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ROB ROCK – EYES OF ETERNITY
2003 Massacre Records
Rob Rock has returned! Topping the great RAGE OF CREATION album is no easy task, but Rob has not only done that, he has topped the majority of albums ever released. EYES OF ETERNITY is easily the best album so far this year, but much more than that– it is also one of the best Metal albums EVER. It may take some time, but this album will be looked back on as a masterpiece one day. Rob has honed his craft and taken melodic Power Metal to the next level. Now everyone must try to keep up with him.

If you already know Rob Rock from his solo work, his singing for Impellitteri, or for one of his many guest performances with bands like Warrior or Axel Rudi Pell, then you know what to expect. If you have never heard his voice, then you are really missing out on who I think is the best vocalist working today. I also think he is getting better through the years. Each performance tops the one before it. Rob could be a complete egomaniac and surround himself with musicians who do whatever he tells them, but he has the good sense to listen to guys like Roy Z, the guitarist/producer behind recent successful albums by Bruce Dickinson, Helloween, and Rob Halford, just to name a few. He takes the music quality and production sound to a high level.

EYES OF ETERNITY opens with a real uplifting and fast-paced rocker called "Rock The Earth," check out the chorus:

"We will Rock the Earth, raise your voice, we must be heard
We will Rule the World, carry on, the metal flame"

Next is one of the best songs on the album called "Stranglehold." Total power and precision from all the musicians, but the drumming by Butch Carlson is outstanding! By the way, Butch has raised his game and turned in a great performance. The soaring "Ohhhhh" Rob unleashes at the end of the chorus will send chills up your spine. Next is the title track "Eyes of Eternity," a great tune that combines speed, melody and Rob's vocal hook. Next, "The Everlasting" proves no one can hang with Rob. My favorite track follows: "Rage of Creation," which was the title to Rob's last solo album. A mid-tempo headbanger that stays in your head for days. I love this song. Next is "Conquerer's Hymn," one of the more inspirational songs on the album. Great lyrics and message. "Fields of Fire" provides a mid-tempo pounder that features some cool doubled vocals and some serious backing vocals. Really, the whole album has some of the grandest vocals you'll ever hear. Next is "You Know," which is about something Rob went through recently. Check out the lyrics to see what it's about. "You Know" is an excellent song, but may be the weakest track on the album. I think Rob is trying for a vocal hook that doesn't quite work. The album ends with "The Hour of Dawn," which is simply an epic that must be heard to be believed! Clocking in at over 12 minutes in length, the song features guest solos by many of Metal's best guitarists, including Alex Argento, Jack Frost, Rick Renstrom, Tom Naumann, Axel Rudi Pell, Gus G, and Roy Z, among others. The German version features the bonus track "Beautiful Lady," which was the bonus track on RAGE OF CREATION also. The Japanese version is supposed to contain additional bonus tracks.

The CD comes in a digipak and the artwork is of the highest caliber. Marc Sasso (Dio) painted the cover, which is excellent. Full color booklet with lyrics and photos....what's not to love?? A professional job all the way around. Way to go Rob!

Highest recommendation....You must have this album!

DISCOGRAPHY:

RAGE OF CREATION (Massacre) 2000
EYES OF ETERNITY (Massacre) 2003
Click here to see Rob's Career Discography
Click here to buy EYES OF ETERNITY!