ALBUM REVIEW: Michael Schenker Fest more than just reliving the past on Resurrection

MANY years ago a few mad fuckers saw MSG play in Belfast's Ulster Hall, Baal et al over-indulged and rocked like only teenagers can, fuelled by booze, hormones and a love of damn fine rock and roll.

When Michael Schenker Fest launched last year's album, DVD and Blu-Ray it was a lovely trip down memory lane, but what next for the German maestro of the Flying V?

It would have been easy for Mr Schenker to tour the shit out of past glories, accompanied by his compadres of yesteryear. And, to be honest most of us would have been happy with that.

But, all hail Schenker, Barden, Bonnet, McCauley, White and the band because they have pulled out all the stops and produced an album in the shape of 'Resurrection' that adds a new definition to the word sublime.

It is 52 minutes to wallow in, love and on just the first play you may want to resist, but like the teenager that first saw Michael you are singing along and dreaming that you have that iconic Flying V in your hands.

'Heart and Soul' kicks off frenetically, Steve Mann riffing along as Schenker plays like only he can - some of the licks will leave your jaw drooping on the floor. A certain Kirk Hammett also puts in a guest spot...

But what is most important about this album is while it is so multi-dimensional and songs are its core. Yes Michael's guitar work is head and shoulder above most - but each track has a narrative.

And, a certain Mr Blackmore could listen to 'Warrior' and learn a few lessons...

And, when the organ gives way to the full-on blast of 'Take Me To The Church' it is as close t orgasmic as those of a certain can achieve outside the bedroom without Viagra.

Originally Schenker had certain plans about who would sing each song but with the evolution of recording it became clear that the layered approach worked on 'Warrior' and ''Last Supper'.

And, 'Night Moves' is the perfect sequel to Bonnet's 'Night Games'..

By all the rock gods 'The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes; is an MSG song pure and simple.

Schenker fans will flock to this release - but they shouldn't be alone. Anyone, and we mean anyone who appreciates hard rock and guitar playing par excellence will greedily add this to their collection.

The playing on 'Everest' and 'Salvation' will have all comers salivating. At times sounding languid, at times flourishes flow with an ease that Zakk Whylde himself will bow down in awe such is the expressiveness of Schenker's playing.

There are so many facets to 'Resurrection' that the 50-odd minutes fly by.

It is such a complete set of  song-driven hard rock by experienced players that this release will endure.

It is such a well balanced album that it may eclipse the so-called classics when aired live. Just go and listen and revel in it.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Resurrection is out on Nuclear Blast on March 2nd

ALBUM REVIEW: MIchael Schenker Fest live in Tokyo celebrates all that is great about rock

WAY back in the 80s the Michael Schenker played twice in Belfast's Ulster Hall as part of a set of tours that encapsulated what that era represented; a cross over from the classic era of early Scorpions, UFO, Purple, Zep and Sabbath and the burgeoning newer metal and hard rock sounds.

Bands sounds were metamorphosing from the days when Tokyo Tapes, Live and Dangerous and Strangers in the Night were being exceeded as new benchmarks were set as live performances took on ever better set-ups in terms of PA systems and dynamics and delivery what were enhanced with more and more sophisticated songwriting - snappy tracks sitting comfortably with extended jams and solos.

Schenker embraced that new period and stamped his mark with four landmark studio albums in the 1980s and one live epic recorded in Japan, 'Live At The Budokan'.

Now 35 years on from that release Schenker is set to release 'Michael Schenker Fest Live in Japan' a celebration of those past years that re-unites Michael with vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McCauley in a two CD/DVD set (also on Blu-Ray and Vinyl).

The sumptuous packaging comes with  an insert booklet - and in the centre spread there is a picture of the band, Michael at the centre arms aloft with 'V' peace signs thrust into the air and a smile spread across his face.

It is a single image that captures what is laid out in each of the songs. This is a group of musicians that now realise the glory that they achieved and the joy they brought to hundreds of thousands of people - and there's no need to let that lie in the memory when you can bring it once again to living, breathing essential life.

From the introduction and 'Into The Arena' there is a palpable sense of vibrancy around every performance - sure Schenker is at the centre of everything with his smooth, melodic playing and astonishing lead work - but Ted McKenna (drums), Chris Glen (bass) ad Steve Mann (guitar and keyboards) also seem to be having a ball.

It is no secret that the collection of vocalists and Schenker had a fractious relationship in the past, but it is clear that bygones are bygones and now they all see the legacy that they have.

"It's wonderful how we all got on," said Schenker. "It felt incredibly natural as if it was always like this. Right from the start of rehearsal the chemistry was great. No problems, just pure fun."

Take your pick from the hits and they are there - 'Cry For The Nations', 'Armed and Ready', 'Assault Attack', 'Dancer', 'This Is My Heart' and they are all there as each vocalist takes to the mic to deliver a show that the Japanese audience laps up.

The sound throughout is impeccable on CD and DVD and many of the close-ups of Michael capture the fluidity of his playing that most would struggle to emulate. At times there is a graininess to some of the blacks - and we all know the row of Marshalls is superfluous - but that somehow adds to the whole package. It is not perfect, but then again it never was. Instead the vibrant pulse of rock at its most vital runs strong.

The extended version of 'Rock Bottom' after 'Shoot Shoot' raises the temperature until the obligatory 'Doctor Doctor' ends the show with all three vocalists on stage.

This is a release that captures the era that saw Schenker's influence spread - it's no mistake that Iron Maiden's show always starts with Doctor Doctor booming over the PA.

However, this is not a slice of nostalgia for the sake of it. This is pure and simply a celebration. Michael is still recording and playing new songs, but this is about taking a moment in time, listening, watching and revelling in it.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Michael Schenker Fest 'Live' Tokyo featuring the original MSG vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet ad Robin McCauley is released on Friday 24th March 217. It is available on 2CD, 2CD+DVD combo, Blu-Ray and Digital.

NEWS: Schenker to release live package with McAuley.Barden and Bonnet

On Friday 24th March 2017, rock guitarist legend Michael Schenker and in-akustik will release Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo - a new live recording and filmed concert released on 2CD, 2CD+DVD Combo, LP, DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital.

Filmed and recorded Tokyo International Forum on August 24, 2016, this historic concert features guest appearances from some of the greatest rock vocalists who have worked with Schenker including M.S.G.’s Gary Barden and Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley of the McAuley Schenker Group.  5,000 fans witnessed an anthology moment of quintessential hard rock music of the highest calibre.

Says Schenker, “It’s a miracle that after all these years, something like this took place with the original band members of M.S.G. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. To being able to re-experience, and for the new audience to get a feel of what it was like, is incredibly enjoyable.”

TRACKLISTING
1.       Intro: Searching For Freedom
2.       Into The Arena
3.       Attack Of The Mad Axeman ft. Gary Barden
4.       Victim Of Illusion ft. Gary Barden
5.       Cry For The Nations ft. Gary Barden
6.       Let Sleeping Dogs Lie ft. Gary Barden
7.       Armed And Ready ft. Gary Barden
8.       Coast To Coast
9.       Assault Attack ft. Graham Bonnet
10.   Desert Song ft. Graham Bonnet
11.   Dancer ft. Graham Bonnet
12.   Captain Nemo
13.   This Is My Heart ft. Robin McAuley
14.   Save Yourself ft. Robin McAuley
15.   Love Is Not A Game ft. Robin McAuley
16.   Shoot Shoot ft. Robin McAuley
17.   Rock Bottom ft. Robin McAuley
18.   Doctor Doctor ft. Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley

MSG tour line-up announced

The Michael Schenker Group has brought in former AC/DC drummer Chris Slade and returning bassist Chris Glen for the December tour which sees the Teutonic axeman return to Belfast's Ulster Hall on the 19th.

They join Michael Schenker himself, plus vocalist Gary Barden and rhythm guitarist/keyboard player Wayne Findlay.