Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Rob Rock's Eyes Of Creation - Eyes Of Eternity 2003 Massacre Records - Reviewed by EC

Track ListingRock The Earth Conqueror's Hymn Stranglehold Fields Of Fire You Know Eyes Of Eternity The Everlasting Rage Of Creation The Hour Of Dawn

Rob Rock has proven to be one of my favorite metal vocalists, with his work with bands such as Impellitteri, Warrior, Angelica, Project Driver, and Axel Rudi Pell always being near my top stack of arms reach metal. Think of the powerful pipes of Dio, Tony Martin, and the almost identical range of Racer X frontman Jeff Martin. Rob Rock decided to go at it on his own in 2000 with his first solo effort, "Rage Of Creation". That release was absolutely mind blowing, adding guests like Jake E. Lee to the party and writing some superb Floridian styled power metal. The followup is this year's "Eyes Of Eternity", with his band now called "Eyes Of Creation".

This album has some killer material, refining the already stellar sound of the first solo release. This go around Rob has aquired the services of axeman Rick Renstorm, who lays down some blasting sonic riffage here, especially on tracks like "Conquerors Hymn" with its European gallop and epic medieval chrous. The breakdown in that song is one of absolute wonder. How do they come up with this stuff? Opener "Rock The Earth" is pure German worship, with plenty of Kamelot styled keyboards to add the fantasy dimension.

Rob's vocals on "Stranglehold" are mesmerizing, serenading the listener with some apocalyptic styled lyrics very reminiscent of his work with Warrior on the album "Code Of Life". This type of album reminds me of the material that Shrapnel was releasing in the late 80s, that neo-classical shredding style made famous by bands like Apocrypha.

"Fields Of Fire" attempts to modernize things a bit, adding a groove-based riff throughout the track while "Eyes Of Eternity" hits the boards with pure 80s fire, with plenty of tight fast riffs and a catchy chorus that is almost inspirational with its positive songwriting. Closer "Hour Of Dawn" is a moody atmospheric piece that features several metal stars including some vocals by Cage singer Sean Peck. The pace quickens from Deep Purple rumblings to a Black Sabbath Neon Knights pace around the three minute mark. This man is a musical mastermind folks!

Excellent follow-up album considering how well done the fist solo effort was. I would really like to see Rob Rock venture out and do some more work with his prior bands, especially Colorado's Warrior. Check out his work with German band Powergod as well as Edguy side project Avantasia. The guy gets around!


--EC 12.05.03