Key 殺戮党

First Key (1974). For the first time as a reissue on CD. The first and eponymous album of classical rock influenced great German krautrockers Amos Key. Amos Key owed great debts to Bach, Beethoven and Schumann, adding a heavy krautrock twist to a music closely resembling the Nice or Egg, full of angst and weird psychedelic and space-rock touches (Freeman Brothers: In A Crack In The Cosmic Egg). Amos Key lived in Munich and consisted of great organ-player Thomas Molin, congenial bass-player Andreas Gross and superb drummer Lutz Ludwig. This fairly competent outfit recorded the album on label 'Spiegelei' just after they recorded their radio sessions (Amos Key, Keynotes, The Lost Tapes, SWF Session 1973). Sadly bandleader and organ-player Thomas Molin passed away in the 90ies but bass-player Andreas Gross tells the band story in a very vivid and funny way…

Milanese band Silver Key seem to have suddenly arrived out of nowhere but in fact started out as long ago as 1992, as an official tribute act of Marillion and Fish. They've gained a loyal following by playing live down the years, including concerts with Fem and Ubi Maior, but after two decades of regular gigging have finally released their debut album of original material. It was always their stated aim to do this and at last they have found their own voice. Incidentally, the band takes its name from a short story by American writer H. P. Lovecraft where the protagonist loses the magical key that enables him to enter an alternate dimension of dreams. This choice of name for the band symbolises the means by which they can fulfil their own long held dreams just as Lovecraft's character is able to visit his dreamed-of cities.

Sure, they may have been the kings of heavy metal Cheez Whiz, but unlike many image-conscious '80s rockers, Dokken wrote genuinely appealing songs. Frontman Don Dokken's voice carried better than most belters, and George Lynch was a ferociously gifted guitarist who could tug at the heartstrings as easily as he could burn down the bedroom…

Sure, they may have been the kings of heavy metal Cheez Whiz, but unlike many image-conscious '80s rockers, Dokken wrote genuinely appealing songs. Frontman Don Dokken's voice carried better than most belters, and George Lynch was a ferociously gifted guitarist who could tug at the heartstrings as easily as he could burn down the bedroom. Under Lock and Key, which wasn't as combustive as Dokken's first two albums Breaking the Chains and Tooth and Nail, seemed like an effort by the band to attract a larger following. It worked. Candy metal softballs like "It's Not Love," "Unchain the Night," and "In My Dreams" were heavy enough to keep the guys rockin', but sensitive enough to attract the chicks. And isn't that what '80s metal was all about? ~ Jon Wiederhorn

"I Will Survive" is the third studio release from Seventh Key. Seventh Key’s members are: Billy Greer (legendary rock band Kansas) Mike Slamer (City Boy, Streets, Steelhouse Lane and countless other projects) David Manion (Keys) and a guest appearance by David Ragsdale (Kansas violin). Also, featured are guest vocal performances by Billy Trudel (Elton John Band), Bobby Capps (38 Special), Terry Brock (Strange Ways and Giant) and Barry Johnson. "I Will Survive" marks the long awaited follow up to the albums and brings back Billy and Mike in top form. The songwriting and instrumental arrangements for this album, plus the caliber of the production and performances by all on board brings the fans another total masterpiece of Melodic Hard Rock/Progressive Rock.

"I Will Survive" is the third studio release from Seventh Key. Seventh Key’s members are: Billy Greer (legendary rock band Kansas) Mike Slamer (City Boy, Streets, Steelhouse Lane and countless other projects) David Manion (Keys) and a guest appearance by David Ragsdale (Kansas violin). Also, featured are guest vocal performances by Billy Trudel (Elton John Band), Bobby Capps (38 Special), Terry Brock (Strange Ways and Giant) and Barry Johnson. "I Will Survive" marks the long awaited follow up to the albums and brings back Billy and Mike in top form. The songwriting and instrumental arrangements for this album, plus the caliber of the production and performances by all on board brings the fans another total masterpiece of Melodic Hard Rock/Progressive Rock.