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

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

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.