Rock Of The Ages
Rock Of The Ages(RotA) hales from Colleyville, TX where they formed back in 2003. RotA was officially started as a studio project by drummer Johnny Rhoads. Rhoads envited the studio band to perform live at his church to raise money for their youth group. The response was so strong, that the band united and released their first album titled 'Rock of the Ages' under the band name 'Johnny Rhoads'. 'Rock of the Ages' resonated well with the band and on their sophomore release, became the band's official moniker. Rock Of The Ages was later abbreviated to simply 'RotA'. On an Independent Label, Rock Of The Ages made Smilin' Jack Records, their second home away from home as they used the studio to lay down all their tracks.
The newly formed band became an official gigging band from 2003 - 2008 & during the following six years, the band released 4 studio records and one live album: 2003-'Rock Of The Ages' , 2005-'End Of The Day' , 2006-'Let There Be Light' , 2007-'Live' , 2008-'Parables'. RotA has played such venues as small clubs, various festivals, gigs overseas in Europe, and even did a show where they filled a 14,000 seat arena which was one of the many highlights of RotA's career.
The newly formed band became an official gigging band from 2003 - 2008 & during the following six years, the band released 4 studio records and one live album: 2003-'Rock Of The Ages' , 2005-'End Of The Day' , 2006-'Let There Be Light' , 2007-'Live' , 2008-'Parables'. RotA has played such venues as small clubs, various festivals, gigs overseas in Europe, and even did a show where they filled a 14,000 seat arena which was one of the many highlights of RotA's career.
RotA is transparent about their faith.
I found the following at the band's facebook page:
"You contribute nothing to your salvation but the sin that made it necessary"
I found the following at the band's facebook page:
"You contribute nothing to your salvation but the sin that made it necessary"
In 2006, RotA released their sophomore album title 'Let There Be Light' where we find an eclectic array of genre styles. There's everything from Thrash to Classic Metal to Rock to tunes that sound like something 'REM', 'Creedence Clearwater Revival', 'Eagles', or 'Queen' would have played. Yes, this album sounds as though someone tried to see how diversified they could make a Play List, yet in some sick twisted way the tracks all mesh together. This album will definitely appeal to the Late 70's early 80's Classic Metal head that doesn't mind a little Thrash as well. The tracks are well done and simply groove along from track to track with many time changes that help to keep repeat listens interesting. There are plenty of guitar solos from Chris Gill for those who appreciate a little axe shredn'.
Lead Vocals are handled by two different frontmen Len Jennings and Danny Hockemeyer who both contribute equally to this project. One handles the heavier Thrash and Rock grit Vocals while the other manages the softer side of RotA. We can hear Vocals on various tracks that might remind one of big name Vocalists like Don Henley(Eagles), Michael Stipe(R.E.M.), John Fogerty(CCR), or even Freddie Mercury(Queen).
With 16 tracks, there's bound to be one that doesn't quite do it for you. The one that I felt didn't mix with the other 15 is track 7 "Awakening:Release Me". This tune sounds to be an experimental Hardcore effort with abrasive vocals. However, some might find this one listenable maybe due to the guitar riffs.
In some ways their 2006 album 'Let There Be Light' sounds like a Jam Band project due to instrumentation and partly due to the fact that most songs flow from tune to tune without breaks in between.
In some ways their 2006 album 'Let There Be Light' sounds like a Jam Band project due to instrumentation and partly due to the fact that most songs flow from tune to tune without breaks in between.
Lyrics are Christ centered and show the band's love for others as they reach out with the truths of the Bible.
"Crown Of Thorns"
All shall kneel before His throne
Casting out the wicked with their hearts of stone
Acccept him in your hearts and you'll be reborn
Purified in the blood of the crown of thorns
"Awakening:Wake Up"
Why can't I break free from this
I can't take another step
I feel so alone where are you gone
This is the end
My whole fate as I lie here
Waiting for deaths eager arms
Can't remember the last time I felt alive
When did I go wrong
Wait its never too late
Its just a matter of faith
Get up !
You've got a fight for your life sometimes
Step into the light
Get up!
Don't give in without a fight
Get up!
Don't give up on your life
Get up!
Don't be a victim of time
Wake up!
Jesus is knocking at your door
All shall kneel before His throne
Casting out the wicked with their hearts of stone
Acccept him in your hearts and you'll be reborn
Purified in the blood of the crown of thorns
"Awakening:Wake Up"
Why can't I break free from this
I can't take another step
I feel so alone where are you gone
This is the end
My whole fate as I lie here
Waiting for deaths eager arms
Can't remember the last time I felt alive
When did I go wrong
Wait its never too late
Its just a matter of faith
Get up !
You've got a fight for your life sometimes
Step into the light
Get up!
Don't give in without a fight
Get up!
Don't give up on your life
Get up!
Don't be a victim of time
Wake up!
Jesus is knocking at your door
For the Classic Rock fan, 'Let There Be Light' comes highly recommended and will have you reminiscing of those earlier years of Rock music while allow you to enjoy some more present day sounds as well. So do yourself a favor and check out this talented band from Texas-Rock Of The Ages(RotA) and let their groovy musicianship inspire you to new heights.
Musicians:
Len Jennings-Lead Vocals
Danny Hockemeyer-Lead Vocals
Chris Gill-Guitars
Michael Fief-Bass
Johnny Rhoads-Drums
Len Jennings-Lead Vocals
Danny Hockemeyer-Lead Vocals
Chris Gill-Guitars
Michael Fief-Bass
Johnny Rhoads-Drums
This is a slideshow video featuring the founding member of Rock of the Ages, Johnny Rhoads. Johnny sang this tune on the record and performed it live countless times. Definitely a crowd favorite and a band favorite as well. Thanks Johnny for a lifetime of memories. This one is all for you bro!