FIRST KEY

Amos Key is a typical classically influenced symphonic prog rock band from Germany. Their line-up and the leading role of keyboards puts them in a group of 70's bands, such as ELP, Ekseption or Deep Purple, while Triumvirat and Tyburn Tall are the closest german bands to Amos Key in that era.

"First Key" was their first and sadly their last album. Their musical identity is evident from the moment the first notes of the album come out of the speakers. Heavy keyboard-orientated prog reminding of Keith Emerson's style. However, Amos Key were not an ELP (or Nice) clone, especially due to the comparativelly more "catchy" character of their songs. Appart from the wonderful melodies and solos of Thomas Molin, the bass lines of Andreas Gross are pounding throughout the album.

I have to admit that if the songs were better, this would be a forgotten gem. The truth is that originality was not the band's forte, and besides that the sound is very poor. However, if there was a second album we might have a different opinion on the maturity of this trio.