by Tony Harnell
— Guest Columnist —
It’s no secret to those who know me that I’m a lifelong Scorpions fan. One fact that most fans probably don’t know is that the German Hard Rock pioneers are one of the biggest selling acts of all time, having sold in excess of 120 million albums; an astonishing number, and in my opinion, well deserved. A band that, in many ways, created the ‘80s rock blueprint and invented the power ballad.
It’s been 50 years since their debut album, Lonesome Crow. And Rock Believer, which is the first new Scorpions album in seven years, is stunning.
I feel like I’m 17 years old again, sitting on the floor in my room and blasting Lovedrive and Animal Magnetism. I actually went out and got the Target limited edition version on vinyl so I could fully engage in the experience, reading the liner notes and lyrics while listening. This version doesn’t include the five bonus tracks that are on the digital version.
The first single “Peacemaker,” which was released a few months prior to the album, has an opening riff reminiscent of the mid-’70s Uli Roth days, and although I liked it, I wasn’t 100 percent sold until I heard the title track. And there is was; that glorious, familiar, melodic rock ear candy. The sound that gets me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Rock Believer is an uplifting, powerful album. It’s just what the doctor ordered after what we’ve all just been through. It’s loaded with all the elements that I love about the Scorpions: gorgeous vocals, classy, fiery guitars and masterful songwriting. Scorpions albums were always some of the best sounding of the Melodic Hard Rock genre, and Rock Believer is no different. I wasn’t aware of producer BUFF before this, but he seems to have breathed new life into the band as they’ve made, what I feel, is their best album in decades. But this is as fresh and inspired as it is retro.
And if it does end up being the last Scorpions album, they did it right.
Recorded during lockdown at Peppermint Park Studios in their home town of Hanover, Germany, they clearly were on a mission here.
On the opening track “Gas In The Tank,” Klaus wants us to know they still have some left in their tank. And I concur. Scorpions have always managed to make potentially cheesy hooks and lyrics sound charming and lovable. I think that’s partially Klaus’s accent combined with the confidence, swagger and precision with which they do what they do. No other band could pull this off.
Stand outs like “Seventh Sun” is a slow epic number that reminds me of the 1980 classic “Animal Magnetism.” It includes ferocious, simple, effective and purposeful riffs that manage to be, both, mechanical and powerfully emotional. It’s in the music. It’s in the chords they choose, as they mix Blues and classical overtones with ease.
“Shoot For Your Heart,” one of the bonus tracks, may be the most fun and infectious songs on the album, and it highlights something I want to shout really loudly to all the guitar players in the room. Put on headphones and listen to the precision rhythm playing of these two guitar masters. Rudolf Schenker is a riff genius. And Matthias Jabs is an underrated and often overlooked guitar hero. They are always efficient and effective. Hard Rock and Metal bands would be wise to pay close attention to the tone, nuance and detail between Rudolf Schenker and Mathias Jabs. Their sound always is full, rich and pure. They’ve always been one of my all-time favorite two-guitar bands, but I think their ultra-tight rhythm playing and German precision makes them a step above the rest.
“Shining Of Your Soul” may be my favorite track, along with “When You Know (Where You Come From).” The latter being ‘22’s “Wind Of Change”.
As a singer, let me talk a bit about Klaus Meine, who always is one of my favorites. He has Impeccable technique and just a beautiful instrument, which is showcased all over Rock Believer. Age hasn’t diminished the beauty of his voice, even if he doesn’t go for the ultra-highs like he once did. And make no mistake, he delivers here. I can only hope that when I’m 73 years old, I sound as good as he does.
Swedish drummer Mikkey Dee and Polish bassist Paweł Maciwada keep the bottom grooving and pumping in the classic Scorpions tradition.
I love this album, and I love Scorpions. They have always been the epitome of class, and Rock Believer stays the course. And if it is, indeed, the end of the road for this iconic band, they’re going out on top.
Genre: Hard Rock, Classic Metal
Band:
Pawel Maciwoda, Bass
Rudolf Schenker, Guitar
Klaus Meine, Vocals
Matthias Jabs, Guitar
Mikkey Dee, Drums
Track Listing:
1. Gas In The Tank
2. Roots In My Boots
3. Knock ‘Em Dead
4. Rock Believer
5. Shining Of Your Soul
6. Seventh Sun
7. Hot And Cold
8. When I Lay My Bones To Rest
9. Peacemaker
10. Call Of The Wild
11. When You Know (Where You Come From)
12. Shoot For Your Heart
13. When Tomorrow Comes
14. Unleash The Beast
15. Crossing Borders
16. When You Know (Where You Come From) (Acoustic Version)
Label: Spinefarm
Online: https://www.the-scorpions.com/
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