SEVENTH KEY – The Raging Fire

Posted: 9/6/04

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Melodic Hard Rock

Released: 9/6/04

Label URL: www.frontiers.it

Artist URL: www.billygreer.com

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Seventh Key represents the joining of forces of former Streets members Billy Greer (bassist for Kansas too!) and Mike Slamer (guitar/keyboards).  The Raging Fire is the duos follow-up to their self-titled debut which appeared in May 2001.  Drummer Jamie Thompson also lent his skills to the recording of The Raging Fire.

When I interviewed Billy back in 2001, he told me that Seventh Key emerged out of his frustration of being locked into the role of a bass player in Streets and Kansas who just sings backing vocals.  While he loves his gig with Kansas, he simply wanted to “document his talent.”

The group’s debut was very well received in a time when 80s sounding melodic hard rock was shunned by the major labels, MTV and rock radio.  Now, three years later not much has changed in the industry but thanks to a label like Frontiers there is a home for Seventh Key’s sophomore effort.  The Raging Fire follows in the path of the debut but it is even better, and that’s really saying something.  While Billy’s vocals are just as good as always and the production is magnificent, the hooks are bigger, the guitars have more bite, and the overall album has more depth from beginning to end.  The ‘key’ to the duos success is in songs like the big rockin’ “Sin City” and the insistent chorus of “Run,” songs that just get in your head and stay forever.  Material like this just brings me back to a better time, when musicians just put it all together in that magical way that made you want to tap your foot or sing along.  This is what the 80s was all about.  Mike Slamer’s guitar tone is also a ‘key’ component in these great songs – he’s got a clean sound but a definite edge that makes the songs sound big.

The Bloody Truth:  If you enjoyed Kansas’ Power and In The Spirit Of Things releases, you’ll love both Seventh Key cd’s.  Billy apparently loved that period of Kansas because that material is the blueprint for Seventh Key.  The Raging Fire is a magnificent sophomore effort that has outdone a terrific debut.  This is timeless rock n’ roll that’s original and fresh sounding.  The production is clean and big sounding too, so the listening experience is all the better.  Seventh Key certainly documents Billy’s talent!