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RON KEEL
Keelworld
RFK Media 2024

I spoke to RON KEEL about two years ago, and he told me about his next project. He referred to it as Keelworld, which was a record that was a companion album to his KeelFest. For those that aren't aware, Ron was/is a member of KEEL, STEELER, RON KEEL BAND, IRONHORSE, and briefly a member of BLACK SABBATH, and he rebranded himself as RONNIE LEE KEEL in the 90s, and he went traditional country. And it worked! The only band that isn't represented here is FAIR GAME. That's a band that Ron fronted where he was backed by an all-female band. Based on what I've read, he just wasn't able to make that materialize so it didn't make the cut, bummer. However, it sounds like there might be something brewing with the ladies in FAIR GAME in the near future, a standalone song or an EP or something.

If you've followed Ron's career for years, you're aware that he hasn't lost much vocally. He still delivers a powerful performance. Keelworld is a collection of melodic hard rock, traditional southern rock, and straightforward country tracks that showcase his distinct voice. There's no surprise here; he's not doing modern metal; in fact, the 'metal' tune on the album is the BLACK SABBATH cover of "Children of The Grave", which is stellar by the way. I was anticipating a heavier STEELER tune, but "Give Me Guitars (Or Give Me Death)" does the trick. I'll take an original-penned STEELER song anytime.

My personal favorites or the standouts on Keelworld are "Hard On The Outside (Heart On The Inside)", by RON KEEL BAND, excellent riff and fantastic chorus; "Faster Horses", by RONNIE LEE KEEL, an excellent traditional country tune that allows Keel to display his abilities as a wordsmith; "Take Me Back", another RON KEEL BAND tune, which is another opportunity to flex the strength of his songwriting abilities; and the album closer, "The Last Bottle On Earth", a Ron Keel solo acoustic song. It's a brilliant tearjerker that ends this cohesive collection of tunes that seamlessly goes from song into the next. Overall, Keelworld is a must-listen for any Ron Keel fan or disciple of the Keel legacy. This album is a testament to Ron's enduring talent and dedication to his craft and a reminder that, even after decades in the business, he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. I'm ready for a second installment of Keelworld.

4.5 Out Of 5.0