Greek Fire is an American rock band originating in St. Louis, Missouri, formed in 2008 by Story of the Year guitarists Philip Sneed and Ryan Phillips, and Maybe Today members Johnny Venus and Mark Joseph Roth. The band was largely unknown outside the St. Louis area until late 2014, when their rock anthem "Top of the World" made an appearance in the trailer for Big Hero 6. Their music is heavily inspired by classic 1970's and 1980's arena rock and power metal acts, and their sound has been compared to everything from U2 to Black Flag. In the band's own words:
"Greek Fire is a mission to capture the attention of a rock deprived generation. A mission to re-vitalize the spirit of rock music in all of its purity and greatness. A mission to create uplifting, soaring music for those who need it now more than ever. Greek Fire is composed of four young men from the planet Earth, each sharing an extreme passion for their respective instruments. Greek Fire is about purity and expression, poetry and mystery, the beauty of the journey. Faith in something greater, a quest into the unknown, a connection with the fire within. Embracing the power of words, the beauty of the guitar riff, the energy created through real rhythm, Greek Fire is a quest to resurrect the greatness of rock music for those who want something more. Natural melodies and rhythm with no cover ups, no pitch correction, no splicing and dicing it to perfection, just the spirit of that natural and attitude-filled first take. We invite you to the ride."
Principal Members
- Philip "Moon" Sneed - lead vocals, piano, rhythm guitar
- Ryan Phillips - lead guitar
- Johnny Venus - drums, percussion
- Mark Joseph Roth - bass guitar, backing vocals
Studio Discography:
- 2011 - Deus ex Machina
- 2013 - Lost (EP)
Non-album singles:
- 2013 - A Real Life note
- 2013 - Top of the World note
This band contains examples of:
- Badass Bookworm: Evidently, guitarist and songwriter Ryan Phillips. "Under the Stars" contains numerous references to classical theatre, and "Top of the World" at one point references the work of John Milton.
- Gratuitous Foreign Language: The bridge of "Under the Stars" contains a Pink Floyd-style loop of a woman speaking French.
- Lonely at the Top: "Top of the World" concerns one's journey to success, but also the resulting misery and loneliness that comes with it in the fight to make it there.I'm at the top of the world, up here I'm dying alone
- Lyrical Dissonance: Frequently. The band's songs are ridiculously upbeat, yet often deal with subjects such as grief and personal sacrifice.
- Metal Scream: Prominent in "Under the Stars" and "Down in Mexico", among others.
- New Media Are Evil: Or rather, people using New Media to Troll or as a means to feed their own egos in "A Real Life". Though the possibility of constantly being online ruining normal social interactions is addressed in the chorus.
- Nice Guy: Being completely independent (for the time being) and fan-supported, they are very cordial and interactive with their audience.
- Self-Empowerment Anthem: "Top of the World" and "Just the Beginning"
- Social Media Is Bad: A Real Life criticises social media addiction and how using it to substitute social interactions is crippling and an enablement of some really bad ideas.
- Song Style Shift: "Under the Stars" begins as a soft ballad, then launches headlong into heavy metal.
- Stage Names: Philip Sneed goes by "Moon Valjean" when performing with Greek Fire.
- The Power of Rock: Dude, did you even read their mission statement?
- Uncommon Time: "Put Your Hands On Me" is a rare hard-rock number in 3/4 time.
