It was roughly a year and a half ago that Michael Schenker revived his Michael Schenker Group vehicle for Immortal: A star studded effort that celebrated the legendary guitarist’s 50 years in the music industry. Although I found the approach to lack cohesion and power at times, the album itself was mostly strong, boasting a cavalcade of meaty riffs and fiery solos from the man himself. Despite now nearing 70, Schenker still plays with the charisma of that twenty something year old who made waves with the likes of UFO and Scorpions. In the same spirit that he wrote “Rock Bottom”, “Lights Out”, “Assault Attack”, and loads of other classic metal hymns, Schenker returns with his latest offering, Universal.
On this album, Schenker yet again utilizes the all-star collective approach, but with a more focused consistency. This is partially due to the bulk of vocals being handled by current busiest singer in hard rock and metal, Ronnie Romero. His Dio-esque delivery added an extra push to many of Immortal‘s songs, and works even more wonders on Universal. Romero has comfortably settled right in to his spot as the latest voice of MSG, playing off of Schenker’s guitar parts with the same confidence and bravado that Gary Barden and Graham Bonnet did in the early 80s. Needless to say, the future looks bright for this collaboration.
As for Schenker, he remains energized as ever. From the opening seconds of “Emergency”, we’re treated to classic MSG style metal, with emphasis on melody, power, and Schenker’s unrelenting guitar work. The same can be said for the moody “Under Attack” and gripping “Sad Is the Song”, a pair of songs whose atmosphere and delivery recall such classic albums as MSG (1981) and Assault Attack (1982). Whereas Immortal and other recent Schenker outings (i.e. Michael Schenker Fest, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock) occasionally incorporated elements of modern metal/rock, Universal largely stays true to the early 80s sound we all know and love.
Although an MSG album through and through, Universal is not without its surprises. Take for instance the metallic waltz that is “The Universe”, which sees Romero pairing up yet again with original MSG frontman Gary Barden. The two trade lines like reunited father and son of sorts. After all, I’m sure Barden was one of the many classic singers that inspired Romero to pick up a mic himself. There’s also the overtly flashy “Au Revoir”, rowdy Cheap Trick-esque “Wrecking Ball” (is that Ralf Scheepers or Robin Zander?), and a mini Rainbow reunion in “A King Has Gone”. This fitting tribute to Ronnie James Dio, now 12 years gone, features appearances from former Rainbow members Tony Carey (keyboards), Bobby Rondinelli (drums), and Bob Daisley (bass). Helloween singer Michael Kiske handles vocals, while Schenker so subtly taps into the Blackmore vein for a spellbinding performance.
Universal is yet another gripping chapter in the ongoing Michael Schenker saga. There are few artists who, had they retired before the age of 25, could rest assured knowing that their status as a legend was already cemented. Schenker is one of those few, and yet he continues to find new ways to showcase his craft, as both a guitarist and a songwriter. That ambition and passion is something we should all strive for in our own personal lives, whether you’re a Schenker fan or not. And if for whatever reason or another you’re not a Schenker fan, what the hell is your problem?
8 out of 10
Label: Atomic Fire Records
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
For fans of: Scorpions, Rainbow, Alcatrazz
Great review. I’m really looking forward to this new album