB ROCK "GARDEN OF CHAOS" US TOUR UPDATE:
Due to unforseen circumstances and logistics, Uli Kusch will not be able to perform with the Rob Rock band. His replacement is none other than Tracy Shell, Rob Rock's Rage of Creation drummer 2000-2003.
[August 27, 2008] LIVE VIDEO COMPILATION OF ROB ROCK'S TOURING BAND PLAYING LIVE FEATURING HANK COFFEY, RICK RENSTROM & STEPHEN ELDER TAKEN FROM SHOWS IN EUROPE AND USA:
[August 16, 2008] NEW ROB ROCK & RICK RENSTROM TRACK UPLOADED:
"You & I" at Rick Renstrom @ www.shoutlife.com/rickrenstrom
[August 15, 2008] NEW PHOTOS FROM ROCK ROCK'S CONCERT IN PUERTO RICO ON DECEMBER 06, 2002 AT EL TEATRO IN THE CITY OF SAN JUAN COURTESY OF METAL PSYCHO MADMAN:
[August 13, 2008] ROB ROCK "GARDEN OF CHAOS" US TOUR:
The Rob Rock band will play three US shows in September, including a live CD/DVD shoot in Atlanta GA at the Progpower USA festival.
The band will include Drummer powerhouse ULI KUSCH (Masterplan, Helloween), Guitarist/producer CJ Grimmark (Narnia) , Bassist Andreas Olsson Passmark (DivineFire, Narnia), guitarist Peter Halgren and vocalist Rob Rock (Driver, Impellitteri, M.A.R.S.).
The DVD/Live CD is planned for a 2009 release on AFM Records.
There will be two warm-up shows in Central Florida, one at The Haven in Orlando on September 24th (with Luna Dementia, Vio7 and Dirrty Harry), and one at Bourbon Street in Tampa/St. Pete area (with Andromeda and Vio7).
Stay tuned to www.robrock.com for further details.
[August 06, 2008] READ THE LONGEST OF PROGPOWER USA IX INTERVIEWS AND ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ROB ROCK:
[July 17, 2008] DRIVER NEW ALBUM "SONS OF THUNDER" OUT ON SEPTEMBER:
Reunited '80s melodic heavy rock band DRIVER - featuring powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock and acclaimed guitarist/producer Roy Z will release its debut album, "Sons Of Thunder", on September 26 via Metal Heaven.
Mat Sinner of Primal Fear reported in www.matsinner.com: "I've been busy in the studio . . . I've recorded for my friends Roy Z and Rob Rock's forthcoming "DRIVER" project. It seems again a wonderful album from these outstanding talents! You have to check it out, when the album will be released later this year!"
DRIVER issued a widely circulated five-song cassette EP demo in 1990 that garnered the band a dedicated worldwide following as well as attained cult status as one of the most underrated hard rock acts of its time. Since then, Rock and Roy Z have forged ahead to garner long successful careers in the music business. 2008 saw the reunion of the band which resulted in the recordings of the aforementioned CD.
Some have asked - "As for "I'm A Warrior", wasn't it on the original album? If so, how could they skip it now?"
ROB ROCK Response: "EXACTLY RIGHT! If people actually listen to the song, they will notice small differences in every version, both in technical recording, lyrics, vocal performance and guitar performance. Definitely for collectors and those who missed out getting a bootleg copy of the original demo. The whole idea of this album is to properly release the original demo songs, as well as new material and bring it home to the fans that have demanded it over the years. Driver is our gift to our fans, Please enjoy it! I am very happy with the album and I'm sure you will be too."
[June 20, 2008] STUDIO UPDATE:
Rob Rock will be busy for two weeks with the IMPELLITTERI and DRIVER mixes and the making of DRIVER booklet. Bob Rossi has been enlisted to work with vocal icon Rob Rock and Roy Z on the DRIVER project, with vocals scheduled to be recorded at Digital Balance Studios. DRIVER was one of the top acts in Los Angeles during the heights of hard rock in the late 1980's. The forthcoming CD will feature re-recorded versions of songs written by Roy Z and Rob Rock. The 1989 DRIVER EP will be finally turned into a brand new full album for this year release.
[June 01, 2008] BUSY MONTH FOR BIRTHDAYS:
Happy birthday to Bob Rossi on June 01, Rick Renstrom on June 09 and ROB ROCK on June 29.
[May 11, 2008] ROB ROCK APPEARED ON THE NEW AREA51 ALBUM:
Japanese melodic metallers AREA51 released their second album "Daemonicus" on March 5 in Japan, and on March 12 through the iTunes Store, with distribution in 22 countries. The CD features a guest appearance by singer Rob Rock, who is singing in the last track "Lord Knows". In this 16 and a half minute song, with lots of intricate changes, Rob has shown his versatile abilities and many of his approaches to singing.
[May 10, 2008] ROB ROCK IS OFFICIALLY BACK IN IMPELLITTERI:
Rob Rock is currently in the studio recording vocals for the new Impellitteri CD titled "Good and Evil". Rob reunites with long time friend and guitarist Chris Impellitteri for their first collaberation together since the Impellitteri "Crunch" album. The new record titled "Good and Evil" is being mixed in Vancouver with Greg Reely (Devil Driver, Fear Factory, etc..). This album will bring back some of the classic Rob Rock/Chris Impellitteri sounds of Screaming Symphony/Answer to the Master/Eye of the Hurricane along with some new sounds as well. According to Chris Impellitteri "this is by far the most amazing recording he have been involved with". It is filled with amazing riffs, fast shredding solos, screaming vocals, and of course a brutal rhythm section. Impellitteri "Good and Evil" is an attempt to rival the best. And now for all of the patient fans --- ROB ROCK is officially back in the band.
[April 26, 2008] PROGPOWER USA IX IS NOW SOLD OUT!
Rob Rock will be playing the Progpower USA Festival in Atlanta, Georgia on September 27, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Keep an eye out for Central Florida shows in September for Rob Rock and his Swedish band!
[April 25, 2008] FIRES OF BABYLON released its debut album on April 25 via Metal Heaven. It is a "classic 1980's-style, shredding U.S. heavy metal" recording project. Their line-up is one of highly skilled and lauded musicians, including guitarist Lou St. Paul (WINTERS BANE), vocalist Rob Rock, bassist Kelly Conlon (ex DEATH), and drummer Robert Falzano (ANNIHILATOR).
Rob wrote all of the vocal melodies and lyrics and recorded his performances here in Orlando. The lyrics are Christian based and deal with lyrical themes about relationships, struggles and triumphs, political commentary, and Biblical world views."
THE HISTORY OF THE VOICE OF MELODIC METAL:
ROB ROCK is a seasoned vocalist, whose electrifying gut-level singing burned this band's name into the brains of metalheads all over the world and Rob's superb songwriting capabilities sets the record straight on where his interests lie-heavy metal with incredible melodies and perfect sonics. Impellitteri's bassist James Amelio Pulli said "I got chills listening to Rob sing. Rob always gives his all whether it's live, studio, or just rehearsals." Rob recorded numerous studio albums with a number of great guitarists including Bob Rossi, Jason Scott, Chris Impellitteri, Rick Renstrom, Carljohan Grimmark, Joshua Perahia, Dennis Cameron, Tony MacAlpine, Roy Z, and Axel Rudi Pell. Rob Rock soars out songs with high energy, knee-bending, hand-shaking, head-twisting, heavy metal music with the power and glory of God.
When the young and talented musician Rob Rock started his musical career he could never ever guess on how many roads his life would lead him.
Rob somehow has always been a hard travelling man. A lot of things he has tried, with a lot of musicians he has worked together and though he is always been himself. His voice, his way of feeling music, his personality has never changed in all those years.
Cutting his teeth in the New England rock club circuit in the mid-eighties, Rock honed his musical talent with his bands TANGRAM, ROBERT ALLAN BAND, and VICE, performing covers and original songs full time as he pursued his dreams.
Started his musical career in 1979 with TANGRAM: Rob Rock (drums), John Heiser (vocals), John Liquori (guitar), Gary Smith (keyboards) and Jan Dudek (bass).
TANGRAM had subsequent guitarists: Mike Pelangio (1980) and Dave Pine (1981).
TANGRAM turned into ROBERT ALLAN BAND (RAB) in 1983 with Rob Rock (vocals), Jan Dudek (bass), Gary Smith (keyboards), Jay Martin (drums) and Dave Main (guitar). RAB turned to VICE in 1984 with Chris Impelliteri on guitar.
Rob Rock and Chris Impellitteri toured throughout the Northeast in the United States of America.
In 1986, he joined musicians Tony MacAlpine (guitar), Tommy Aldridge (drums), and Rudy Sarzo (bass) in a project called M.A.R.S. Project Driver. It proved to be the foundation for all his efforts thereafter. The project received much critical praise, but the next year each member went a different way.
With different ways to follow, ROB ROCK decided to record an EP with IMPELLITTERI in 1987 under Polytour Records.
However, ROB ROCK was already committed to another project of the band JOSHUA, so he could not continue with the band (at least for the moment).
RCA caught wind of the band JOSHUA and in 1988 put them in the studio with mega-hit producer Dieter Dierks. With Rob Rock to the line-up, JOSHUA recorded what countless metal/hard rock critics called the best melodic metal album of all time, "Intense Defense." Unfortunately, it did not get the label support it deserved here in the United States, but throughout Europe and Asia it was very successful.
ROB ROCK WITH JOSHUA LIVE IN THE STUDIO (1988):
Although the band JOSHUA tried hard to crossover into the mainstream American market, it seemed that they were popular in the Christian market, but only had success in the secular markets overseas. The band toured throughout Europe in support of the album, playing arenas in front of crowds in excess of 40,000 people. The band's success overseas was highlighted with JOSHUA earning 11 Gold albums in various countries other than the States. The "Intense Defense" line-up was short lived however, so Joshua regrouped under the moniker Jaguar with singer Robin Kyle Basauri.
As a favor to KEN TAMPLIN, ROB ROCK recorded an album with DENNIS CAMERON's ANGELICA in 1989.
ROB ROCK left JOSHUA and together with ROY Z went in to form Rob's own band DRIVER in 1990.
As a vocal-sessionist, one of his notable work is with AXEL RUDI PELL's "NASTY REPUTATION" in 1991.
ROB ROCK finally rejoined CHRIS IMPELLITTERI in 1991.
And they recorded several Impellitteri albums: GRIN AND BEAR IT in 1992; VICTIM OF THE SYSTEM in 1993; ANSWER TO THE MASTER in 1994; SCREAMING SYMPHONY in 1996; FUEL FOR THE FIRE in 1997; EYE OF THE HURRICANE in 1997 and FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF LIGHT IN 2002.
IMPELLITTERI LIVE IN SIBUYA ON AIR EAST, TOKYO, JAPAN: "RAT RACE" (July 14, 1998)
Rob's first solo album "Rage of Creation", was released in 2000 to rave reviews and a strong reaction from the industry. "Rob Rock" was voted "Best Metal Act" by both the People's Music Awards and the Orlando Metal Awards in 2001 in their home State of Florida.
In 2002, Rob Rock was voted "Best Metal Vocalist" by the Orlando Music Awards.
ROB ROCK 2000 PROMOTIONAL VIDEO: "STREETS OF MADNESS" (From the album "Rage Of Creation)
In 2003, Rock released his second solo album "Eyes of Eternity", followed by many appearances worldwide including the 2003 Bang Your Head Festival in Germany and a tour of Japan in January 2004. This album again featured Roy Z as co-songwriter and producer and received an avalanche of positive reviews and accolades.
2005 saw the release of his third solo album "HOLY HELL" on AFM Records as Rob Rock was on tour in Europe.
The fifteen date, eight country tour was a great success and other concerts on the 2005 Holy Hell Tour included the "SwedenRock" Festival, "Metalfest" Germany, and "Elements of Metal Festival" in Switzerland.
Thereafter, Rob Rock came out with power-driven metal cd called "Garden of Chaos."
In line with the promotions of the album, The "Rob Rock" touring band (2008) features: Carl Johan Grimmark on lead guitar/backing vocals, Andreas Olsson on bass guitar/backing vocals, Daniel Hall on lead guitar, Andreas Johansson on drums, and Rob Rock on lead vocals. Grimmark and Olsson are best known for their previous recordings with "Narnia" and "Saviour Machine" (Grimmark) and "Stormwind/Divinefire" (Olsson). Daniel Hall is from the band "Platitude" and Andreas Johansson hails from "Narnia".
Rob Rock has also lent his voice to the Randy Rhoads tribute released in 2000 and to countless other projects through his career like Avantasia, Axel Rudi Pell, Petra's Unseen Power, Edguy, Powergod, Laudamus, Mistheria and Rick Renstrom.
ROB ROCK's achievements and notable works which produced more or less 30 albums within a period of 22 years is highly commendable and judging his works, ROB ROCK is without a doubt the greatest vocalist in the land.
