In 1969, the 19year old then Michael Schenker joins his brother, Rudolf, band, the Scorpions. After recording an Lp with them he joins the English band UFO, for the success of whom he should be considered as the main responsible. In 1978, having left UFO, he participates after his brother’s invitation, in the creation of the first past Roth Scorpions album (“Love Drive”, 1979).

He made his own band, M.S.G. and in 1980, after some changes in the lineup they release their first self titled album. TheGerman guitarist’s debut is full of energy and brings to mind some UFO highlights. This first album is considered by a lot of fans the most qualitative one, and of course I will agree with that.

Michael Schenker’s genuine and familiar playing is much more richer and better in this record than in any other. The album contains awesome material, like: Armed And Ready, Cry For The Nations, Victim Of Illusion, Lost Horizons, and I left the breathtaking and the only instrumental, Into The Arena. Great guitarists don’t need to release entirely instrumental albums to show you how good they are. They have one or two instrumental tracks in an album that you listen to and go crazy. Unfortunately, in a time full of guitar virtuosos, maybe it’s hard to convince now those are not aware of this musicians unique virtues. Schenker created a school without even knowing, until one day found himself abandoned from people that worshiped his followers but not him. What a Shame!

Louis Kostopoulos

Year Of Release: 1980
 

Side I: Armed And Ready, Cry For The Nations, Victim Of Illusion, Bijou Pleasurette, Feels Like A Good Thing.

Side II: Into The Arena, Looking Out From Nowhere, Tales Of Mystery, Lost Horizons.

Lineup.: Michael Schenker – Lead Guitar, Gary Barden – Vocals, Simon Philips – Drums, Mo Foster – Bass, Don Airey – Keyboards.

Produced by: Roger Glover