Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock - Spirit On A Mission (2015) (Japan KICP 1721)

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Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock - Spirit On A Mission (2015) (Japan KICP 1721)

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To name your band Temple Of Rock is pompous, pretentious, snooty (at least a bit)? Well, not if you’re Michael Schenker. Temple Of Rock is not only the title of his 2011 solo album, but it’s also an assembly he put together for the support of this release. This star-studded lineup (a literal temple of rock, indeed) comprises Schenker, Herman Rarebell (ex-Scorpions) on drums, Francis Buchholz (ex-Scorpions) on bass, Doogie White (ex-Rainbow, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, WAMI) on vocals, as well as Wayne Findlay on keyboards and 7-string guitar. And just conversely to the majority of super groups in the history of rock, this kind of ally seems to work out particularly well to the German virtuoso and his friends. Having released its first album Bridge The Gap in 2013, it took the band less than two years to finish a follow-up to it. Due out in March, via in-akustik, the new album by Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock is titled Spirit On A Mission – the missionaries behind the producer’s console are Schenker and the infallible Michael Voss (ex-Casanova, Mad Max, Wolfpakk etc.). The album’s opener “Live And Let Live” starts with an indolent, Bluesy lick, but it quickly loses that slow-ish, languid vibe to it, as it morphs into a fast-paced Hard Rock piece. The rhythm section’s work, as well as lead guitar parts, are sharp and feisty, all complemented by White’s characteristic vocal style. The second track “Communion” is no worse a counterpart to its predecessor. Based on a thick, Blues-infused and Funk-tinted guitar groove, with feisty but nonchalant vocals, it somewhat resembles the style utilized by Glenn Hughes in his later work. Next is “Vigilante Man,” which is embroidered with some of Schenker’s trademark shredding and well-crafted choruses. “Rock City” offers its mad tempo and intensity. As “Saviour Machine” starts, Schenker and the pack enter the territory of Sabbath-esque-yet-updated, lumbering sound; the main guitar parts are low and heavy but densely are twined with majestic, melodic interludes. It’s followed with the wicked, howling rhythm of guitar-laden “Something Of The Night,” again, a very convincing performance from White. “All Our Yesterdays” is a part Psychedelic, part Zeppelin-esque, part Purple-esque kind of thing, seasoned with a modern, crunchy guitar sound. Starting with Rarebell’s short but classy showcase behind the drum kit, the pounding track eight – entitled “Bulleproof” – is the classic UFO sound, transferred into the modern era and a clear homage to Schenker’s early days with Phil Mogg, Pete Way and Andy Parker. The guitar is sharp but melodic, and the captivating melody of the choruses simply is second to none, making the song one of the album’s best moments. During “Let The Devil Scream,” again, there are some tints and flavors of early Sabbath – especially the verses that are embroidered with Ozzy-esque articulation. Next up is “Good Times,” with its nostalgic vibe and its well-crafted melody, followed by the ardent chords and furious rhythm section, combined into a pulsating entity of “Restless Heart.” “Wicked” makes a hard-hitting, gritty final to the set of 12 songs on the album. It’s a fine compromise between a Classic Rock vibe and an updated sound. As long as the eponymous ‘mission’ is combining the ‘70s and ‘80s Hard Rock vibes and modern, huge sound into one, there couldn’t have been a title that’s more appropriate for this album’s content. Tastefully seasoned with tints of Blues, almost literally drenched in fine melodies and laden with instrumental prowess, Spirit On A Mission by Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock is a clear example of how the veterans of the Hard Rock scene can continue to compete with the new generation and, perhaps, even win in the end. Let’s only hope the upcoming live performances in support of the album will result in quite a few UFO, Scorpions and MSG classics dropping from the concert set lists. As much as we adore “Lovedrive,” “Doctor Doctor” and “Assault Attack,” there’s an urgent necessity for a handful of tracks off Spirit On A Mission to find their way into the Temple Of Rock’s gig schedules. As far as their finding the way into the hearts of Hard Rock fans is concerned, there is no doubt about the titular ‘mission’ being doomed to succeed. Much recommended.

hardrockhaven.net