MICHAEL SCHENKER: Spirit On A Mission (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Based on Michael Schenker's simple solo album released in 2011, "Temple Of Rock" has gradually become a real band. This is how we find two years after a very good "Bridge The Gap" the new offering of Temple Of Rock, "Spirit On A Mission". For this album, the German guitarist keeps the team formed with his former Scorpions companions, Herman Rarebell and Francis Buchholz accompanied by Doogie White on vocals.

Confident after a tribute tour to UFO and Scorpions, this line-up with the appearance of a super group quickly found its marks and revitalized a Schenker often uninspired in recent years. A true group work, White and guitarist Wayne Findlay having played a major part in the composition, "Spirit On A Mission" sees Schenker evolving in a melodic heavy rock that combines both the spirit of UFO and that of the MSG.

All this gives us a solid album, certainly in an old-fashioned way, but with an intact strenght and desire. On this point Schenker keeps a remarkable freshness. And where his former colleagues from Scorpions and UFO slow down the tempo or flirt with the blues, he remains anchored in heavy metal as if time had stopped in the 80s. And he proves it in 4 sharp songs with haunting melodies. Thus "Live And Let Live", "Something On The Night", "Restless Heart" and "Rock City" are pure successes with very good choruses, incisive and melodic solos, and a perfect singing. White does a great job and reminds us that he excels in the genre, even if we often tend to underestimate him.

Next to these fireworks are also slower but equally successful songs like 'Vigilante Man' and 'Bulletproof' and their excellent choruses. We will finally distinguish "Communion" and "All Your Yesterdays" which would have had their place on UFO's old album with this beautiful ability to mix melody and hard rock energy. The only small downside comes from the end of the album with more classical songs whose catchy appeal is less obvious.

"Spirit On A Mission" is a nice surprise that confirms that Michael Schenker has found a second youth with his Temple Of Rock. He signs us a beautiful album in the spirit of the 80s. It remains to be hoped that this lasts and that the guitarist finally loses his unstable side to make this beautiful adventure last. - Official website

MICHAEL SCHENKER

SPIRIT ON A MISSION

AUTRE LABEL

HARD ROCK