Driver
[demo]
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This tape smokes! It is so far superior to practically every Christian metal release (barring only the classics) production-wise that's it's not even funny. Everything about this demo shreds: the band, the vocals, the songs...this is undoubtedly the best demo ever! Pretty hefty words for a worthy custom project, I know! "Warrior" starts this 5-song tape off with typical Christian metal soldier imagery: "I'm a soldier under His command." "Fly Away" and "Heart's On Fire" are two mega commercial hits with choruses of big-but-not-giant BGV's. The show-stopper of the tape is "Only Love Can Save Me Now", a passionate ripper that shows why Joshua shouted "Hallelujah!" when he joined that band a few years ago (and shows why he probably cried when he left). The song is structured eloquently, with fabulous picking by shred-monger Roy Z, and choice layers of keyboard swells by guest Greg Shultz. A friend who saw these guys live compare the band to Rising Force, of which I will have to agree. Roy Z is in a league with Yngwie. I've yet to hear him solo for 20 minutes, but he does make his guitar sing. The last song, "I Believe In Love", is a moving ballad about fantasizing about a woman on the silver screen. Maybe Rob Rock was once in love with Marilyn Monroe?! Brilliant tape. The only drawback for me is that it doesn't sound as good as the original version, which was manufactured for shopping to labels. This one seemed to take a lot of the high end out. For those keeping up with Rob's music, this material is heavier than Joshua, and much more "together" than the first Angelica album. This band is destined to be signed soon--or there is no justice in the recording industry. To order, send $6 (plus $2 postage) to: Worldwide Records, PO Box 406, Somersville CT 06072.