Second solo album in for 'Rob Rock' and this is definitely a step in the right direction, 'Rage of Creation' well lacked a bit of creation and sounded like a rehash of his older material, here we are gifted nine impressive new tracks. Musically some of the material has a classic 'Impellitteri' vibe, this is not only due to 'Rob's' magnificent vocals but the superb guitar work from 'Roy Z', 'Rick Renstrom' and 'Bob Rossi', which on many tracks has a neo-classical feel. This is no bad thing in my opinion, especially as 'Rob's' old band has changed musical direction to a more modern sound. The only minor quirk I have with this album is the production, as I feel 'Robs' vocals are too deep in the mix on most tracks.

First up is 'Rock the Earth' and in all honesty you might be mistaken thinking this was an 'Impellitteri' track, as it's brisk, driving and upheld by some excellent neo-classical style guitar work. 'Rob' quickly proves he vocals are on top form for this album and helps make this a great opener. Following strongly is the well penned, churning rocker 'Stranglehold', a little 'Yngwie Malmsteen' sounding in parts but braced by sweet rhythm work compliments of 'Roy Z' and 'Reynold Carlson'. Better still is the pulsating title track, which highlights more excellent writing collaboration between 'Rock' and 'Z', but this time with 'Robs' trademark Christian undertones, musically it's top notch too with plenty of ripping guitar solos and sharp vocals. A change of style is felt for the chugging 'Everlasting', as they explore a more Eastern sound, this blends well with the superbly conceived lyrics and adds fresh variety to the album, which was notably absent from the debut. Next up is 'Rage of Creation' a catchy melodic rocker, which highlights refined rhythm work and two great contrasting solos from 'Roy Z' and 'Rick Renstrom'. The pace is lifted for the relentless Melodic Power Metal of 'Conqueror's Hymn', not one of their most refined songs, with 'Rob's' vocals overshadowed by the wall of sound, still the instrumentation is impressive, but not really one of my favourites present. Shades of 'Dio' are felt on the powerfully executed 'Fields of Fire', as 'Rob' sings slightly deeper and the song takes on a slightly more plodding approach, quality track though complete with Christian influence lyrics and some sweet neo-classical guitar licks from 'Roy Z'. The pace drops for the subtle intro to 'You Know', but soon builds into a tough rocker, personally I don't feel the divine lyrics suit the rapid stop-start rhythm, but this is still a decent effort complete with a couple of choice guitar solos. 'Rob's' save the best to last though, with the masterfully penned and executed 'The Hour of Dawn', an epic which commences as a stunningly sung ballad, but develops into a haunting mid tempo piece, only to further develop as a driving rocker. The songs 5 minute outro is the ultimate highlight, as it features 16 guitar and keyboard solos from artists including 'Sinner's' / 'Primal Fear's' 'Tom Naumann', 'Axel Rudi Pell', 'Jack Frost' and 'Roy Z' to name but a few, all of these marry together seamlessly for a superb journey of fret excellence.

A marvellous sophomore release from 'Rob Rock' and an album that's sure to get plenty of spins on my CD player. Lets hope he can follow this up in similar fashion.