M.A.R.S. - Project Driver 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Project Driver" by M.A.R.S unfurls its sonic mastery on a 12" Vinyl LP Album. This superband, composed of the stellar lineup of Robert Rock, Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldridge, and Tony MacAlpine, delivers a musical journey that transcends genres. Released as a testament to the collective brilliance of its members, "Project Driver" showcases the amalgamation of rock, metal, and virtuoso performances, making it a definitive gem in the realm of supergroup collaborations.

 

High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover of M.A.R.S - Project Driver https://vinyl-records.nl

M.A.R.S. - Project Driver: A Supergroup's Sonic Fusion on Vinyl
Album Description:

Released in 1986 on 12" vinyl LP, "Project Driver" marked a unique moment in hard rock and heavy metal history. This supergroup, comprised of vocalist Rob Rock, guitarist Tony MacAlpine, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Tommy Aldridge, unleashed a powerful blend of instrumental prowess and melodic songwriting.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

Emerging in the mid-1980s, "Project Driver" was a product of its time. The hard rock and metal scene was flourishing with virtuosic players and ambitious projects. This supergroup, assembled by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, sought to combine the talents of four renowned musicians into a cohesive and innovative sound. The album serves as a snapshot of the era's musical landscape, showcasing the technical skill and creative ambition that defined the period.

Music Genre and Controversies

"Project Driver" defies easy categorization, blending elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock. The album's instrumental sections showcase the musicians' technical mastery, while the vocal melodies and songwriting offer a more accessible and radio-friendly appeal. D

Production Team and Recording Studio

The album was produced by MacAlpine and Aldridge, with additional production contributions from Mike Varney. The recording sessions took place at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, California, known for its state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff. The album was engineered by Dino Alden, a notable figure in the 1980s metal scene, who worked with numerous other Shrapnel Records artists.

Album Cover Art

The album cover art, designed by Ioannis, features a stylized image of a driver gripping a steering wheel, with a futuristic cityscape in the background. The artwork reflects the album's title and its themes of speed, power, and control. The bold colors and graphic elements capture the energy and intensity of the music within.

Album Summary:  Superband featuring Robert Rock, Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldridge and Tony MacAlpine

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal

Collector Notes:

On the album cover the album's name is "Project Driver" on the record's label it is called "Projekt Driver"

Album  Production information

Produced by Mike Varney

Discover the story behind Mike Varney, the visionary founder of Shrapnel Records, who redefined rock and heavy metal by launching guitar legends—explore his journey on his dedicated webpage


Sound engineer: Stephen M. Fontano

Steve Fontano is a renowned music producer and sound engineer whose expertise shaped the sound of 1980s Heavy Metal. Known for his work with W.A.S.P., Racer X, and Tony MacAlpine, his technical mastery brought iconic albums to life. A key figure in the genre, Fontano’s contributions continue to influence music production today. Learn more about his career on the Steve Fontano biography page.

Recorded at Prairie Sun Studios, Cotati, CA

Prairie Sun Recording Studios, located in Cotati, California, has been a pivotal force in rock and metal music, shaping legendary albums with its world-class facilities and expert engineering. Hosting iconic bands from the 1980s onward, it remains a creative hub for artists seeking top-tier sound production. Explore its history and album gallery here.

Assistent sound engineers: Dino Alden, Randy Vance

Dino Alden: The Genius Sound Engineer Who Defined Heavy Metal’s Greatest Hits – See How He Shaped Music History!

Mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios

George Horn is a legendary Chief Mastering Engineer renowned for his work at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and CBS Studios in San Francisco. His precision, sonic artistry, and deep collaborations in the heavy metal scene have left a lasting legacy on vinyl. Read the full biography.

 

Album cover illustration: Guy Aitchison / Guilty and Innocent Productions

Guy Aitchison has been designing and drawing Heavy Metal album covers during the mid to late-1980s. During this period he has drawn numerous album covers. Since 1988 he apprenticed in Chicago at Bob Olson's Custom Tattooing and became a tattooist. Guy Aitchison has been working often together with Steve Fontano, Dino Alden, and George Horn on the same heavy metal albums.


Photography by Pat Johnson Studios, San Francisco, CA

Pat Johnson, an esteemed American photographer, has left an indelible mark in the world of photography with his remarkable talent for capturing the essence of great personalities in music, sports, and entertainment. Through his lens, he has immortalized some of the most iconic moments in history, creating a visual legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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Born and raised in the vibrant city of New York, Pat Johnson discovered his passion for photography at an early age. Armed with a camera and an unwavering curiosity, he began honing his skills, capturing the energy and spirit of the people and places that surrounded him. As he delved deeper into his craft, his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects became evident.

During the 1980s, a defining era in both music and photography, Pat Johnson found himself in the midst of a creative explosion. He became an influential figure in the music industry, collaborating with renowned musicians and contributing to some of the era's most iconic album covers. His distinctive style and innovative approach allowed him to perfectly capture the essence of the artists and their music, turning each album cover into a visual masterpiece.

With his keen eye for detail and an intuitive understanding of his subjects, Pat Johnson worked with a wide array of musicians, including legends such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen. His photographs adorned the covers of critically acclaimed albums, becoming an integral part of the music's visual narrative.

Beyond the realm of music, Pat Johnson's talent extended to sports and entertainment. His work appeared in prominent magazines, capturing the intensity and grace of athletes in motion, the allure of Hollywood stars, and the vibrant energy of live performances. Through his photographs, he brought forth the emotions, stories, and struggles of those he captured, offering a glimpse into their world for all to witness.

Pat Johnson's ability to establish a deep connection with his subjects, putting them at ease in front of the lens, was a testament to his genuine curiosity and respect for humanity. His photographs were not merely snapshots but narratives that conveyed the essence of each person he photographed, revealing layers of their personality and leaving an everlasting impression on the viewer.

As the years passed, Pat Johnson's work continued to evolve, adapting to changing trends and technological advancements. His photographs not only documented the past but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring photographers, constantly pushing the boundaries of the craft and redefining what it meant to capture a moment in time.

Today, Pat Johnson's legacy as an American photographer remains unparalleled. His images continue to inspire generations, resonating with their raw emotion and artistic brilliance. His ability to immortalize the great personalities of music, sports, and entertainment in a single frame has solidified his place among the legends of the craft. Pat Johnson's remarkable career serves as a testament to the power of photography, reminding us that a single image has the ability to transcend time and capture the very essence of the human experience.

Record Label & Catalognr:

RoadrunneR RR 9632

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record 150 grams vinyl

Year & Country:

1986 Made in Holland
Band Members and Musicians on: M.A.R.S Project Driver
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Robert Rock - Vocals

    Robert Rock is a rock singer from Orlando Florida, during the 1980s he has sung in the bands: Axel Rudi, Pell, Driver, Impellitteri, Joshua Perahia, M.A.R.S. , Vice (band)

  • Rudy Sarzo - Bass

    Rudy Sarzo, born in Havana on 18 Nov 1950, is a bassist who became a cornerstone of ‘80s metal. From Quiet Riot’s Metal Health to Ozzy’s chaos, Whitesnake, and M.A.R.S., he toured and recorded with legends. Inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History in 2017, Rudy rejoined Quiet Riot in 2021, the last link to their glory days.

  • Tommy Aldridge - Drums, Percussion

    Tommy Aldridge (Drums, Percussion) is a superstar from the 1980's having played with Gary Moore, Hear 'n' Aid, M.A.R.S. , Ozzy Osbourne, Vinnie Moore and White Oak Arkansas.

  • Tony MacAlpine - Guitars, Keyboards

    Tony MacAlpine is a Guitar and keyboard player having performed with Joey Tafolla, M.A.R.S. Tony MacAlpine (Band), Vinnie Moore.


Complete Track Listing of: M.A.R.S Project Driver
    The Song/tracks on "Projekt Driver" are:
  • Nations on Fire (2:48)
  • Writings on the Wall (2:59)
  • Stand Up and Fight (3:44)
  • Nostradamus (6:08)
  • Unknown Survivor (3:34)
  • Fantasy (3:25)
  • Slave to My Touch (3:27)
  • I Can See It In Your Eyes (4:23)
  • You and I (3:47)

 


Photo of Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover of M.A.R.S - Project Driver https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover of M.A.R.S - Project Driver https://vinyl-records.nl  
Photo of Record Label 
Enlargedd High Resolution Photo of the Record's label M.A.R.S - Project Driver https://vinyl-records.nl  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).