Warrior - The Code of Life (2001)
Warrior is a long established band putting out several albums over a 15-year career. They are not a "Christian" band ("Then why review them?" You ask... Well, Read on). On the new cd with vocalist Rob Rock (former Impellitteri) joining their ranks and writing all the lyrics they now have an album with a strong positive spiritual content. Years ago I owned one of their cd's from the late 80's/ early 90's (titled "Fighting for the Earth") and it was overall a positive disc lyrically and quite amazing musically. The music is amazing with a heavy low end guitar tone that is just crushing!. Guitarists Joe Floyd and Mick Perez also lay down some amazing leads and solos (such as the great guitar melody on the lead intro to "We Are One"). There are also a few "processed effects" scattered around to not only make this sound more modern but to compliment the new-world-post-industrial vibe that this cd occasionally carries in songs such as "Kill the Machine" and "Standing". Rob Rock fans need not fear! He has stamped his signature sound all over this baby! Several tracks such as "Day of Reckoning" and "Open Your Eyes" could have easily been on his "Rage of Creation cd. Rob has a knack to make each song his own yet never allowing any two songs to sound the same. Great music, mature lyrics and an incredible vocal performance make this album a complete winner all the way around. It is also the heaviest album Rob has lent his talents to. Recommended for fans of Bruce Dickinson's Chemical Wedding and Impellitteri. - Review by Norm