Album Review: MICHAEL SCHENKER’S TEMPLE OF ROCK – Bridge The Gap

November 7th, 2013 by david.wilson

Inakustik [Release date 02.12.13]

Michael Schenker over the last few years has risen phoenix-like from what appeared at one point to be the ashes of a glittering career. Gathering together the musicians that form ‘Temple Of Rock’ has been a masterstroke and their extensive touring schedule, playing the highlights from Michael’s career, has cemented the band’s place at the top of the classic rock pile.

The first ‘Temple Of Rock’ album featured a variety of players and vocalists who had worked with Michael over the years. This album however, features the now stable line up with Schenker on guitar, Doogie White on vocals, Wayne Findlay on guitar and keyboards and the ex-Scorpions pairing of Herman Rarebell on drums and Francis Buchholz on bass.

The album opens with a brief intro track which then leads into ‘Where The Wild Wind Blows’. The song has a pulsing, rhythm-driven riff which opens into a big chorus with Doogie White in fine voice. It is also instantly clear that Schenker is in sparkling form which continues throughout the album.

‘Horizons’ follows and for me this is one of the album highlights. Again another great driving riff underpinned with rapid double bass drum work from Rarebell. The pace then drops a little for the epic ‘Lords Of The Lost And Lonely’ which is classic Schenker with a twisting, eastern tinged riff.

The album features 13 tracks in total and the quality continues throughout. The two years that this band have been on the road have turned them into a very tight unit which comes across on all tracks. Other tracks of note include Rock ‘n’ Roll Symphony’, which features some great Hammond organ work with Wayne Findlay following Michael’s guitar line, and ‘Land Of Thunder’ which romps along with Rarebell and Buchholz on maximum rhythmic attack.

This album is a classic rock ‘tour de force’ but with a modern feel. It also serves to confirm that Michael Schenker is once again back in his rightful place at the top of the rock tree. With the talent contained within the current ‘Temple Of Rock’ line up, I wouldn’t bet against Michael and the guys riding the crest of this latest wave for some time to come.

****

Review by David Wilson

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KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)