M.A.R.S.
This Sarzo-Aldridge project was originally called Driver
and had a different line-up, not to be confused with the other Driver of the
late 80's, also featuring Rob Rock.
M.A.R.S. - Project: Driver (Shrapnel) 1986
1. "Nations on Fire" (2:48)
2. "Writings on the Wall" (2:59)
3. "Stand Up and Fight" (3:44)
4. "Nostradamus" (6:08)
5. "Unknown Survivor" (3:34)
6. "Fantasy" (3:25)
7. "Slave to My Touch" (3:27)
8. "I Can See It In Your Eyes" (4:23)
9. "You and I" (3:47)
A rock 'n' roll supergroup, or for some a heavy metal dream team. Project: Driver is a sophisticaded, melodic metal affair that features some of the finest playing in the genre. Sarzo and Aldridge lay down an excellent basis that allows all the members to shine. Of course the crowning achievement here is Rob Rock's stunning vocals. Rock's vocal melodies are memorable and give the music the hook it needs to bring this rocker back time and time again. McAlpine sounds a bit tamer than I am hearing him, which is probably why so many McAlpine fans don't hold this album in high esteem. However, if you listen to this CD as a collection of songs, rather than listening to it for the guitar wankery, not only will you hear a CD full of great songs but you will also hear some excellent musical skills as well.
Had this CD autographed by Rob Rock when I met him at Elements of Rock Festival in Uster, Switzerland in 2006.
M.A.R.S. is:
Vocals: Rob Rock (Impellitteri, Avantasia, Driver, Warrior, Axel Rudi Pell, Joshua, Angelica, Jack Frost, Rick Renstrom)
Guitars/Keyboards: Tony MacAlpine (Ring of Fire, Planet X, Mark Boals, Vitalij Kuprij, Vinnie Moore, Joey Tafolla)
Bass: Rudy Sarzo (Pat Travers, Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Dio)
Drums: Tommy Aldridge (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Vinnie Moore, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Ted Nugent, House of Lords...)