Michael Schenker | Temple of Rock

Tweet

by John Kindred
Staff Writer —

Re-tooling the rock and roll machine for another studio album, Michael Schenker is back with Temple of Rock. This is a follow-up to MSG’s 2008’s In the Midst of Beauty and ’09’s Gipsy Lady, both of which reunited Schenker with original MSG frontman Gary Barden. Gipsy Lady certainly left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. We have become accustomed to Schenker’s acoustic instrumental forays, but on that album, Barden sounds tired, with the magic and voice gone. The album failed to have that old spark that worked well for the duo in the past. The new decade hasn’t been kind to Schenker, as more recent releases haven’t held up to the classic albums of the ’80s or even some of the standout efforts he released in the ’90s.

Interestingly enough this isn’t a MSG album but rather a solo effort. Joining Schenker on Temple of Rock are vocalist Michael Voss, the familiar Wayne Findlay, former Scorpion drummer Herman Rarebell and old pal and former UFO bandmate bassist Pete Way. As with recent past efforts, a revolving door of guest musicians appear on the album: Most notably, William Shatner, Rudolf Schenker, Leslie West, Doogie White, Robin McAuley and Carmin Appice. This certainly is a who’s who list of class-act musicians, each having played a part in with the historical evolution of the hard rock and metal genres.

Temple of Rock comprises the spoken-word introduction by William Shatner and features 12 new songs. The first musical number, “How Long,” is featured at the beginning and then again at the close of the CD. The second version of the song is structurally the same as the first, but this one includes guitar solos by Schenker, West and Michael Amott. The Japanese edition included the bonus track “Remember.”

As with all MSG and Schenker albums, his signature rhythmic style and soloing are the primary moving forces throughout the entire album. His unique style gives the music its hard rock edge and its melody. You can’t go wrong with the musicians assembled to backup Schenker. Usually, the ace in the hole is carried by the singer. Michael Voss’s voice adds a radio-friendly AOR vibe to Temple of Rock. Except for the songs “Before the Devil Knows Your Dead,” which is sung by Doogie White and “Lover’s Sinfony,” which is sung by Robin McAuley, Voss handles all of the lead vocals on the album. MSG fans surely have a favorite style of vocal they like to hear over Schenker’s guitar. This will play heavily into whether this album becomes a revered CD in your collection.

Temple of Rock has its moments of brilliance as well as mediocrity. Unfortunately, one the strongest songs is “Before the Devil Knows Your Dead.” Sung by White, who does have that emotional gritty edge to his voice; his vocals flow and ebb smoothly over Schenker’s melodic riffs. From a continuity standpoint, this plays against Voss. Although Voss shines on several tracks, including “Scene of Crime,” “How Long,” “Speed” and “End of An Era,” there are just a few tracks in which his vocals are lifeless: “Hanging On,” “Fallen Angel,” and “With You” that lack any punch and just fall flat. Robin McAuley’s vocal take on “Lover’s Sinfony” has flavors of previous MSG albums, Perfect Timing and Save Yourself, embedded within context of the vocal melody. It’s a good song; it’s just not a great song. The first single, “Miss Claustrophobia,” from the album is a signature Schenker tune that is full of melody as it builds to anthem-style chorus.

After 40-plus years, Michael Schenker remains a player’s player. There’s not much drastic change in Schenker’s musical style. Although with this go-around, there are subtle influences from other cultures that peek through here and there that weren’t in his compositions before. His mastery of the guitar continues to impress and inspire. Where others have hit rock bottom and never recovered, Schenker always does and finds solace in his guitar. The body of recorded works by Schenker in the Scorpions, UFO, The Plot and MSG, side projects, such as Contraband and Siggi Schwartz, and a compilation cover albums released by Shrapnel Records is extensive. Michael Schenker most certainly is a living a legend; his legacy runs deep as he continues to influence and inspire others. He is a true “guitar hero.”

Gennre: Hard Rock

Band:
Michael Schenker – Guitar
Michael Voss – Vocals
Herman Rarebell – Drums
Pete Way – Bass
Wayne Findlay – Keyboards

Guests:
Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS)
William Shatner (Captain Kirk from “Star Trek”)
Leslie West (MOUNTAIN)
Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY)
Doogie White (ex-RITCHIE BLACKMORE, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN)
Robin McAuley (SURVIVOR, ex-MSG)
Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE)
Paul Raymond (UFO)
Simon Phillips (TOTO, THE WHO, JUDAS PRIEST)
Carmine Appice (KING KOBRA, VANILLA FUDGE, ROD STEWART, JEFF BECK, OZZY OSBOURNE, BLUE MURDER)
Chris Slade (MSG, ex-AC/DC)
Chris Glenn (MSG, ex-ALEX HARVEY)
Neil Murray (MSG, ex-WHITESNAKE, ex-GARY MOORE)
Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE)
Elliott “Dean” Rubinson (Owner of Dean Guitars)

Track Listing:
01. Intro
02. How Long
03. The End Of An Era
04. Saturday Night
05. Fallen Angel
06. Hangin’ On
07. With You
08. Miss Claustrophobia
09. Scene Of Crime
10. Lovers Sinfony-Speed
11. Stormin’ In
12. Speed
13. Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead
14. How Long (guitar battle version)
15. Remember (bonus track for Japan)

Label: INAKUSTIK

Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10