Comments:
The story of one of rock's fallen heroes is a well known one. Much
like The DaVinci Code, the book on the extravagant Michael Schenker
is known back to front by most rockers. His life being affected by
alcohol for many years, his legal battle with his ex-wife, and the
many incidents with the flying saucer UFO. A past which is haunting
the master, a story with no end so it seems … or does it?
Tales
of Rock 'n'Roll - 25 Year Celebration is his new CD, and by far
his best of the last decade. It is inspired, edgy, and the master
has newly found his pleasure in playing guitar, judging the V that
flies all over this remarkable CD. It has been a while that the German
Axe master shone so brightly. The trademarks that made him world famous,
and one of the most important players in the scene. Schenker's fiery
rock licks, inhuman power riffs, and his fluent style can be found
again on this collection of classic rock tracks.
No
less than 19 songs offered by an all star gathering of his immaculate
past. Whether it's Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatraz,
Impelliteri, etc.), Robin McAuley (Grand Prix); Leif Sundin, the amazing
Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge) or Chris Logan; all are giving their best.
On top of this vocal power, Schenker presents his latest addition
to the MSG family; Jari Tiura! The Finnish vocalist who proves to
be an asset to the long spanning career of MSG with his powerful and
charismatic voice. No less than 13 songs bear his trademark.
But
it is without doubt the master who shines again. Just check out his
lead on "Freedom" which is finger licking brilliant. The
song itself is very un-Schenker, with it's staccato rhythms, proving
Michael still is open for new things and improving his songwriting.
Old school melodic rock songs like "The Ride" and "Dust
to Dust", a slow rocker like "Dreams inside" (Chris
Logan shining), "St. Ann" and "Voice from my Heart,"
or a groovy monster like "Setting Sun" with some amazing
double bass playing from Jeff Martin (Badlands, Racer X), they all
sound vivid and passionate.
True
gems and hymns are plenty found on this disc. The amazing Sundin track
"Angel of Avalon" for instance, which is one of Schenker's
finest recordings of all time. Or "Rock 'n' Roll" which
is almost programmatically sounding, with a spotlight on the rough
and edgy voice of Graham Bonnet, or the powerful Kelly Keeling performance
on "Big Deal" … amazing! "Tell a Story" is
amazingly sung by McAuley, deserving the right to the abbreviation
of the MSG name when he joined in the late eighties! The haunting
"Life Vacation" however loses quality due to Gary Barden,
who's voice certainly didn't stand the test of time.
Tales
of Rock 'n'Roll - 25 Year Celebration marks the return of one
of melodic rock's most important guitarists of the last three decades.
Schenker has clearly put the bottle aside in order to set things straight
for once and for all. He is the mad Axeman, and no one else is able
to live up to that name!
www.michaelschenkerhimself.com
www.armageddonmusic.com
HRH
Rating: 8.6/10
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