Roy Z (HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON guitarist-turned-producer) and vocalist Rob Rock are at it again, a second post-reformation DRIVER album, resurrecting the 80s project a few years back. They are ably helped by lesser known, one-time members of IMPELLITTERI, JAG PANZER and George Lynch (ex-DOKKEN) solo outings. Mark Boals (ex-YNGWIE, ex-RING OF FIRE and Roy Z’s neighbor) guests on backing vocals throughout the ten tracks. Actually, there are only a seven new originals, alongside three re-recorded, late 80s/early 90s demo songs (‘Destiny’, the ballad ‘Always On My Mind’ and ‘Thief In The Night’ on the main disc, plus Japanese-only extra, ‘Give Me Your Love’). The European edition includes a separate bonus track, ‘Babylon’. The opening ‘Return To The Sky’ is a fine example of the galloping, smooth throated metal Mr. Rock has minted throughout his career: not glam or hair metal (although those old photos Rob!) traditional heavy metal with an air of class replacing the down and dirty aspect typically associated with the sound. Although the gritty guitar of ‘Hollywood Shooting Star’ (a lively Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow style) would seem to prove otherwise. Elsewhere, the title track (which deals with societal ills of today) kicks off with the Z-man riffing away. Parts of ‘Cry Of The Wounded’, which ends with piano, remind me of CHICAGO’s ‘25 Or 6 To 4’. Another quick hitter, ‘Feel The Fire’ sees Rock hit that squealing high register. Good stuff!
