Kansas Bass Player Billy Greer Cuts Loose On New Project

Artist: Seventh Key
Title: The Raging Fire
Genre: Melodic Rock-Metal-Progressive
Label: IOA-http://www.insideoutmusic.com
Website: http://www.billygreer.com

Wow! Billy Greer is amazing on the new Seventh Key album The Raging Fire. This really caught me totally off guard. This is rockin’ melodic music and Greer’s voice is so terrific! In fact, he sounds similar to Steve Walsh in the early Kansas years, just a little stronger without all the high notes. I knew he could sing, but this totally floored me. Yes, this music definitely reminded me of Kansas, particularly on the bonus track "Remember You Well," with guest artist Kerry Livgren (how could it not?). Greer has been with the group for so long now (16 years) that those influences are bound to show up whether he is playing with Livgren, in another band, or on a solo album, it is only natural. That is all just fine and dandy with me, as I love Kansas and any music like it. This is a no frills type of sound, nothing complex. There are some nice keyboards layered between melodic rockin’ guitars. It is straight ahead let’s rock time on this album, period. Moreover, the harmonies are incredibly soaring, fondly reminding me of Styx.

I really do not know where to start as every single song is killer. "Pyramid Princess" is the one track that did standout the most for me; I like the aura of mysticism and ancient times backed by powerful guitar chords, keyboards in just the right places, and the powerful vocals to push it all to another level. Greer does all of this consistently throughout the album.

Every track rocks, it really smokes from start to finish without any letup whatsoever. The melodic sense of this recording is truly outstanding, which is not an easy thing to accomplish when the music is so heavy, but they pull it off with spectacular results. This music actually reminded me of when Def Leppard came onto the scene and how people were so blown away with how hard they rocked yet how melodic all of the tunes were. Quite simply, I loved this album and could not stop listening to it. Guitar slinger (and producer) Mike Slamer is a real expert on the six-string and Billy keeps right up with him on bass while adding his amazingly strong vocals.

Yes, the fire certainly is still raging within Mr. Billy Greer; I think his regular gig ought to let him sing more often, particularly if they are planning to head to the studio to record a new album. I cannot compliment Greer enough on how production of this recording sparkles; it totally blew me away…everything about it did. This album will be in common rotation in your stereo I guarantee it.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

March 21, 2004

Rating-10/10

Credits:

Billy Greer (Lead vocals, bass)
Mike Slamer (Guitars, Keyboards, Bass )
Jamie Thompson (Drums)
Terry Brock (Backing Vocals)
Engineered, mixed and produced by Mike Slamer

1.The Sun Will Rise (4:37)
2. Always From The Heart (5:11)
3. You Cross The Line (6:47)
4. An Ocean Away (4:29)
5. The Raging Fire (5:59)
6. Sin City (5:08)
7. It Should Have Been You (5:25)
8. Run (4:17)
9. Pyramid Princess (5:18)
10. Winds Of War (6:05)
Bonus Track:
11. Remember You Well (4:57)
Bonus Multimedia Tracks:
Always From The Heart-Video
Video Interview With Billy Greer and Mike Slammer

Billy Greer's Website
Artist Website