Michael Schenker - Temple of Rock

A return to form by one of the masters, Temple of Rock showcases Herr Schenker doing what he does best. Ausgezeichnet!As his fans well know, Michael Schenker, whose influence runs deep within the hard rock/heavy metal community, has had a long successful career as a guitarist.  Being a member of Scorpions and UFO, as well as the founder of MSG, Michael has given his fans lots of shredding over the years.  And while Schenker records have been kind of hit and miss over the last several years due to unstable line ups, his latest offering, Temple of Rock, may well be his return to form. 

The new disc has an all-star lineup with Michael Voss (Casanova) on vocals, Herman Rarebell (Ex-Scorpions) on drums, and Pete Way (UFO) on bass.  If that weren't enough, Michael re-unites with Robin McAuley for the killer track Lover's Sinfony.  I believe this is the first time the two have collaborated since the Mcauley/Schenker years.  Another killer tune in which Schenker re-unites with former a vocalist (Doogie White) is the mid-tempo rocker Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.

Temple of Rock is chock full of killer melodic, hard rock tunes, boasting great melodies and memorable choruses.   Voss executes each song without a hitch, and I really dig this tandem.  These two definitely have a chemistry together - which may be the best match up since he was working with Mcauley.  Songs like Miss Claustrophobia and Scene of Crime are instant classics.  Now before I end this review, I also have to comment how good Schenker sounds on this release.  Michael rips more than I've heard from him in some time.  He really seems inspired and his hard work has definitely paid off.  This is simply a solid release from start to finish.

Editor's Note: Temple of Rock, could have been CD of the month, if it hadn't already been taken.

Bottom Line:  Solid songs driven by hard-hitting riffs make for the most complete Schenker record in sometime.  An all-star cast helps the master create one of his most intriguing, enjoyable records that will be hard to get out of the deck.

Standout Tracks:  Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Scene of the Crime, Miss Claustrophobia and Storming In

- Ragman has been air guitaring to this one all week...