Author: Aleš Podbrežnik
Artist: Michael Schenker Fest
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release: 2018
Running time: 52:16
Rating: 4/5
Michael Schenker is one of those guitarists who need no epic introduction. Suffice it to say he’s one of the most striking gems rock’n’roll lore has ever produced, and one of the most recognizable musicians, whose guitar playing through the seventies and into the eighties radically shaped the development and spread of electric guitar techniques. Let’s just mention that the opening track of Schenker’s latest album »Resurrection« features none other than the famous guitar »bad boy« Kirk Hammet (Metallica), who, as a huge Schenker fan, has always sung the praises of the German’s guitar contribution to the rock’n’roll universe. Especially on the UFO albums, Schenker came across like a man from another galaxy. Back in the day, with his exceptional and unbelievably witty, inventive and charismatic mix of classical music elements, a refined feel for injecting ultra-musicality, and bluesy roots, his guitar riffs and above all his solos in those distant times were seen as a »prophetic signpost« for where heavy metal and hard rock would head in the future.
For the past few years the great Michael Schenker has somehow steered clear of working under the classic MSG banner, that is, Michael Schenker Group. Instead he recorded and released some material under the name Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, and two years ago he decided to launch a project called Michael Schenker Fest. He invited a number of vocalists to join, all of them people who left their mark in Michael Schenker Group, McAuley Schenker Group and the aforementioned Temple Of Rock project. That set the stage for a proper »stage circus« and »fun-house theater«, because when it comes to his concerts, it’s a real stage revue of legendary musicians teaming up, in an expanded and thus even more attractive on-stage variety show.
And so that the whole thing wouldn’t stop at good business and a few gigs, this crew recorded a new album too. And the key thing about all this new stuff is the realization that Schenker hasn’t served up anything this consistent and confident in a long time, like »Resurrection« does. It’s a meaningful title, and honestly Schenker couldn’t have picked a better one for his new album this time around. Everything that crowned this guitarist and put him on the throne of the most prominent players in rock’n’roll is here, and the album is also accompanied by the most essential thing of all. Schenker has truly found a great creative sense again, and the album is marked by a noticeable dose of fresh ideas and inspiration. Schenker doesn’t need to invent anything new; it’s enough that we get to revel in his soloing wizardry, those filigree details generated by his »unique touch and grip«, which makes him a great and inimitable rock original. Much like when the talk turns to the figure and work of Richie Blackmore.
Michael divided the vocal duties among the members of the new project superbly. You recognize the vocal essence and character of every singer involved instantly, and it’s precisely this colorful vocal palette, represented by Doogie White, Robin McAuley, Gary Barden and Graham Bonnet, that brings an extra kick of energy, a surge of drama theater and a contrast of moods. All of this is effectively captured on the new album, which is the embodiment of classic hard and heavy rock attitude. It’s something Schenker has successfully »called back to life«, and something that goes with and defines Schenker’s entire discography. The album is full of dramatic upheavals and characterized by fast to mid-tempo songs, where Schenker has successfully capitalized on his great knack for creating a sense of bombast and the aforementioned drama theater. The songs keep their quality consistent across the record, and toward the end of the album Michael added the excellent instrumental Salvation, with a distinctive, infectious lead motif that grabs the listener’s attention right away and further strengthens the musical substance of this extremely successful album.
That’s it. A revived Michael Schenker with a fresh barrage of swaggering riffs and solos, in the company of old colleagues. The man is enjoying a new spring, a new bloom; the tour is rolling across North America, and soon he’ll be delighting his fans in Europe again too. Let’s hope the legendary guitarist holds on to this newfound drive and enthusiasm for many years to come.
Lineup
Michael Schenker – guitar
Kirk Hammet – guitar solo on track no. 1
Doogie White – vocals on tracks no. 2, 3, 5, 9 and 12
Robin McAuley – vocals on tracks no. 1, 2, 8 and 12
Graham Bonnet . vocals on tracks 2, 4, 6, and 12
Gary Barden – vocals on tracks no. 2, 7, 11 and 12
Michael Voss – Schön – guitar
Wayne Findlay – guitar
Steve Mann – guitar, keyboards
Chris Glen – bass guitar
Ted McKenna – drums
Production
Michael Schenker & Michael Voss
Track list
01. Heart And Soul
02. Warrior
03. Take Me To The Church
04. Night Moods
05. The Girl With The Stars In Her Eyes
06. Everest
07. Messin’ Around
08. Time Knows When It’s Time
09. Anchors Away
10. Salvation
11. Livin’ A Life Worth Livin’
12. The Last Supper
