As you can probably tell from past reviews I hold 'Rob Rock's' work in height esteem, but somehow 'Holy Hell' fails to grab me as much as I would have hoped. Sure it's a very good release with another of 'Rob's' flawless vocal displays, but for me the material is a little more uneven than 'Eyes of Eternity'. For a start there are two relatively tame ballads present and for some reason a rehash of 'Impellitteri's' 'I'm a Warrior' is included. Secondly guitarists 'Bob Rossi' and particularly 'Rick Renstrom' who impressed so much on 'Eyes of Eternity', only contribute on one track each and while 'Roy Z's' fret work is as always impressive, I miss the neo-classical element exhibited on 'Eyes'. On a brighter note the majority of the drumming is courtesy of 'Bobby Jarzombek' who I first heard on 'Riot's' 'Thundersteel' and has impressed ever since. Overall the sound on 'Holy Hell' is a little thicker than previously displayed and as with the preceding release, I still feel especially on the heavier material that 'Robs' vocals are a little distant in the mix.

'Holy Hell' commences with the explosive ripper 'Slayer of Souls', an impressive effort which highlights 'Bobby Jarzombek's' thunderous drumming, quality guitar solo and the usual strong Christian themed lyrics you expect from 'Rob'. Following is fine form is the mesmerising rocker 'First Winds of the End of Time' a nicely penned track, which ebbs and flows sweetly and is further complimented by exacting vocals and shredding fret work. The pace falls for mid tempo 'Calling Angels' and while another solid track, I feel the Christian lyrics are a little too over-the-top, but that said still a quality track with silky smooth chorus and gloriously crisp vocals from 'Rob'. The title track ensues and although this is the type of brisk ripper I normally like, something doesn't quite click, I think the main problem is the weak and repetitive chorus which spoils a song with plenty of potential, this is especially a shame as 'Rick Renstrom' contributes a splendid solo. Back on track is the pulsating belter 'Lion of Judah', a well penned, menacing rocker, highlighting soaring vocals, hard hitting 'Jarzombek' lead rhythm and nice work from 'Roy Z' and 'Carljohan Grimmark'. For some reason 'Rob' has included a reworking of 'Impellitteri's' 'I'm a Warrior' ('Warrior'), I think this is a strange decision for someone trying to forge their own style after leaving the band? That said the song itself is quite excellent, but wouldn't go as far as to say it betters the original. The pace drops for the passionate ballad 'I'll be Waiting for You' and while 'Rob' displays more stunning vocals, this is a pretty tame song and I feel a little out of place on a generally heavy album. It's back to the heavier material with 'When Darkness Reigns', not quite a full throttle ripper, but a refined track that's braced by a splendid instrumental break. After a Maidenesque style intro 'The Revelation' follows in similar fashion to the previous track and features nice 'Roy Z' guitar licks and solos while 'Rob' lays down impeccable vocal work. Last up is the ballad 'Move On' which sees lead vocals split between 'Rob Rock' and 'Tobias Sammet', this partnership makes for an interesting combination and personally I like the way the song is executed and penned, ultimately thought I think it comes across too much like a church hymn to really cut the mustard.

Maybe I've been a bit harsh with this review, but 'Holy Hell' doesn't excite me the same way 'Eyes of Eternity' did.