Derek Sherinian Offers Update On New Album

Courtesy: InsideOut MUsic

Famed keyboardist Derek Sherinian is scheduled to release his new album, Vortex, this summer.

The album is scheduled for release July 1 through InsideOut Music. The record’s release will come more than two years after the release of his then latest album, The Phoenix. That album produced the singles,  ‘Empyrean Sky,’ ‘Dragonfly,’ and ‘Them Changes‘ (a cover of the Buddy Miles classic).

Sherinian announced last March, that he had started work on the album. He said at the time, drummer Simon Phillips would return for the album, which has been confirmed for this album. Also making guest appearances at Steve Stevens, Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne band, Black Label Society), and Michael Schenker (Temple of Rock, Michael Schenker Group, Michael Schenker Fest), all of whom he has worked previously.

Sherinian made a guest appearance on Schenker’s latest Micheal Schenker Group record, Immortal, last year, while Wylde has previously appeared on some of Sherinian’s early solo releases. Also making appearances this time out are the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather (Toto), and his Sons of Apollo band mate Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal.

The track listing for Vortex is noted below.

Tracklisting:
1 The Vortex feat. Steve Stevens
2 Fire Horse feat. Nuno Bettencourt
3 Scorpion
 4 Seven Seas feat. Steve Stevens
5 Key Lime Blues feat. Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather
6 Die Kobra feat. Michael Schenker, Zakk Wylde
7 Nomad’s Land feat. Mike Stern
8 Aurora Australis feat. Bumblefoot

More information on Derek Sherinian’s new album is available along with all of his latest news at:

Website: https://www.dereksherinian.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Derek-Sherinian-Official-361589234010473/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerekSherinian

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

‘Immortal’ Reminds Listeners Why Michael Schenker’s Influence, Popularity Are Themselves Immortal

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Michael Schenker’s latest Michael Schenker Group record Immortal officially entered the world music charts this week, and the numbers are promising.  The 10-song record, which was officially released Jan. 29 through Nuclear Blast Records, reached #14 on the U.S. Rock chart, #3 on the nation’s Hard Rock chart and #43 on the Top Current Chart.  The band’s 11^th album, it has proven just as successful, reaching #3 in Japan, and #8 in Germany, Sweden, and Switerland.  Its results in other parts of the world have put it in Top 25 spots and so forth.  The album’s largely successful first week numbers should be no surprise, considering that Schenker has a record of succeeding in everything he does.  This record is no exception to that rule.  That is evidenced in part through the album’s musical arrangements, which will be addressed shortly.  The lyrical content that accompanies the record’s musical arrangements builds on the foundation formed by that musical element.  It will be discussed a little later.  The record’s production puts the final touch to its presentation.  It brings everything together, completing the album’s presentation.  When it is addressed along with the record’s content, the whole of the elements makes the album in whole a presentation that rock and hard rock purists alike will enjoy just as much as Schenker’s established fan base.

Michael Schenker Group’s latest album – its 11^th – is another successful offering from the group, which is just one of Schenker’s many projects.  It is a presentation whose appeal is far reaching.  That is proven in part through its musical arrangements.  The arrangements that fill out each of the album’s 10 total songs, give audiences elements of the rock sounds of days gone by alongside today’s pure guitar rock work.  ‘Drilled to Kill,’ which opens the album, is a prime example of that balance.  There is a clear Motorhead influence aligned here with Schenker’s own hard rock/power metal influences.  The powerhouse, operatic vocals of Primal Fear front man Ralf Scheepers add even more to that classic metal sensibility.  On yet another level, the use of the keyboards here lends itself to comparisons to works from Derek Sherinian, adding even more of that modern rock (and even prog) feel.  Simply put, the whole of the arrangement blends the noted elements of rock and hard rock’s past and present for a whole that hits hard.  It makes for a strong start for the album and an equally strong example of how much the album’s musical arrangements have to offer audiences.

Another of the entries that highlights the importance album’s musical content to its overall presentation is ‘Sail The Darkness.’  Rainbow front man Ronnie Romero’s vocal delivery joins with the work of Schenker and company to take listeners back to the age of big riffs and even bigger hair.  The use of the keyboards and the rich sound of the drums conjures thoughts of vintage Van Halen and Iron Maiden.  While the noted influences are clearly there, the arrangement in whole still features its own identity.  The result is that it presents a sound that will appeal easily to the noted audiences just as much as the arrangement featured in ‘Drilled to Kill’ and any of the album’s other works. 

As if ‘Drilled to Kill’ and ‘Sail the Darkness’ are not enough proof of the importance of the musical arrangements featured in Immortal, the arrangement featured in ‘In Search of The Peace of Mind’ takes listeners in yet another direction. The sound and stylistic approach taken in its opening bars are akin to works from the likes of Joe Satriani.  That approach soon gives way however, to more of a power ballad approach that itself then gives way to a sort of heavy, plodding Judas Priest style work.  The short and simple here is that what audiences get in this song is essentially a three-movement opus that lifts from influences within a wide range of eras.  The Judas Priest style work sounds like works that the band crafted way back in the 1970s while the Satriani-esque portion could have been just as easily from his 80s and  90s work as from his more modern works.  The other portion is clearly influenced from 80s greats, such as Dokken.  The whole of those influences makes the song in whole yet another interesting work that will reach a wide range of listeners.   When its appeal and variance in sound from that of the other works noted here and the rest of the album’s works, the whole of the album’s musical  content leaves no doubt as to the importance of this record’s musical content. That overall content makes the album well worth hearing in itself.  It is just one aspect of what makes the album successful, too.  The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical arrangements makes the album even more engaging and entertaining.

The lyrical content that accompanies Immortal’s musical arrangements adds to the record’s appeal because it is just as accessible as the record’s musical content.  From beginning to end, the record’s lyrical content presents themes and topics that any listener will find familiar.  No less than three of the album’s songs are lyrical works about women.  The come in the form of ‘Devil’s Daughter,’ ‘The Queen of Thorns and Roses,’ and ‘After The Rain.’  Each focuses on a different matter therein.  ‘Devil’s Daughter’ is a simple work about a woman who just drives men wild with her feminine wiles.  ‘After The Rain’ seems to focus on a man lamenting woman who has left him.  ‘The Queen of Thorns and Roses’ meanwhile comes across as being about a woman who isn’t quite what she seems.  These themes are familiar for so many rock and hard rock songs.  On another note, a song, such as ‘Sail The Darkness’ comes across as being a work that lyrically, is about making one’s way through life’s more difficult moment.  This is also a familiar topic, and just as welcome here as in any other act’s songs. 

On yet another note, ‘Drilled To Kill’ seems to broach the matter of how people are essentially institutionalized in so many ways.  From religion – the line notes, “Religion is the order/Stick right to the rules/Sail on sailor, anywhere/On this ship of fools/We are on a mission/Questions won’t be posed/Load your gun/We’re gettin’ there/Battlefield is close.” – to the very process of making young men ready for  battle  —  “Mute all emotions/Looking for the thrill/So close to overdosing/We’ve been drilled to kill/Who cares for the enemy?/Already on the hill/Say a prayer/A last will/’Cause we’ve been  drilled to kill/They say you are wanted/A wanted man/Come and sign the paper/Let me count you in/Well,  it looks like a holiday/But we protect the Earth/Sailing distant oceans/It’s all worth.” – the protest here certainly comes across clearly.  To that end, it is yet another accessible song and proves even more how that accessibility plays into the importance of the album’s overall lyrical content.  When it, the other noted lyrical themes here and the rest of the album’s lyrical themes are considered together, they leave no doubt as to the overall importance of the album’s lyrical content.  It is just as accessible as the album’s musical content.  Keeping that in mind, the content in whole does more than its share to make the album successful.  The overall content is just one way in which the   album shows its viability, too.  The production of that content brings everything together and completes the record’s picture.

The production that went into the creation of Immortal is critical to its presentation because of its impact on the presentation of the content.  Thanks to the solid production, no one aspect of the songs’ instrumentation overpowers the others.  At the same time, the vocals never get washed out.  This is especially important because washing out vocals can easily lead to either simple misinterpretation of lyrics or even a full inability to comprehend them without a lyrics sheet.  That applies in so many genres of the musical universe.  Sadly, so few acts take this into account when their records are produced.  On another level, there is a lot going on in each song.  Between the guitars, the vocals, the drums and other elements, the songs have quite a bit happening.  That means a lot of attention had to be paid to every aspect of each song.  Even in the softer, more reserved moments, the simplicity in those works had a lot to focus on in order to fully emotionally impact listeners.  The production succeeds even in those cases.  Simply put, the time and painstaking efforts that were clearly put into the album’s production paid off.  Those efforts made the album sound as good as it appears through its content.  It completes the musical picture painted here and makes the album a presentation that is fully deserving of its own spot on this year’s list of the best new hard rock and metal albums.

Michael Schenker Group’s new album Immortal is a presentation that succeeds just as much as Schenker’s most recent Michael Schenker Fest albums – Revelation and Resurrection.  This latest offering from Michael Schenker Group — its 11^th – succeeds in part due to its musical arrangements.  The album’s arrangements will appeal to any rock and hard rock purist as well as any longtime fan of Michael Schenker.  The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical content is just as accessible as the album’s musical arrangements.  The record’s production brings everything together and puts the finishing touch to the album’s presentation.  Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of the album.  All things considered, they make Immortal a record that reminds audiences of the immortality of Michael Schenker’s popularity and influence.  Immortal is available now.

More information on Immortal is available now along with all of Michael Schenker Fest’s latest news and more at:

Website: https://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelschenkerrocks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Michael Schenker Group Debuts New Single, ‘Sail The Darkness,’ Companion Video

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Michael Schenker Group debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the single ‘Sail The Darkness‘ and its companion lyric video Friday. The song is the third single from the group’s forthcoming album Immortal, which is scheduled for release Jan. 29 through Nuclear Blast Records. Immortal was originally scheduled for release Jan. 8, but that was pushed back to Jan. 29.

The premiere of ‘Sail The Darkness’ follows that of the album’s first two singles, ‘Drilled To Kill‘ and ‘After The Rain.’

The lyric video for ‘Sail The Darkness’ features vocalist the band members performing their respective parts to the song in front of a watery background as the song’s lyrics are presented next to each member. The song’s operatic, power metal style musical arrangement plays over the video in the process.

Vocalist Ronnie Romero, who handles vocals on this track, talked about the composition during a recent interview.

Since I listened the demo I got the feeling that this would become in a great song, because it sounds like the great old Hard Rock songs and the riff is just Michael Schenker at his best!,” said Romero. “And to me it’s even more special because I had the chance to write the lyrics. I’m pretty sure the fans gonna love this one!”

The lyrical theme that accompanies the song’s musical arrangement comes across as delivering a message of hope. It comes across as a message of pushing on through the difficult times in life.

In related news, Michael Schenker Group has announced a new live schedule in support of the album and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his career in music. Doro is scheduled to join the band for the first set of dates while the band is scheduled to handle the second half of the run by itself.

The first leg of the tour is scheduled to run from Oct. 28-31 in London and Wolverhampton. The second leg of the tour features dates in Madrid, Spain; Turin, Italy, and the Netherlands. The tour’s schedule is noted below.

Michael Schenker 
“50th Anniversary – IMMORTAL” 
performed by the current MSG/Michael Schenker Group
 
with special guest DORO
28.10.2021 UK – Leeds, O₂ Academy                            
29.10.2021 UK – Newcastle, O₂ City Hall                             
30.10.2021 UK – Wolverhampton, KK Steel Mill                           
31.10.2021 UK – London, O₂ Shepherd’s Bush Empire   
 
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/michael-schenker-tickets/artist/890401
 
Michael Schenker
“50th Anniversary – IMMORTAL”
performed by the current MSG/Michael Schenker Group

02.11.2021 NL – Zoetermeer, De Boerderij
03.11.2021 CH – Pratteln, Z7
04.11.2021 IT  – Turin, Audiodrome
05.11.2021 ES – Barcelona, Razzmatazz 1
06.11.2021 ES – Madrid, La Riviera

Tickets: https://www.dragon-productions.eu/bands/michael-schenker/

Immortal will feature 10 songs, including one composition that Schenker created when he was a child, titled ‘In Search of the Peace of Mind.’

Schenker spoke at length about the song during his recent interview.

“I wrote this song when I was 15 years old, it was my first ever written piece of music which I recorded with Scorpions on our first studio album Lonesome Crow in 1970, getting released in 1972 – when I had already left Scorpions to join the British rock band UFO in June of 1972 – when I was 17,” he said. “We re-recorded this song for my 50th anniversary as a celebration and it turned out to be an epic; with an extra extension at the end of the song, which turned out absolutely fantastic with Simon Phillips on drums, doing his usual amazing stuff.“ The result is a true highlight and features even more surprises: “Gary Barden sings the first verse,  continued by Ronnie Romero – and in the end we have Ronnie, Doogie White, and Robin McAuley screaming their heads off, as a tribute to my 50th anniversary. Absolutely amazing. Thanks to the guys for doing this!“

Immortal will release as a standard CD and a limited edition expanded edition complete with the Michael Schenker Fest live recording Bang Your Head.  Schenker said of the recording, which was recorded two years ago in Balingen/Germany, “Unfixed, raw, pure and great! There’s a couple of small mistakes, but because the show and recording went so well, I decided to keep it the way it went on the night. It’s live, magic and pure.“

More information on Immortal is available now along with all of Michael Schenker Fest’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michaelschenkerrocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Michael Schenker Reveals ‘Immortal’ Cover Art

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Audiences are getting to see the artwork for this week for the next Michael Schenker Group record.

Schenker (UFO, Scorpions, Michael Schenker Fest) revealed the cover art for MSG’s forthcoming album Immortal Friday.  The artwork, created by Zsofia Dankova (Powerwolf) shows Schenker atop what looks like a mountain, guitar in hand atop the mountain and amps just below and a flag flying behind him in the wind.  The artwork seems to hint at Schenker being that proverbial “king of the mountain.”

The debut of Immortal‘s cover art comes less than a month after the announcement of the album’s release date an general specifications were made.  According to that announcement, Immortal is scheduled for release Jan. 8, 2021 through Nuclear Blast Records.  Its release will come more than a year after Schenker released his latest Michael Schenker Fest album Revelation.

The most recent information available states that as of Friday, Schenker has finished recording Immortal.

“We have a lot of guest musicians, who will undoubtedly help to make it an exceptional success. First of all I want to say that I am very grateful to any musicians that have helped to create a fitting tribute to my long career on this special release. I want to thank all of them for their incredible contribution.”

Nuclear Blast Records Founder Markus Staiger said in his own comments, he was looking forward to Schenker’s forthcoming MSG album.

“I am really looking forward to releasing this brand new MSG album, after the two excellent Michael Schenker Fest records,” he said. “At the age of 14, the self-titled MSG debut completely blew me away and helped to shape my taste, since then I’ve followed and loved his music and unique compositions. Those ten new tracks are pure magic!”

Immortal was recorded primarily at Kidroom Studio in Germany with Schenker’s longtime partner Michael Voss.  Voss co-produced the album with Schenker and provided vocals for two of the album’s songs.

Schenker praised Voss for his work.

“It is always a pleasure to work with Michael Voss, who works around the clock and is a phenomenal musician and producer,” he said. “He was composing the melody and lyrics for a power ballad I had written the music for, and he ended up singing along. It turned out so amazing, I did not think anyone else could have done a better job for this song. Truly great.“

Voss is just one of the individuals who will provide vocals for Schenker’s new MSG album.  Ronnie Romero (Rainbow) will provide vocals along with Voss, Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), and Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Deep Purple).  Joining the group for the album are musicians Steve Mann on keyboards, Barry Sparks (Dokken) on bass, and Bodo Schopf, Simon Phillips (ex-Toto), and Brian Tichy (Phill Rocker, ex-Godsmack, ex-Whitesnake) sharing drumming duties.

Schenker spoke highly of Tichy as he talked about the album’s lineup of musicians.

“Brian was thrilled to be part of it,” he said of Tichy’s involvement in the album. “He is a master of groove and ended up playing on six songs. I could not believe it: This man is something else. He is a true natural and very original. With his input, it made the album very solid and complete. So guess what – I am very happy.”

Also joining the collective for Schenker’s new MSG record is famed keyboardist Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo, Alice Cooper).  Schenker said of Sherinian’s performance on the album’s opener,”Derek and myself trading solos, it sounds unexpected and beyond my expectation. Absolutely fantastic!“

Immortal will feature 10 songs, including one composition that Schenker created when he was a child, titled ‘In Search of the Peace of Mind.’

Schenker spoke at length about the song during his recent interview.

“I wrote this song when I was 15 years old, it was my first ever written piece of music which I recorded with Scorpions on our first studio album Lonesome Crow in 1970, getting released in 1972 – when I had already left Scorpions to join the British rock band UFO in June of 1972 – when I was 17,” he said. “We re-recorded this song for my 50th anniversary as a celebration and it turned out to be an epic; with an extra extension at the end of the song, which turned out absolutely fantastic with Simon Phillips on drums, doing his usual amazing stuff.“ The result is a true highlight and features even more surprises: “Gary Barden sings the first verse,  continued by Ronnie Romero – and in the end we have Ronnie, Doogie White, and Robin McAuley screaming their heads off, as a tribute to my 50th anniversary. Absolutely amazing. Thanks to the guys for doing this!“

Immortal will release as a standard CD and a limited edition expanded edition complete with the Michael Schenker Fest live recording Bang Your Head.  Schenker said of the recording, which was recorded two years ago in Balingen/Germany, “Unfixed, raw, pure and great! There’s a couple of small mistakes, but because the show and recording went so well, I decided to keep it the way it went on the night. It’s live, magic and pure.“

More information on Immortal is available now along with all of Michael Schenker Fest’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michaelschenkerrocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

Michael Schenker Announces Release Date, Specs For New Michael Schenker Group Album

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Michael Schenker Group will release what will be its first album in more than a decade next year.

The announcement was made Monday through a press release from Nuclear Blast Records.  The document stated Schenker (ex-Scorpions, UFO, Michael Schenker Fest) is in the last stages of working on the album, titled Immortal.  Additionally, it states the album’s release is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2021 through Nuclear Blast Records, more than a year after Schenker released his latest Michael Schenker Fest album Revelation.

“It’s going very well,” said Schenker of the progress on the album’s work. “We have a lot of guest musicians, who will undoubtedly help to make it an exceptional success. First of all I want to say that I am very grateful to any musicians that have helped to create a fitting tribute to my long career on this special release. I want to thank all of them for their incredible contribution.”

Nuclear Blast Records Founder Markus Staiger said in his own comments, he was looking forward to Schenker’s forthcoming MSG album.

“I am really looking forward to releasing this brand new MSG album, after the two excellent Michael Schenker Fest records,” he said. “At the age of 14, the self-titled MSG debut completely blew me away and helped to shape my taste, since then I’ve followed and loved his music and unique compositions. Those ten new tracks are pure magic!”

Immortal was recorded primarily at Kidroom Studio in Germany with Schenker’s longtime partner Michael Voss.  Voss co-produced the album with Schenker and provided vocals for two of the album’s songs.

Schenker praised Voss for his work.

“It is always a pleasure to work with Michael Voss, who works around the clock and is a phenomenal musician and producer,” he said. “He was composing the melody and lyrics for a power ballad I had written the music for, and he ended up singing along. It turned out so amazing, I did not think anyone else could have done a better job for this song. Truly great.“

Voss is just one of the individuals who will provide vocals for Schenker’s new MSG album.  Ronnie Romero (Rainbow) will provide vocals along with Voss, Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), and Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Deep Purple).  Joining the group for the album are musicians Steve Mann on keyboards, Barry Sparks (Dokken) on bass, and Bodo Schopf, Simon Phillips (ex-Toto), and Brian Tichy (Phill Rocker, ex-Godsmack, ex-Whitesnake) sharing drumming duties.

Schenker spoke highly of Tichy as he talked about the album’s lineup of musicians.

“Brian was thrilled to be part of it,” he said of Tichy’s involvement in the album. “He is a master of groove and ended up playing on six songs. I could not believe it: This man is something else. He is a true natural and very original. With his input, it made the album very solid and complete. So guess what – I am very happy.”

Also joining the collective for Schenker’s new MSG record is famed keyboardist Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo, Alice Cooper).  Schenker said of Sherinian’s performance on the album’s opener,”Derek and myself trading solos, it sounds unexpected and beyond my expectation. Absolutely fantastic!“

Immortal will feature 10 songs, including one composition that Schenker created when he was a child, titled ‘In Search of the Peace of Mind.’

Schenker spoke at length about the song during his recent interview.

“I wrote this song when I was 15 years old, it was my first ever written piece of music which I recorded with Scorpions on our first studio album Lonesome Crow in 1970, getting released in 1972 – when I had already left Scorpions to join the British rock band UFO in June of 1972 – when I was 17,” he said. “We re-recorded this song for my 50th anniversary as a celebration and it turned out to be an epic; with an extra extension at the end of the song, which turned out absolutely fantastic with Simon Phillips on drums, doing his usual amazing stuff.“ The result is a true highlight and features even more surprises: “Gary Barden sings the first verse,  continued by Ronnie Romero – and in the end we have Ronnie, Doogie White, and Robin McAuley screaming their heads off, as a tribute to my 50th anniversary. Absolutely amazing. Thanks to the guys for doing this!“

Immortal will release as a standard CD and a limited edition expanded edition complete with the Michael Schenker Fest live recording Bang Your Head.  Schenker said of the recording, which was recorded two years ago in Balingen/Germany, “Unfixed, raw, pure and great! There’s a couple of small mistakes, but because the show and recording went so well, I decided to keep it the way it went on the night. It’s live, magic and pure.“

More information on Immortal is available now along with all of Michael Schenker Fest’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michaelschenkerrocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

Michael Schenker Fest Debuts ‘The Beast In The Shadow’ Lyric Video

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast

Michael Schenker Fest debuted the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the lyric video for its new single ‘The Beast in the Shadow‘ Wednesday.  The song is featured in Michael Schenker Fest’s latest album Revelation (2019).

The song’s musical arrangement is a classic old school rock arrangement, led by the work of Schenker.  Graham Bonnett, one of the singers who appears on the album, adds more depth to the song with his vocal delivery.

Schenker discussed Bonnet’s vocal performance on the song in a recent interview.

“It’s a great song that contains a very heartfelt performance from Graham Bonnet, and the video shows Graham in an even more heartfelt fashion, he said. “It´s a fantastic video with some very pure emotions being expressed by Graham. This song also presents the other side of the album – there are many upbeat rocking tracks that have not yet been heard by some listeners, by those who haven’t heard the whole album. I am very excited about the Revelation album – its one of my best to date. Listen to the album and you will see what I mean. Keep on rocking and stay safe. All my best to you and enjoy.”

The lyrical theme presented in ‘The Beast in the Shadow’ comes across as tackling the topic of mortality, as the song’s subject talks about the passing of all of the people he has known in his life.

‘The Beast in the Shadow’ is the fourth single produced from Revelation.  The album has also spawned the singles ‘Behind The Smile,’ ‘Rock Steady‘ and ‘Sleeping With The Lights On.’

The full track listing for Revelation is noted below.

 

Revelation tracklist (CD-Digipak, 2-LP, Digital)
01. Rock Steady
02. Under A Blood Red Sky
03. Silent Again
04. Sleeping With The Light On
05. The Beast In The Shadows
06. Behind The Smile
07. Crazy Daze
08. Lead You Astray
09. We Are The Voice
10. Headed For The Sun
11. Old Man
12. Still In The Fight
13. Ascension
Bonus:
14. Armed And Ready (live)
15. Bad Boys (live)
16. Rock Bottom (live)

 

Along with debuting its new single and video, Michael Schenker Fest has also announced new live dates rescheduled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The group’s new live run is scheduled to launch Dec. 15 in London, UK and to run through Dec. 19 in Troon, UK.  The upcoming schedule is noted below.

 

15.12.2020 UK – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
16.12.2020 UK – Leeds, O2 Academy
17.12.2020 UK – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
18.12.2020 UK – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill
19.12.2020 UK – Troon, Troon Concert Hall

 

More information on Michael Schenker Fest’s new live dates and its new video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

 

Website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelSchenkerRocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Michael Schenker Fest Debuts ‘Sleeping With The Lights On’ Video

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Reccords

Michael Schenker Fest unveiled the video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the video for its new single, ‘Sleeping With The Lights On‘ Friday.  The song is taken from the band’s forthcoming album Revelation, which is scheduled for release Sept. 20.

The video for ‘Sleeping With The Lights On‘ crosses footage of the band performing its new single in a setting that actually presents the video being created with a nurse-type figure doing some not-so-nice things to a patient with a hammer.

Schenker talked briefly about the video in a recent interview.

“Many people in my interviews expressed how much they like this song, and I tell them: ‘Wait till you see the video.’  It brings it [the song] to a whole other level,” Schenker said.  ‘By the way ,the making of the video was a lot of fun and sometimes even spooky.  I hope you enjoy it!”

The premiere of the video for ‘Sleeping With The Lights On‘ comes less than two months after the band debuted the video for ‘Rock Steady,’ the lead single from Revelation.

Pre-orders for Revelation are open now.  The album’s full track listing is noted below.

Revelation tracklist (CD-Digipak, 2-LP, Digital)
01. Rock Steady
02. Under A Blood Red Sky
03. Silent Again
04. Sleeping With The Light On
05. The Beast In The Shadows
06. Behind The Smile
07. Crazy Daze
08. Lead You Astray
09. We Are The Voice
10. Headed For The Sun
11. Old Man
12. Still In The Fight
13. Ascension
Bonus:
14. Armed And Ready (live)
15. Bad Boys (live)
16. Rock Bottom (live)

More information on Revelation is available now along with all of Michael Schenker Fest’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michaelschenkerrocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

 

To keep up with the latest entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Michael Schenker Fest Debuts New Video; Announces New Live Dates

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Michael Schenker Fest debuted the video for its new single this week.

The band debuted the lyric video for its new single ‘The Girl With The Stars in Her Eyes‘ on Tuesday.  The song is featured in the band’s debut album Resurrection, which was released last year through Nuclear Blast Records. The band is named after its founder, former UFO/Scorpions guitarist Michael Schenker.

The video features a young woman dancing in a variety of settings, such as a dimply lit club, an open space with flaming twirlers and against a starlit background.  The song itself boasts a very 80s influenced hard rock sound while its lyrical theme obviously is about a young woman.

‘The Girl With The Stars in Her Eyes’ is just the latest single to be spawned from Resurrection.  The album has also spawned the singles ‘Take Me To The Church,’ ‘Warrior‘ and ‘Heart and Soul.’

Michael Schenker Fest will release its sophomore album Aug. 23 through Nuclear Blast Records.  According to Schenker, the album’s title is Revelation.  He talked about that and the album in whole in a recent interview.

“Based on the fun that we had recording Resurrection, the success of the album and the surrounding tours we undertook that were just fantastic, I was deeply inspired to make a start on writing new songs for a new Michael Schenker Fest album,” Schenker said.  “It is even a step up from Resurrection, with amazing input from all singers and all musicians.  I could not ask for a better result.  The songs are blazing, snappy, energetic, melodic, and with drummers like Simon Phillips and Bodo Shopf we got amazing results.  this time we even managed to record three great mid-tempo songs with all singers involved, singing their hearts out.”

Schenker added, “The album title and cover concept expresses things that have happened in my past as well as what is still happening at the present time.  It’s about passion and purity versus greed and corruption.  There is much to say.  It’s about time I let people know about some of this.”

Revelation was co-produced by Schenker and Michael Voss.  It was mastered by Christoph ‘Doc’ Stickel for CS Mastering/Vienna, Austria.

 

Courtesy;Nuclear Blast Records

The video’s debut comes as the band has launched a new string of live dates.  the latest tour schedule launched Monday and is set to run through May 18 in Austin, TX.  The tour’s schedule is noted below.

Confirmed MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST North American dates are:

4/15/2019  Whisky A Go Go – West Hollywood, CA
4/16/2019  Whisky A Go Go – West Hollywood, CA
4/17/2019  Whisky A Go Go – West Hollywood, CA
4/19/2019  Palace of Fine Arts – San Francisco, CA
4/20/2019  Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA
4/21/2019  Revolution Hall – Portland, OR
4/22/2019  Vogue Theatre – Vancouver, BC
4/24/2019  The Palace formerly Flames Central – Calgary, AB CANADA
4/27/2019  Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
4/28/2019  The Truman – Kansas City, MO
4/30/2019  Bourbon Hall –  St Louisville, KY
5/03/2019  The Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI
5/04/2019  Concord Music Hall – Chicago, IL
5/05/2019  Lafayette Theater – Lafayette, IN
5/07/2019  Danforth Music Hall – Toronto, ON
5/09/2019  The Egg – Albany, NY
5/10/2019  The Palladium – Worcester, MA
5/11/2019  Irving Plaza – New York City, NY
5/12/2019  The Space at Westbury – Westbury, NY
5/14/2019  Ram’s Head Live 20 Market Place Baltimore, MD
5/15/2019  The National – Richmond, VA
5/16/2019  Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA
5/18/2019  Empire Garage – Austin, TX

A promo video for the trailer featuring Schenker is streaming online here.  Meet and Greet packages are available here.

More information on Michael Schenker Fest’s upcoming tour dates, album and more is available online now at:

 

Website: http://www.www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelSchenkerRocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

Michael Schenker Working On New Michael Schenker Fest Album

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Michael Schenker has started work on the next Michael Schenker Fest album.

The veteran guitarist, who has worked with acts, such as Scorpions, U.F.O. and McAuley Schenker Group, made the announcement this week in a news release as he celebrated his 64th birthday.

“Thank you to my fans all around the world for all the birthday messages I have received today,” Schenker said.  “I’d like to take this opportunity to repay your kind birthday messages by announcing that I am currently in the studio with Michael Voss, recording a second Michael Schenker Fest studio album.  With great pleasure, we will once again have Gary Barden, Graham Bonnett, Robin McAuley and Doogie White on vocals with Chris Glenn (bass), Ted McKenna (drums) and Steve Mann (keys/guitar).  It’s great to keep the family together for another studio album, and it’s already sounding great.”

Schenker’s new, as-yet untitled Michael Schenker Fest album is currently scheduled for release in August via Nuclear Blast Records.  The album’s precise release date has not been confirmed yet.

Schenker will take some time away from the studio this spring for a series of live dates in North America.  His current tour is scheduled to launch April 15 in Hollywood, CA and run through May 18 in Austin, TX.  The tour’s schedule is noted below.

15.04.  USA     West Hollywood, CA – Whisky a Go Go
16.04.  USA     West Hollywood, CA – Whisky a Go Go
17.04.  USA     West Hollywood, CA – Whisky a Go Go
19.04.  USA     San Francisco, CA – Palace of Fine Arts
20.04.  USA     Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
21.04.  USA     Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
22.04.  CDN     Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
24.04.  CDN     Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
27.04.  USA     Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
28.04.  USA     Kansas City, MO – The Truman
30.04.  USA     Louisville, KY – The Bourbon Hall
02.05.  USA     Kalamazoo, MI – State Theatre
03.05.  USA     Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theater
04.05.  USA     Chicago, IL – Concord Music Hall
05.05.  USA     Ft. Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center
07.05.  CDN     Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
09.05.  USA     Albany, NY – The Egg
10.05.  USA     Worcester, MA – Palladium
11.05.  USA     New York, NY – Irving Plaza
12.05.  USA     Westbury, NY – The Space at Westbury
14.05.  USA     Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!
15.05.  USA     Richmond, VA – The National
16.05.  USA     Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
18.05.  USA     Austin, TX – Empire Garage

 

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

Resurrection, Schenker’s debut Michael Schenker Fest record, was released March 2, 2018.  The album produced three singles — ‘Take Me To The Church,’ ‘Warrior‘ and ‘Heart and Soul‘ — all of which were accompanied by their own videos.

More information on Michael Schenker’s next Michael Schenker Fest album is available online now along with all of Schenker’s latest news and more at:

 

Website: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MichaelSchenkerRocks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MW_Schenker

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

 

 

Gibbons’ New Solo LP Is 2018’s “Baddest” Rock Album

Courtesy: Concord Records

This year was a very productive span for the rock realm.  New offerings from well-known acts, such as Joe Satriani, Billy Gibbons and Stone Temple Pilots were joined by some enjoyable offerings from some lesser-known acts, such as The Magpie Salute, The Marcus King Band and Black Coffee to make for quite the selection of new offerings.

Simply put, the mainstream and the independent offerings turned out this year gave audiences plenty to appreciate. Many of those offerings made their way into Phil’s Picks list of the year’s top new rock albums, including and not limited to the offerings from the acts already noted here.

Topping off this critic’s list this year is Billy Gibbons’ new album The Big Bad Blues.  The ZZ Top star’s latest solo offering features some impressive covers of classic blues and blues rock tunes, while also offering some equally entertaining originals to round out the record’s body.  The whole is a record that is a solid listen from start to finish.

Taking second spot in this year’s list of the year’s top new rock albums is legendary guitarist Joe Satriani’s latest offering What Happens Next.  The full-on instrumental offering is everything that fans have come to expect from Satch, with touches of his past and present.

Third spot in this year’s list goes to Slash, Alter bridge front man Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.  The group’s new offering Living The Dream is a well-produced and engineered album with plenty of radio ready singles that go a long way toward displaying the group’s collective talents.  The lyrical themes are just as easily accessible as the record’s arrangements.  While not a perfect record, it is still enjoyable in its own right.

The remainder of this year’s list is noted below.  Also featured in this year’s list are new efforts from Black Coffee, Pop Evil and P.O.D.  As always, the list’s top 10 titles are the best while the five that follow are all honorable mention titles.  Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks 2018 Top 10 New Rock Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2018 TOP 10 NEW ROCK ALBUMS

1. Billy Gibbons — The Big Bad Blues
2. Joe Satriani — What Happens Next
3. Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators — Living The Dream
4. Clutch — The Book of Bad Ideas
5. Michael Schenker Fest — Resurrection
6. Black Coffee — Take One
7. Black Stone Cherry — Family Tree
8. Pompeii — The Secret Sessions
9. P.O.D. — Circles
10. The Marcus King Band — Carolina Confessions
11. The Zealots — Only Rocks Live Forever
12. Roine Stolt’s Flower King — Manifesto of an Alchemist
13. The Magpie Salute — Highwater I
14. Royal Tusk — Tusk II
15. Stone Temple Pilots — Stone Temple Pilots

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.