Scorpions Albums Getting Vinyl Re-Issue

Courtesy: BMG

Courtesy: BMG

Fans of the veteran rock band Scorpions will get a special treat this summer.

Officials with BMG announced Wednesday, the company is scheduled to re-issue five of the band’s classic album June 16 on vinyl in what it has dubbed the “Colours of Rock” collection. Pre-orders are open.

The albums set for re-issue are: Fly to the Rainbow (1974) , In Trance (1975), Virgin Killer (1976), Taken By Force (1977), and Tokyo Tapes (1978). The details on each vinyl’s release are noted below:

Fly To The Rainbow (1974): 180g 1LP, pressed on transparent violet vinyl
In Trance (1975): 180g 1LP, pressed on transparent vinyl
Virgin Killer (1976): 180g 1LP, pressed on powder blue vinyl
Taken By Force (1977): 180g 1LP, pressed on white vinyl
Tokyo Tapes (1978): 180g Gatefold 2LP, pressed on yellow vinyl

More information on the re-issues is available along with all of Scorpions’ latest news at:

Website: https://the-scorpions.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scorpions

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

Established Acts Dominate Phil’s Picks 2022 Top New Rock Albums List

Courtesy: earMusic

This year was quite the interesting time for the rock community.  That’s because of the wide range of acts who produced new albums throughout the year.  Queensryche, Skid Row, and Joe Satriani all released their latest albums this year, all of which proved quite successful.  Rock super group Motor Sister also released their debut album, to its own acclaim, as did Slash, Scorpions, and Collective Soul.  Between all of these and so many others, the rock albums released this year gave audiences plenty to appreciate, thus the call for a list of the year’s top new rock albums.

This year’s list of top new rock albums serves as a reminder of all that is so good with the rock industry, proving yet again that as much as certain corporate entities would have people believe, rock is not dead.  Rather it is as alive as ever and as healthy, too.  As in years past, Phil’s Picks presents the top 10 records of the given category and five honorable mention titles for a total of 15 albums.  Those five honorable mentions are no less engaging and entertaining as the other 10.  They just happen to be of their own note.

To that end here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks’ 2022 Top 10 New Rock Albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2022 TOP 10 NEW ROCK ALBUMS

1. Joe Satriani – Elephants of Mars
2. Mickey Leigh’s Mutated Music – Variants of Vibe
3. Slash Ft. Myles Kennedy & The conspirators – 4
4. Motor Sister – Get Off
5. Derek Sherinian – Vortex
6. Skid Row – The Gang’s All Here
7. Michael Schenker Group – Universal
8. Fozzy – Boombox
9. Ginger Wildheart and The Sinners – Ginger Wildheart & The Sinners
10. Soraia – Bloom
11. Queensryche – Digital Noise Alliance
12. The Dead Daisies – Radiance
13. Ty Tabor – Shades
14. Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate – Hell, CA
15. Cleanbreak – Coming Home

That is all for this list, but there is still plenty to come including the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums list.  That list is coming tomorrow, so stay tuned.

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

Michael Schenker Group’s Latest LP Will Appeal To Rock, Metal Fans Across The Musical “Universe”

Courtesy: Atomic Fire Records

Michael Schenker is clearly one of those individuals who does not rest easily on his own laurels.  Between working with Scorpions, UFO, and his own projects, Temple of Rock, Michael Schenker Fest, and Michael Schenker Group, Schenker has constantly had something new on his proverbial plate throughout his career.  Most recently, his Michael Schenker Group project has kept him most busy.  That project released its second album in less than two years Friday in the form of Universal.  It released Friday through Atomic Fire Records, not even a year and a half after the release of the group’s then latest album, Immortal.  Which released in February 2021 through Nuclear Blast Records.  Schenker’s latest MSG album is a presentation that most audiences will agree is a welcome follow-up to Immortal, too.  That is proven in part through its featured musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly.  The lyrical themes that accompany that musical content makes for its own interest and will be examined a little later.  The record’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be examined later.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation.  All things considered they make the album another strong new MSG offering that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.

 Universal, the latest album from Michael Schenker Group, is another positive offering from the group and its namesake founder.  Its success comes in part through its featured musical arrangements.  From beginning to end, the arrangements each take audiences back to the days of big riffs and even bigger hair and beyond.  The comparisons to works from the likes of Judas Priest, UFO, and so many other bands abound throughout the record.  At the same time, there is something about the arrangements that gives them just as much of a modern feel as a classic sense.  Case in point is the album’s opener, ‘Emergency.’  The richness and heaviness of the guitar line alongside the vocals here gives the arrangement such a modern hard rock sound.  At the same time, there is a subtle touch to that pairing (and the rest of the instrumentation and approach) that gives the arrangement a vintage hard rock sense.  That balance works so well here and makes the song a solid first impression for this outing.  On a completely different note, a song, such as ‘Wrecking Ball’ is full on vintage rock.  The whole of the vocals and instrumentation gives this arrangement a full-on sleaze rock sense.  It is hair metal to the nth degree.  That is not a bad thing, either.  In fact, it is quite infectious from beginning to end.  ‘London Calling,’ which comes later in the album’s run, is another example of the importance of the album’s musical content.  This is another vintage style composition.  The thing is that it is more of a melodic rock style composition.  The pairing of the organ with the bass and guitar makes for a rich three-part harmony that will keep audiences engaged and entertained throughout the song.  The addition of the specific vocal approach adds even more interest to this arrangement.  All things considered here, they make this arrangement its own unique presentation that audiences will enjoy just as much as any of the album’s other works.  When all of the record’s musical content is considered together, it leaves no doubt as to the importance of said content to the album’s overall presentation.

The musical content featured in Universal is just on part of what makes the album engaging and entertaining.  The lyrical themes that accompany that musical content are just as important to the overall presentation as the record’s musical arrangements.  That is because they present their own diversity.  ‘A King Has Gone,’ which is the album’s latest single, — for instance – is a tribute to legendary singer Ronnie James Dio.  It does this through mentions within the song of his work with Heaven & Hell, Rainbow, and even Black Sabbath, as well as his own solo work, while also stating that “you gave us rock/You made us roll.”  The song is a wonderful tribute to the life and legacy of a man who while short in stature, was a huge personality on record and on stage.

On a separate note, the bonus track, ‘Turn Off the World’ is a socially conscious statement.  It is that familiar commentary on the state of the world.  The role that politicians play in everything happening is there, as are the call to action and unity among the people.  The song begs people to “Find the answers/Before it’s too late” along the way before Schenker uses his guitar to sound like an alarm going off, accenting that statement.

‘Long, Long Road’ is yet another example of the diversity in the record’s lyrical themes.  The theme here is just as familiar as those in the other songs examined here, and in the record’s other tracks.  The theme comes across as one of pushing on through life’s obstacles.  It even reminds audiences that there will be a happy ending and that a broken heart will mend in no uncertain terms.  The simple, straight forward way in which the theme is delivered is certain to engage and entertain audiences just as much as the message itself.  When this theme and the others examined here are considered with the rest of the album’s themes, the whole makes clear why the album’s lyrical themes are just as important to its whole as its musical content.

As much as the album’s lyrical themes and musical arrangements do to make the record appealing, they are just part of what makes the album worth hearing.  Its production rounds out its most important elements.  The production is important because it plays directly into the album’s general effect.  As noted, the arrangements featured in this record blend vintage rock and hair metal elements with just as much modern rock influence from one to the next.  The ability of those leanings to all come through and balance as well as they do is due to the record’s production.  What’s more, the ability of the musicians’ performances to each be displayed equally from one to the next shows even more, the time and work that went into balancing each performance.  The end result of the painstaking efforts taken to balance all of the performances and at the same time balance the vintage and modern sounds and styles creates an aesthetic that is just as certain to keep audiences engaged and entertained as the record’s content.  When that content is considered along with the album’s production, the whole therein makes Universal a record that will appeal to rock and metal fans across the musical universe.

Universal, the latest album from Michael Schenker Group, is a certified successful offering from the band.  That is due in part through its musical arrangements.  The arrangements are of note because of the way in which they balance vintage rock and metal influences with more modern leanings.  From one song to the next, they give listeners the best of the past and present, making each song fully engaging and entertaining.  At the same time, they each also boast identities separate from one another along the way.  All of this together ensures the important role of the album’s arrangements.  The lyrical content featured throughout the album are also of import because they are so accessible and unique from one another, too.  The record’s production rounds out its most important elements.  It ensures the record’s aesthetic is just as positive as its content.  Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the record.  All things considered they make the album in general another successful new entry from Michael Schenker Group.

Universal is available now through Atomic Fire Records.  More information on the album is available along with all of Michael Schenker Group’s latest news 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.

‘Rock Believer’ Will Keep Audiences Believing In Scorpions

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records/Vertigo Records/UMe

A wait of more than seven years for new music from Scorpions officially ended Friday when the band released its new album, Rock Believer.  Released through Spinefarm Records and Vertigo Records (a subsidiary of Universal Music Group), the 16-song record is a presentation that the band’s established audiences and rock fans in general will agree is a mostly successful new offering from the band.  That is due in part to the album’s featured musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly.  The album’s lyrical content adds to the album’s interest in its own way and will be discussed a little later.  The production rounds out the album’s most important elements and will also be examined later.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album’s presentation.  All things considered, they make Rock Believer a record that will keep audiences believing in Scorpions.

Rock Believer, the 19^th (yes, 19^th) new album from veteran rock act Scorpions, is a presentation that audiences will agree is mostly successful.  That is proven in part through its featured musical arrangements.  The arrangements are of note because for the most part, they continue to present the hard rock sound that first made the band a hit back in the 80s.  At the same time, the stylistic approach that the band took in each arrangement also clearly exhibits the band’s ability to evolve with the times while still staying true to its musical roots.  Case in point is the arrangement featured in the late entry, ‘Shoot For Your Heart.’  The production, which will be discussed later, comes fully into play here.  The band’s 80s rock sensibility is here.  That is fully evident.  At the same time, there is a certain edge to the arrangement that fits just as well into today’s rock community as it would into the scene back in the 80s.  It makes for its own interesting presentation.

On another hand, the blues-based rock sound of the album’s opener, ‘Gas in the Tank’ is another example of that ability of the band to so expertly balance elements of old and new.  The choruses in this song and even portions of the verses display plenty of classic rock sounds.  At the same time, the aforementioned edge that the band incorporated into so much of the album is just as much on display here.  It ensures the song (and album) will appeal to a wide range of audiences.  In turn, it keeps the band just as relevant today as it was in its early days.

‘Peacemaker,’ the album’s lead single, is yet another example of how the band has continued to evolve while maintaining its identity.  The hard rock approach taken here (which is very bass heavy) would fit perfectly into any modern, active rock radio programmer’s play list.  The heaviness and related depth to the instrumentation and its sound shows the band can still hold its own alongside any of today’s veteran and young, new acts.  When it is considered along with the other arrangements examined here and with the rest of the album’s arrangements, the whole of that content shows fully why this album’s musical arrangements make it worth hearing.  They are just part of what makes the record successful.  The album’s lyrical content makes for its own share of interest.

The lyrical themes that accompany the album’s musical content are important because of their accessibility.  From start to end, the album’s lyrical content touches on a wide range of topics, all of which will find appeal.  Right from the album’s outset, the band presents a positive message that perhaps is reflective of the uncertainty that the band went through following the release of its then latest album, Return to Forever, and the tour that followed.  The clear declaration in the song’s chorus, “Let’s play it louder/Play it hard/Laid back and a little dark/Give me a dirty riff, my friend/There’s gotta be more gas in the tank” does well to lead to such inference.  The additional mentions of hammer riffs and that “best friends will never part” continues to infer the noted theme.  It all collectively comes across as a first statement to audiences that even with what it went through after celebrating its 50^th anniversary, is still going strong.  On a deeper level, that overt sense of determination inferred through this content could encourage others who might be going through tough times to push on through in their own situations.  To that end, it makes this song just one example of what makes the album’s lyrical content so important to the record’s presentation.

‘Call Of The Wild’ is yet another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical content.  In the case of this song, it is sung from the standpoint of a man trying to get a woman to stay with him.  This is clear right from the song’s outset as the lead verse states, “Hear the call of the wild, girl/I wanna spend the night, yeah/Right by your side.”  The attempt to win the woman over continues later in the statement, “Getting lost in the jungle, babe/In the shade of the night/You’ve got the funky rhythm, girl/I’ve got the rocking drive.”  It is pretty obvious what is happening here.  The man is trying to tell the woman how well they “move” together.  This is more of that attempt to flirt so to speak and get her to stay with him.  The bluesy approach taken to the song’s musical arrangement adds even more to the engagement that these lyrics (and the topic) ensure.  Overall, it is one more example of why the record’s lyrical content is so important to the album’s presentation.

‘When Tomorrow Comes’ is yet another example of the importance of the album’s lyrical themes.  In the case of this song, the band has opted to go socially conscious.  This is made clear as front man Klaus Meine states in his spoken word style approach, “Good morning, world/How do you feel/Sometimes I think you’re gonna stop turning ‘round/Who’s to blame but us/When half the planet caught on fire/And one more spark seems enough/To burn it down/Good morning, world/How do you feel/You look so sad/The clock is ticking/And precious time will fade away/Oh, the cyber war/A dirty ocean/The climate change/When tomorrow comes/We’ll pay the price.”  The song’s chorus adds even more to the clarity in the message as Meine and his band mates sing, “See the writing on the wall (The future calls)/Can I trust fate anymore (The world is yours)/Young is old and old is young (You are the ones)/Call me when tomorrow comes (When tomorrow comes).”  This is a familiar way to address a familiar topic.  In other words, it is fully accessible and shows even more, the diversity in the album’s lyrical content.  It also shows the depth of the record’s lyrical content.  When this is considered along with the themes in the other songs examined here and with that of the rest of the album’s songs, the whole makes clear, the importance of the album’s lyrical content. 

The musical and lyrical content that makes up the body of Rock Believer obviously does plenty to make the album worth hearing.  They are just part of what makes the album successful.  The album’s production puts the finishing touch to the presentation.  The production is important to note because of its impact on the album’s general effect.  From start to end, the production ensures that no one part of the songs’ instrumentations overpowers the others.  At the same time, it ensures that the band’s ability to balance its vintage rock sound with more modern influences cuts through just as clearly.  What’s more, the vocals are just as well balanced with the instrumentations, topping off the positive impact of the production.  All things considered here, the album’s production does just as much to make it engaging and entertaining as the album’s content.  To that end, all of the album’s noted elements make it an easy candidate for a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new rock albums so far this year.

Rock Believer, the latest album from Scorpions, is a positive new offering from the veteran rock band.  That is proven in part through its featured musical arrangements.  The arrangements continue to exhibit the band’s familiar vintage 80s hard rock leanings while also displaying the band’s ability to evolve and adapt to the current rock scene without losing anything in either end along the way.  The lyrical themes featured throughout the album add their own appeal to the presentation.  That is because of their diversity and accessibility.  The record’s production puts the finishing touch to the presentation, ensuring its general effect is just as positive as its content.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album.  All things considered, they make Rock Believer a record in which Scorpions’ established audiences and rock fans in general will believe.

Rock Believer is available now.  More information on the album is available along with all of Scorpions’ latest news at:

Website: https://the-scorpions.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scorpions

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

Scorpions Announces New Album Details; Debuts Album’s Lead Single

Courtesy: Spinefarm Records

Veteran rock band Scorpions is scheduled to open the new year with a new album.

The band is scheduled to release its new album, Rock Believer Feb. 25 through Spinefarm Records. The announcement was made through a news release distributed Thursday. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band debuted the album’s lead single, ‘Peacemaker‘ Thursday.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘Peacemaker’ is a composition that any guitar rock purist will appreciate. Its bass line is most prominent here while the lead guitar plays more of a supporting role. The steady time keeping and vocals work with the bass and vocals to give the arrangement in whole a sound and stylistic approach that is comparable to some works from the likes of Iron Maiden, believe it or not. At the same time there is also plenty of general classic guitar rock flare added to the mix to enhance the song even more.

Front man Klaus Meine, in talking about the song’s lyrical theme, stated that the song’s theme is a commentary on the state of the world.

“The first thing that came to my mind was the hook line,” he said. ‘Peacemaker, peacemaker / Bury the undertaker.’ I was just playing around with those words. At a time when so many people have died and are still dying of COVID, from devastating wars and other senseless crimes, it makes you feel that the undertaker must be working overtime. In a peaceful world after the pandemic, it will be time for the peacemaker to rule… that’s an image that really appeals to me.”

More information on Scorpions’ new single and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: https://www.the-scorpions.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scorpions

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.

Michael Schenker Group Debuts ‘In Search Of The Peace Of Mind’ Video; New LP Released Friday

Courtesy: Nuclear Blast Records

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

The band kicked off the weekend by debuting the video for its new single ‘In Search of the Peace of Mind‘ Friday. The single and its video are the fourth from the band’s brand new album Immortal, which released Friday through Nuclear Blast Records. The debut follows that of the album’s other singles, ‘Sail The Darkness,’ ‘Drilled To Kill,’ and ‘After The Rain.

The musical arrangement featured in ‘In Search of the Peace of Mind’ is at times brooding and at others quite heavy, yet still controlled in its delivery. The overall sound of the overall instrumentation is likened to works from Judas Priest and even some of the bands with whom the band’s namesake has worked, including the prog-metal influence of U.F.O.

Schenker discussed the song during a recent interview.

“‘In Search Of The Peace Of Mind’ had to be my 50th-anniversary celebration song,” he said. “It means so much to me because it was my very first musical composition I wrote at the age of 15. And it was also the first song I had ever put on a record, also at the age of 15.
 
In addition, this song from the original ‘Lonesome Crow’ Scorpions‘ album, the very first album the Scorpions had ever recorded, has a solo on it that that was so perfect I would never change a note in 1000 years,” added Schenker. “I have no idea where it came from, alongside the other solos on “Lonesome Crow”, where you can hear that I am an amateur, young and developing as a kid. But this lead break came from somewhere else. I have no idea how it happened.
 
Schenker continued, stating, “I wanted to re-record this song for “Immortal“, making it an epic, and put an additional long solo at the end of the song, which turned out so amazing. The sound describes my 50-year journey expressed on lead guitar. Again it ended up so amazing, like an inner conversation throughout my life – questions and answers; making choices expressed on lead guitar.”
 
He concluded, noting, “With Gary Barden, Ronnie Romero, Robin McAuley, and Doogie White making a contribution to my 50th anniversary, it turned out complete. Not to forget the amazing contribution of Simon Phillips on drums, Barry Sparks on bass, as well as Steve Mann on keyboards. Fantastic.”

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 is available now 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: 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 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.