DRIVER
Driver - Sons of Thunder (Metal Heaven) 2008
1. Titans of Speed [instrumental] (2:31)
2. I'm a Warrior (4:23)
3. Fly Away (3:56)
4. Heart's On Fire (3:17)
5. Sons of Thunder (3:12)
6. Never Give Up (4:04)
7. Change of Heart (5:15)
8. Dark World (3:13)
9. Winds of March (3:12)
10. Only Love Can Save Me Now (2:59)
11. Tears That I Cry (3:36)
12. I Believe in Love (4:08)
Roy Z were an underground favorite back in 1990 when they released their acclaimed five-song EP. Unfortunately not much happened after that. Driver vocalist Rob Rock and guitarist Roy Z. (Ramirez) went on to do many other projects. Roy became a producer for bands like Halford, Bruce Dickinson, Judas Priest, and even Rob Rock. Rob went back to singing with Impelliterri as well as finding success with his own solo band. Being that Rob and Roy were working together on the Rob Rock material, it was only a matter of time before Driver would finally get together to release the album that fans had wanted since that EP.
Along with Roy and Rock, the 2008 incarnation of Driver had Ed Roth on keyboards (Glenn Hughes, Montrose, Halford, Impellitteri) and Aaron Samson on bass guitar (George Lynch, Rowan Robertson, John 5). The result is a powerhouse American heavy metal platter. Whereas Rob's solo stuff is much more European flavored, this Driver is 100% American heavy metal. The music is melodic, but heavy and ultra catchy. All five songs from the EP made it onto this album. The classic "Warrior" has been resurrected on many other albums, including Rock's solo album "Holy Hell" and Impellitteri's "Answer to the Master". "Hearts on Fire" could easily have been a huge hit had it been recorded and released in the 1980's. The song has a big hook and Rock's voice just carries the song. The title track is a fast speed metal number that recalls classic bands like Cacophony, Riot and Racer X. There are two ballads on the album as well, including the excellent "I Believe in Love" and "Change of Heart". Of the two, "I Believe in Love" is the better song. I actually think that "Change of Heart" is the only speed bump in the album, slowing down an otherwise perfect album.