Rob Rock

It's arrived! Garden Of Chaos (with the USA/European artwork) has arrived at my door and with 11 tracks (I was only expecting 10!)

It's not as instantly playable as Holy Hell as that just blew me away - especially Slayer Of Souls, Lion Of Judah and Move On. But it's still a great album. Musically it's pretty similar to Rage Of Creation and Eyes Of Eternity, but where it does pick up from those is in the lyrics.

The lyrics are pretty much Rob's most openly Christian, which to my eyes (and ears) can only be a good thing.

Yes, it's not as heavy, and yes it's not as listenable as Holy Hell, but it's still a great release that will probably grow on me from day to day. (And to be honest, Holy Hell grew on me for a couple of months until I realised it was Robs best album to date, so maybe Garden will do the same......................)

Glad I've got it!

Fundy

Waiting till the mailman delivers mine Fundy.

Give Garden about 6 spins and then decide. I was kinda like you at first listen, but now it is my favorite RR album. It is very agressive musically as you let it soak in. Lyrically, I was just blown away by this album. Garden is a very good blend of all of Rob's previous albums. The guitar work is outstanding and the drumming is better than any other of Rob's albums.

Lucky Dog!

Interesting to here I wasn't the only one who actually liked the song "Move On" from Holy Hell.

Staybrite wrote:

Lucky Dog!

Interesting to here I wasn't the only one who actually liked the song "Move On" from Holy Hell.

I love Move On! Great song! As for the new album there are several great songs on it but if I had to choose, Holy Hell is still the better of the two.

"Move On" is ok, but I usually hit the skip button on that one when I'm in the truck.

The intro of "Calling Angels" is my away message on my cell phone.
My kids won't call me anymore now

avdb11 wrote:

The intro of "Calling Angels" is my away message on my cell phone.
My kids won't call me anymore now

That's funny, I was using the intro to "Calling Angels" as my ringtone, until I recently got a new phone.

Staybrite wrote:

Lucky Dog!

Interesting to here I wasn't the only one who actually liked the song "Move On" from Holy Hell.

I love that song! Its one of my favorites on Holy Hell.

I wish GoC didn't cost so much. I am very anxious for the American release.

Follower of Jesus wrote:

I wish GoC didn't cost so much. I am very anxious for the American release.

Me too, on both accounts.

I'll be patient. I know it will be my #1 pick for the year, though.

I really thought that the albums released outside of Japan wouldn't have the bonus track on "Ride The Wind", but I'm so pleased the one I has does! I think if that song wasn't there then the album wouldn't have a very good closing, as the last two tracks would both be ballads.

Savior's Call is my favourite song at the moment.

Fundy

Fundy wrote:

I really thought that the albums released outside of Japan wouldn't have the bonus track on "Ride The Wind", but I'm so pleased the one I has does! I think if that song wasn't there then the album wouldn't have a very good closing, as the last two tracks would both be ballads.

Savior's Call is my favourite song at the moment.

Fundy

That's it just keep rubbing it in, even though you know none of us here in the states have it yet.
Keep this up, and I give you a flaming you won't soon forget.

This is an excellent cd! Each song is killer and solid. Metal anthems with huge choruses and massive catchy hooks. I honestly wasn't expecting to like this album this much. Maybe setting the bar a bit lower this time around helped it achieve the status it seems to be enjoying with me right now. I know that it will most certainly land in my top 10 this year and that is no easy task considering what an amazing year it's been for metal recordings. I also think that bringing in some additional musicians and writers (besides Roy Z) helped a bit. I hope Rob continues on this track. The album is slightly heavier in parts than anything he has done before yet without sacrificing any melody or memorability. For those who enjoy the Christian aspect of Rob's past works you won't be dissapointed as the lyrics contain bold references to Jesus and salvation.

lol @ staybrite

actually, tell a lie, it's rubbish

Fundy

This is one SMOKIN' album!! I've heard folks say that this album kinda mixes the best of Rob's previous albums. That is certainly true. I heard bits and pieces of all his previous albums, and he's kept the best of each of them.

CJ Grimmark's work on this is stellar. I still wish Rick Renstrom had been a part of the record as I think he's one of the best out there. But CJ more than holds his own on this.

I love that the double bass that made its first appearance on Holy Hell is back. The heaviness of Holy Hell is also present. But the songs have an Eyes of Eternity feel to them.

The ballad "Unconditional" is a beautiful love song from Rob to his wife. As a married man myself, I find the lyrics to this song to be inspired.

"Ride The Wind" sounds like a galloping hair metal song from the glory days. LOVE IT!!!

On a small side note, my firstborn child was also named Alexander, so that ballad is especially poignant for me.

Overall this album is probably going to end up as my favorite. Songs like Slayer of Souls and Holy Hell will always be favorites, but this album, as a whole, is one molten slab of metal greatness!!!

Follower of Jesus wrote:

The heaviness of Holy Hell is also present. But the songs have an Eyes of Eternity feel to them.

That's music to my ears.

Now if only my order would GET HERE!!

Mine arrived yesterday from the U.K.
To be honest I have to tell that I need to listen more to this CD.
The music is great.
I always need some time to "get used to a CD".

Quote :

That's it just keep rubbing it in, even though you know none of us here in the states have it yet.

Sure we do! Some of us sprang for the Japanese version!!!

Got it now and I've listened to it twice.

It's brilliant of course.

It's great! It's kind of a heavier version of Narnia with more subtle lyrics but still very enjoyable lyrics. I love the heaviness of the first track.

Standout tracks for me :

-Garden of Chaos
-The Savior's Call
-Spirit in the Sky
-Ride the Wind

This is my second Rob Rock cd (the other I have is Holy Hell).