Back in the mid 80's a super group stepped onto the music scene with the band going by the moniker M.A.R.S. The band's name is made up of the first letter of each musician's last name: guitarist-Tony MacAlpine(Joey Tafolla, Vinnie Moore), drummer- Tommy Aldridge(Gary Moore), lead vocalist-Rob Rock(Axel Rudi, Pell, Vice(band)) and bassist-Rudy Sarzo(Quiet Riot, Whitesnake). Craig Goldy was the original guitarist, but he left after joining Dio. frontman-Rob Rock is best known for his work with Joshua, Impellitteri, Warrior, along with all of Rob's solo albums.
In 1986 M.A.R.S. released their debut full-length studio album titled 'Project: Driver' which was released in 1986 through Shrapnel Records(United States) and Roadrunner Records(Europe). The album was recorded at Praire Sun Studios, Cotati, CA. and Mastered at Fantasy Studios. It should be noted that Project: Driver should not be considered christian album because the album has no lyrical content pointing towards Jesus Christ.
'Project: Driver' was the band's first and last album released by M.A.R.S. but their efforts helped pave the way for the band Driver.
'Project: Driver' was the band's first and last album released by M.A.R.S. but their efforts helped pave the way for the band Driver.
In 1990 the band's name was shortened to 'Driver' and released a self-titled EP which features 5-tracks
1. Warrior 2. Heart's On Fire 3. Only Love Can Save Me Now 4. Fly away 5. I Believe in Love. For this release frontman-Rob Rock returns with a new line-up including guitarist-Roy Z, bassist-Emil Lech Brando, keyboardist-Greg Shultz, and drummer-B.J. Zampa. Roy Z is an acclaimed guitarist/producer that has worked with such well known artist like Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Judas Priest, and Helloween.
This was an independent release with Driver not signing with a major record label due to the emerging Grunge Rock scene of the 90's. All of the tracks on their EP were reused on the 'Sons of Thunder' album 8 years later.
1. Warrior 2. Heart's On Fire 3. Only Love Can Save Me Now 4. Fly away 5. I Believe in Love. For this release frontman-Rob Rock returns with a new line-up including guitarist-Roy Z, bassist-Emil Lech Brando, keyboardist-Greg Shultz, and drummer-B.J. Zampa. Roy Z is an acclaimed guitarist/producer that has worked with such well known artist like Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Judas Priest, and Helloween.
This was an independent release with Driver not signing with a major record label due to the emerging Grunge Rock scene of the 90's. All of the tracks on their EP were reused on the 'Sons of Thunder' album 8 years later.
In 2008 Driver released their full-length album titled 'Sons Of Thunder' on Metal Heaven Records. Frontman-Rob Rock and guitarist-Roy Z return with new members on all other instruments including bassist-Aaron Samson, Keyboardist-Edward Roth, & drummer-Reynold “Butch” Carlson. This release finds the band re-recording the songs from their 1990 EP release and adding 7 new tracks to round out the album.
Driver takes the idea for the album's title-'Sons Of Thunder' from the Bible. In Mark 3:13-17 we find that Jesus calls twelve men to be His apostles. Among them are “James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder)”. The album includes some killer guitar riffs by Roy Z and Stunning Vocal work by legendary singer-Rob Rock. Roy Z's guitar work always comes across as sounding fresh & crisp with each listen. In addition, the album was produced by Roy Z showing that he can do even more than just play a mean guitar.
Driver takes the idea for the album's title-'Sons Of Thunder' from the Bible. In Mark 3:13-17 we find that Jesus calls twelve men to be His apostles. Among them are “James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder)”. The album includes some killer guitar riffs by Roy Z and Stunning Vocal work by legendary singer-Rob Rock. Roy Z's guitar work always comes across as sounding fresh & crisp with each listen. In addition, the album was produced by Roy Z showing that he can do even more than just play a mean guitar.
Lyrics are Christ centered on this album as you can see in the following lyrics:
"Winds of March"
Nations are gathering for war
from the corners of the dark
Led by the armies of the North
gathering the Winds of March
The voice of a thousand angels
kneeling to the lamb
Watching them kill each other
and forfeiting the plan
Lovers of money and power
destroyers of the truth
They've got to control the action
they force the hands of doom
"I Believe in Love"
I believe in love
You give me everythitig I need
Can't live without love
You're the one who sets me free
I believe in love
And I know I'll never be without love
As I look beyond the sky
I can picture my eternity
As you look into my heart
You will know who holds the key
You're the one for me
you're the one who sets me free
I could never live without your love
Here I am, waiting for the final scene
Nations are gathering for war
from the corners of the dark
Led by the armies of the North
gathering the Winds of March
The voice of a thousand angels
kneeling to the lamb
Watching them kill each other
and forfeiting the plan
Lovers of money and power
destroyers of the truth
They've got to control the action
they force the hands of doom
"I Believe in Love"
I believe in love
You give me everythitig I need
Can't live without love
You're the one who sets me free
I believe in love
And I know I'll never be without love
As I look beyond the sky
I can picture my eternity
As you look into my heart
You will know who holds the key
You're the one for me
you're the one who sets me free
I could never live without your love
Here I am, waiting for the final scene
In 2012 Driver released their full-length studio album apocalypticly titled 'Countdown' on Metal Heaven Records. Lead vocalist-Rob Rock & guitar extraordinaire-Roy Z both return with a supporting line-up comprised of keyboardist-Ed Roth, bassist-Aaron Samson, and drummer-Reynold “Butch” Carlson along with additional help from vocalist-Mark Boals, bassist-Ray Buirke, and bassist-Danile Cordova.
Countdown's overall sound continues in the veins of the band's 2008-'Sons Of Thunder' release. If you liked 'Sons Of Thunder' then there is plenty to get excited over with their 2012 album. Driver seems to follow closely to the rule of thumb that If something is not broke don't fix it. A lot of bands think that with each release they need to be heavier and more over-the-top than their previous release. This kind of thinking only puts more stress on the band and can ultimately end in their demise.
Countdown's overall sound continues in the veins of the band's 2008-'Sons Of Thunder' release. If you liked 'Sons Of Thunder' then there is plenty to get excited over with their 2012 album. Driver seems to follow closely to the rule of thumb that If something is not broke don't fix it. A lot of bands think that with each release they need to be heavier and more over-the-top than their previous release. This kind of thinking only puts more stress on the band and can ultimately end in their demise.
"Return To The Sky"
We are standing on the Rock of Ages
Our treasure's deep inside
Return to the Sky
It's time to change our evil ways
All to see that you are the master
Seven seals of the tribulation
The world is spinning in its desperation
Behold the great white throne, and the Lake of Fire
Everybody stands before the Judge
You know your name is written in the Book
He holds it in his hand, worthy is the Lamb
"Rising Son"
Rising Son
Your love is alive
You lift me up from the valley below
Dust me off and I'm ready to go
So I realize, for your love the sacrifice
Show the world that this life is about
My burning heart is crying out
Shadows testify, the reasons why
Your love is alive
Rising Son
Your love is alive
"Cry Of The Wounded"
The age of darkness soon will pass
With the sword of the spirit
The light will shine on us at last
To hear the cry of the wounded
We are standing on the Rock of Ages
Our treasure's deep inside
Return to the Sky
It's time to change our evil ways
All to see that you are the master
Seven seals of the tribulation
The world is spinning in its desperation
Behold the great white throne, and the Lake of Fire
Everybody stands before the Judge
You know your name is written in the Book
He holds it in his hand, worthy is the Lamb
"Rising Son"
Rising Son
Your love is alive
You lift me up from the valley below
Dust me off and I'm ready to go
So I realize, for your love the sacrifice
Show the world that this life is about
My burning heart is crying out
Shadows testify, the reasons why
Your love is alive
Rising Son
Your love is alive
"Cry Of The Wounded"
The age of darkness soon will pass
With the sword of the spirit
The light will shine on us at last
To hear the cry of the wounded
Hopefully we haven't seen or heard the last from Driver because I for one am hungry for more. If you love Power Metal with soaring vocals then pick up one of Driver's offerings today and add some quality Metal to your collection.