Seventh Key
I Will Survive
Frontiers Records
2013
Honestly, I never thought I could hear from Seventh Key again. You see, 9 years of absence are enough to make a fan of the band think otherwise. I still remember how overwhelmed I was by the band’s second release, “The Raging Fire”, back in 2004. One look at the review, back then, will make you understand there’s something special with this band.
I wasn’t doubtful about what Billy Greer & Mike Slamer will deliver, as their musical quality has reached high levels. Especially Mike Slamer, who is such an underrated guitarist/songwriter. He has delivered such great albums throughout his career and never got the credits he should have.
Anyway, getting back to the new album, I remember watching (for the first time) the eponymous track as soon as it was released. I wasn’t quite satisfied but after a few repeated listens I kinda liked it. Nonetheless, I still think that it is a wrong choice to open the album with this track.
Then “Lay It on the Line” comes, which is the most average track on the album. I think we can all comprehend how important the track list in an album is. Gratefully, after that point, the actual Seventh Key is taking over and things become way better.
“I See You There” is an amazing, catchy and delightful tune in the vein of “You Crossed the Line”!
“It’s Just a State of Mind” is an up-tempo melodic rocker with nice arrangements and a good vibe in general.
“Sea of Dreams” is a magnificent acoustic ballad with atmospheric strings (it reminded me of Kansas – it isn’t hard to say why). Great indeed!
“Time and Time Again” starts out softy with piano and a vocal melody, till it bursts into a mid-tempo melodious rocker… like the ones that only Mike Slamer can deliver. Very good!
“When Love Sets You Free” is an OK rocker. Possibly a little flat at times but it has a nice bridge.
“Down” is rockin’ the boat, as it is very bouncing on the whole. A fine track.
“The Only One” is a rather up-tempoAOR /pop-rocker with a very positive vibe.
“What Love’s Supposed to Be” is a quite moody power ballad with some nice strings. It has a very memorable, rockin’ & melodic chorus & a fantastic solo by Mike. Another track that only Seventh Key can deliver! Enthralling!
“I Want It All” ain’t a Queen cover but rather a rockin’ track with a few prog touches and a pleasant chorus.
The performances from both Mike & Bill are excellent. Mike has also produced & mixed the album. I was damn sure he was behind the production-desk as the sound is like the band’s second release but somewhat updated and more dynamic. After all, 9 years have passed since that album. The guest musicians that appear on this album are: Billy Trudel (The City), Terry Brock (Strangeways) & Bobby Capps (38 Special) on backing vocals, David Ragsdale (Kansas) on violin, David Manion (Level Five) on keys & Barry “The Blade” Johnson on guitar. The band’s drummer is Chet Wynd (also on the first SK album & on Slamer’s solo).
“I Will Survive” is a very good and tasteful album for the most part, but it doesn’t stand up to its forerunner. Those who enjoyed “The Raging Fire” will be pleased by this one as well, no second thoughts about it. I was just expecting something at least equal or better (can it be actually?!) compared to “The Raging Fire”, since 9 years of anticipation are too many. Anyhow, I’m glad the guys are back and hope it won’t take ‘em almost a decade to come up with a new album again…
I wasn’t doubtful about what Billy Greer & Mike Slamer will deliver, as their musical quality has reached high levels. Especially Mike Slamer, who is such an underrated guitarist/songwriter. He has delivered such great albums throughout his career and never got the credits he should have.
Anyway, getting back to the new album, I remember watching (for the first time) the eponymous track as soon as it was released. I wasn’t quite satisfied but after a few repeated listens I kinda liked it. Nonetheless, I still think that it is a wrong choice to open the album with this track.
Then “Lay It on the Line” comes, which is the most average track on the album. I think we can all comprehend how important the track list in an album is. Gratefully, after that point, the actual Seventh Key is taking over and things become way better.
“I See You There” is an amazing, catchy and delightful tune in the vein of “You Crossed the Line”!
“It’s Just a State of Mind” is an up-tempo melodic rocker with nice arrangements and a good vibe in general.
“Sea of Dreams” is a magnificent acoustic ballad with atmospheric strings (it reminded me of Kansas – it isn’t hard to say why). Great indeed!
“Time and Time Again” starts out softy with piano and a vocal melody, till it bursts into a mid-tempo melodious rocker… like the ones that only Mike Slamer can deliver. Very good!
“When Love Sets You Free” is an OK rocker. Possibly a little flat at times but it has a nice bridge.
“Down” is rockin’ the boat, as it is very bouncing on the whole. A fine track.
“The Only One” is a rather up-tempo
“What Love’s Supposed to Be” is a quite moody power ballad with some nice strings. It has a very memorable, rockin’ & melodic chorus & a fantastic solo by Mike. Another track that only Seventh Key can deliver! Enthralling!
“I Want It All” ain’t a Queen cover but rather a rockin’ track with a few prog touches and a pleasant chorus.
The performances from both Mike & Bill are excellent. Mike has also produced & mixed the album. I was damn sure he was behind the production-desk as the sound is like the band’s second release but somewhat updated and more dynamic. After all, 9 years have passed since that album. The guest musicians that appear on this album are: Billy Trudel (The City), Terry Brock (Strangeways) & Bobby Capps (38 Special) on backing vocals, David Ragsdale (Kansas) on violin, David Manion (Level Five) on keys & Barry “The Blade” Johnson on guitar. The band’s drummer is Chet Wynd (also on the first SK album & on Slamer’s solo).
“I Will Survive” is a very good and tasteful album for the most part, but it doesn’t stand up to its forerunner. Those who enjoyed “The Raging Fire” will be pleased by this one as well, no second thoughts about it. I was just expecting something at least equal or better (can it be actually?!) compared to “The Raging Fire”, since 9 years of anticipation are too many. Anyhow, I’m glad the guys are back and hope it won’t take ‘em almost a decade to come up with a new album again…