Screams of Abel-Interview-Oct. 1996

Rob Rock (vocals/lyrics), James Amelio Pulli (bass), Edward Roth (keys) and Ken Mary (drums) are the current members of guitar wizard Chris Impellitteri's self-titled band. Impellitteri hails from the 1980's; a period crowded with flashy guitar virtuosos Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhodes, all of whom were setting the world of metal on it's ear. Despite the advent of grunge, slacker/modern rock and America's current infatuation with punk, Impellitteri and Co. have continued on unabated with their original musical vision of straight ahead melodic metal with all the bells and whistles: stunning, classically influenced guitar work, tightly written arrangements and lyrics which emphasize hope (gasp!) despite the social/urban/moral decay of today's society. Following are some insights from Rob Rock regarding their band, the music scene and spirituality.

SOA: You seem to have a knack with hooking up with the "best and brightest" guitar players--Tony MacAlpine (M.A.R.S., Project Driver), Joshua Perakia (Joshua, "Intense Defense"), and now Chris Impellitteri. Has this been a conscious effort on your part? What other musical projects have you been involved in?

Rob: I've always believed that every great band has an excellent guitarist and singer, and I've been lucky to be able to work with some of the best guitarist in the world. I've also worked with Roy L. (Driver), Dennis Cameron (Angelica) and Axel Rudi Pell from Germany on his "Nasty Reputation" album back in March of 1991, before re-joining Chris for the "Grin And Bear It" album.

SOA: When did you know that music would be your "life"?

Rob: I knew music was my life when I first started playing "live" at the age of sixteen, as a drummer in my brother's band. It was a full time gig, 7 nights a week and I had to sing to get into the band. The first song I ever sang "live" was "Fooled Around and Fell In Love" by Elvin Bishop, and I was playing the drums at the same time. Later I became lead singer/drummer of a metal band and eventually dropped the drums.

SOA: Who are your major musical influences vocally? Musically?

Rob: Vocally, my influences are Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Ronnie Dio and Styx. Musically, I'm inspired by Deep Purple, Rainbow and early Van Halen.

SOA: You and Chris both appear to be the musical force behind Impellitteri since 1992's "Grin And Bear It" (Rock-lyrics, Impellitteri-music). How did you two come together to form this musical "partnership"? When did you meet?

Rob: Chris and I met in Connecticut, when the band I was in was opening for the Allman Brothers Band. Chris came up to me afterward and said I "needed to start a band with him" and I said, "Come down here tomorrow afternoon and let me hear what you got." He did, and ever since, we've been friends and partners (he joined the band).

SOA: How do you feel that your band fits into today's American musical climate "anti- metal" sentiment that seems prevalent in the modern rock mainstream?

Rob: America is trendy and we're not the current trend. I hope the time comes when we are "in style", but we're not about to change in order to "fit in". he Good Lord has kept us alive thus far and if it's His will we will carry on. We are just so grateful to earn a living in music and we thank God for Japan and Europe and I pray, the USA soon!

SOA: Where do you see metal going in the future? Do you anticipate an eventual resurgence in popularity in the US?

Rob: I see metal coming back (especially melody)! And when it does, I'll be considered "new" again, probably with a different label on it.

SOA: Do you plan on touring the States?

Rob: No tour plans for the States yet. We feel we need a record out to make it worthwhile. Any distributors vision out there?

(I can't hear you distributors!--ed.)

SOA: Your album distributors is based out of Tokyo, Japan. Is Japan the center of your strongest fan base?

Rob: Japan is our bread and butter. The Lord has just blessed us with a European release on Music For Nations, coming on November 18.

SOA: Describe the musical scene in Japan. Is metal accepted there more than in the States?

Rob: Japan loves quality and they really appreciate us there. Metal is still being signed there which is a good indicator of the metal fan base there.

(*sigh* Better cars, better computers, better taste in music..wake up America!!--ed.)

SOA: How is the band received in Europe? Any strong "metal" movement there? Do you tour Europe much?

Rob: We are about to release "Screaming Symphony" there in November, so I don't quite have an answer yet. I hope we can tour there, depends on the response.

SOA: Any chance of getting European and/or US distribution of your album?

Rob: Europe is done. US: we are still searching for a distributor. If it's God's will we will be released here in the US, we pray He will open a door for us like He did for Europe.

SOA: The lyrics on "Screaming Symphony" are the most spiritually straightforward yet. Do you anticipate this trend to continue on future albums?

Rob: I wouldn't call it a :trend". I write about whatever is on my heart and mind. I always try to relate to the audience on both a spiritual and a street level. I felt compelled to reveal more of my spiritual side, this time, but I always want to be easy to relate to as opposed to preachy attitude.

SOA: In the "Christian music industry", some artists view their bands as a ministry and feel the strong need to preach from the stage. Others feel that this is not necessary. What are your views?

Rob: The band "Impellietteri" is a hard rock/metal band. It is promoted as a "guitar hero" band in Japan. Chris and I are the writing force and we are both Christians. Our work reflects our love for Christ. We share our faith and give God all the glory for our talent and existence. Our personal witness and walk is our ministry. The band is our job, our work, and we thank God for it.

SOA: The latest issue of HM Magazine (a Christian hard music publication) states that Sammy Hagar had left Van Halen primarily due to his conversion to Christianity. Aside form mentioning that the split occurred due to "personality differences", the secular press has avoided this issue altogether. How has the music industry addressed your faith? Do you ignore it, discourage it, ridicule it, etc.?

Rob: The industry has somewhat ignored it, but occasionally they have questions concerning our faith, which we happily address.

SOA: How do other hard rock/metal bands feel about your Christian faith?

Rob: I think they basically take a "live and let live" attitude towards us. I have noticed that they watch their language a bit better around us, which I appreciate.

SOA: Any final comments?

Rob: We would like to thank everyone (who has bought our albums) for their support. We pray that our records lift you up and that you all have God's peace. Thank you for your prayers. Read your Bible and love each other in Christ!