ROB ROCK - review added 22nd May 2009
Album Review: The Voice Of Melodic Metal - Live In Atlanta (2009)
For fans of: Metal... and Rob Rock's studio albums, obviously
Rob Rock, meekly described as the voice of melodic metal, releases his first live album... recorded, as the title suggests, live in Atlanta. The sound is remarkably well balanced and clear for, what is presumably, something ripped straight from the soundboard. The drums (Tracy Shell) and strings (CJ Grimmark, Andreas Passmark,
Peter Halgren) are as crisp as freshly sliced carrots.
Strangely, the part of the sound that comes across the worst is actually Rob's voice. He sounds up to his usual standard (if you like him normally you'll like him here, if you don't you won't) but there's a touch too much nasal resonance going on in many of the songs which detracts from the overall quality. It's more about the way the album has been mixed than any fault of Rob's, but it is noticeable.
Song wise, the album doesn't really get going until 'Rock The Earth', a track from his 2003 release, Eyes Of Eternity. The song is a lairy monster with particularly fast and impressive guitar work. 'Slayer Of Souls' from 2005's Holy Hell is as sensational as ever. It's amongst the finest songs Rob has ever put his vocals to. The fact they recreate it so well live is a testament to the talent on show at this September, 2008 gig.
'Judgment Day' is another fantastic song. Taken from his first album, the original version is good but isn't a patch on this one. Maybe he should re-record it on a future release? 'This Time Is The Last Time' is up there too, and closing song 'I Am A Warrior' is just incredible.
This is a good album, and the performances are as tight as a nun's knicker elastic, but for a live recording there's maybe an edge of sparkle missing. Most of the songs sound uncannily similar to their studio album counterparts. For me, a live album should not only be entertaining, it should add an extra dimension to the music. Rob Rock: The Voice Of Melodic Metal - Live In Atlanta doesn't. It's worth a listen, but if you've got the studio albums there's little that's new here (although the DVD version may be worth seeing!)
Check out... 'Judgment Day'
Track List:
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
Label: AFM Records
Artist's websites: Rob Rock , MySpace
