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Keel > VI: Back in Action > Reviews
Keel - VI: Back in Action

Keel is Back in Action! - 85%

DeathRiderDoom, May 19th, 2009

Keel – IV


I f**king love John Keel. From when I first heard his vocals years ago on the self-titled Steeler (US) debut (featuring a young Malmsteen on guitar) I admired his throaty yet soaring style, and a couple years after, heard about Keel, his eponymous act. Incidentally, this was the first Keel album I heard, before getting my hands on the classics ‘Right to Rock’ and ‘Lay Down the Law’. I had no idea initially that the album was released as late as 1998! This is how true the album remains to the formula and sound of classic heavy metal/hard rock, which is relieving, for die hard fans of the genre, like myself.


Anyhow, this is a strong, yet modern album, with Keel writing some excellent numbers in the classic vein, while supplementing this with touches of more modern sounding rock. The most memorable track for me, is ‘United Nations’, a pro-rock anthem, shouting out lyrics about people across the world being proud to rock! (In the tradition of countless, countless bands and songs before; perhaps the most obvious being Twisted Sister’s ‘I Wanna Rock’). Anyway, this song is pure greatness. Continuing the albums utter flaunting of Keel’s excellent high-pitched vocal work, it does so with epic lyrics and an incredibly punchy catching chorus. “We are United Nations – under the flag of rock n roll!!!!” – Excellent. However it doesn’t stop there; everything in this track is where it should be. A perfect arrangement that is deserving of a place on any Keel ‘Best Of’.


Party anthem territory is covered in ‘Friday Every Night’, a track discussing the rock n roll lifestyle of playing heavy metal from town to town, and partying the hell out of every day. Inside are excellent lyrics about conquering every town, carrying on an 80’s tradition to perfection. This track is also pretty damn radio friendly, and pondering this, I’m wondering why Keel hasn’t had too much mainstream success. Ferrari and Brian Jay really earn their keep in these two anthems, placing excellent riff after excellent riff, truly executing the style well.

The title track is strong also, giving us some Keel screams and continuing the perfect guitar with squealy intros and Dokken-esque verse riffs. Great lyrics in this one about uniting ‘with the boys’ to rock! “Now I’m making up for lost time – coz I’m back where I belong!!!!” I love the way Keel explicitly refers to himself in the lyrics, as most songs are clearly not so direct in this manner. And the fact that he’s so damn positive! Another party anthem!

Pretty much every song on this album is a heavy hitting thriller, but one more worthy of directly discussing is ‘Reason to Rock’ a track written by Ron Keel, interestingly, and also sung it. This different style of song (while staying true enough to the classical formula) with the clear difference in vocals is an excellent touch, and its inclusion in the album is a winning touch. Love the choruses, lyrics and back ups in this one.

In summation, fans of keel go and get this one! Those who own the classic 80’s albums and love ‘em, but have not yet decided to be bold enough to venture into their 90’s territory should take the plunge! I can’t stress strongly enough what a good album this is, and is well worthy of falling under the Keel banner, and having the title “Back in Action” – believe me - they are. This one is full of punchy, hard hitting party anthems and great guitar work. A must have.