Rob Rock
Garden of Chaos

March 2008
Released: 2007, Candlelight USA
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Rob Rock`s career is a storied one – most metal fans have heard his voice, even if they don`t know who it is. Dating back to the early `80s, Rob has been a part of a laundry list of famous metal groups and projects, whether it be Impellitteri, Warrior, Axel Rudi Pell, or M.A.R.S. (to name a few). His vocals are consistently the highlight of whatever album he`s a part of. Starting in 2000, Rob formed his own band. Their debut, RAGE OF CREATION, is still one of my favourite melodic metal records of the past 15 years or so. Unfortunately, I`d lost track of Rob`s work since then, missing out on his two subsequent releases. Therefore it was with great anticipation that I put GARDEN OF CHAOS into the player.

Simply put, GARDEN OF CHAOS delivers exactly what Rob Rock fans want: searing melodic metal with catchy melodies, with enough heft to be a worthy headbang. Top if off with Rob`s superlative vocals and you`ve got an easy winner. This time out Rob has an entirely new band at his disposal, comprised of members of power metal groups Wisdom Call and Narnia. Their experience shines through, as each song is a clinic of shiny-smooth heavy metal.

Most of the album maintains the heaviness, with the especially crunchy songs being the best: ``Savior`s Call”, “Only a Matter of Time”, and album highlight “Millenial Reign”. This last track in particular features an amazing vocal from Rob himself. All of this sounds like it adds up to the near-perfect metal album, but I have to dock a point for two dull, uninspired ballads – “Unconditional”, and “Ode to Alexander”.

Really, GARDEN OF CHAOS is simply another in a long line of great Rob Rock albums. If you`re a fan at all of melodic metal/power metal, definitely check this out.