The return of Michael Schenker is a fact and is already placed on the shelves, signaling a new start for the acclaimed guitarist with the luscious career. This new start is also signaled by the new, all star MS Group, consisted by musicians of world caliber like Neil Murray and Don Airey as well as one of the greatest drummers of the last 30 years, Simon Phillips but also the long time friend/associate Gary Barden. The tour lineup will, of course, be totally different but what is important herein is the album itself, so let’s take a good look into it.

A collaboration of stars then it is and Michael Schnker presents his best album since the Robin McAuley era and that by far. Unexpectedly good cooperation between top-notch stars with each one of them playing his part according to his value and expertise without exceeding the unwritten limits of this cooperation. Schenker himself stands exactly as he should, with his classic style and his career-defining riffs urging through a solid and experienced production. Even he controls his leading urges, collaborating with the others without trying to show on top. In a total, all these workaholic aces manage to give the image of a tight and well-oiled band, eliminating the fact that they are just there for the job.

On the other hand, the songs are strong, hard and well crafted however fail to sound fresh enough or impressive and are limited to keep the whole album in a satisfactory high level, without being dazzling at any point. All musician’s influences are here, passing a 70s feel to the lot, always agreeable, though totally contemporary and excellently produced.

The bottom line is that Schenker’s come-back is what it should be and actually what it should be two three albums before. As far as his fans, this is a totally exciting come back, performed by an all star band that will, most probably, never be reunited by that traditionally unstable Schenker.

Alex Politis