Album Description:
In the world of heavy metal history, certain albums stand as milestones, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and its fans. "KEEL - The Right to Rock" is undoubtedly one of those iconic releases that continue to resonate with metal enthusiasts to this day. This second studio album by the heavy metal band Keel holds a special place not only for its powerful sound but also for its unique journey in creation and collaboration.
The album's significance is immediately underscored by the fact that it was produced by none other than Gene Simmons, the legendary member of the iconic rock band Kiss. Simmons's involvement injected a fresh energy into Keel's music and brought a level of expertise that only a seasoned performer and producer like him could offer. Released under Gold Mountain Records, with distribution by A&M Records at the time, "The Right to Rock" wasn't just an album; it was a statement of Keel's intent to claim their spot in the rock and metal pantheon.
The road to creating this masterpiece wasn't without its twists and turns. As fate would have it, the band encountered changes in their lineup during the recording process. Drummer Bobby Marks departed the group, leading to a series of replacements that included Fred Coury (who would later become a key member of Cinderella), Barry Brandt (known from Angel), and Steve Riley (who would go on to join W.A.S.P.). Dwain Miller eventually took up the drumsticks as the band's permanent drummer, adding stability to the lineup just before the album's release.
The album's sonic journey took place across two iconic locations: Record Plant in Los Angeles, California, and Media Sound in New York City. These studios became the crucibles in which the album's raw energy was harnessed and transformed into a timeless collection of tracks.
Behind the scenes, a team of skilled sound engineers played a crucial role in crafting the album's distinctive auditory experience. Names like Bruce Smith, Craig Engel, Eddie DeLena, Greg Fulginiti, Mikey Davis, Patrick Hutchinson, Paul Wertheimer, and Sebastian Thoner became the architects of the album's sonic landscape. Their expertise ensured that every riff, every drum beat, and every vocal nuance found its perfect place in the mix.
The album's cover art is a testament to the attention to detail that went into its creation. The photography, handled by Aaron Rapoport, captures the essence of the band's energy and spirit. Meanwhile, Chuck Beeson's album cover design and John Taylor Dismukes's illustrations combined to create a visual identity that perfectly complemented the album's sonic power.
Of course, no discussion of "KEEL - The Right to Rock" is complete without acknowledging the musical talents that brought the album to life. The band's lineup included Ron Keel on vocals and guitar, Marc Ferrari on guitar and vocals, Bryan Jay on guitar and vocals, Kenny Chaisson on bass and vocals, and Dwain Miller on drums and vocals. The album also featured the additional drums of Steve Riley, who brought his extensive experience from bands like Steppenwolf and W.A.S.P. to contribute to the album's rhythmic foundation.
