Album review: SCHERER/BATTEN – BattleZone

MelodicRock Records [Release date 22.09.17]

Scherer/Batten is vocalist Marc Scherer (who released an album with Jim Peterik in 2015) and guitarist Jennifer Batten, who has worked with Jeff Beck and Michael Jackson amongst others. Former Survivor member Jim Peterik wrote all the songs on here, three of which were written for this pairing, the rest are from the Peterik songbook. Of course with Jim Peterik involved there are some top draw musicians involved including former Survivor bassist Bill Syniar and Chicago’s Bill Champlin.

Marc Scherer has a voice and a half, perfectly suited for the rockers and ballads on here, that have a distinct Survivor feel to many of them. Not to be outdone, Jennifer Batten lays down some sizzling solos and is all over the title track, one of three new songs, that rocks out big time.

Plenty on here to satisfy melodic rock lovers, be it the big production ballad ‘All Roads’, or the hard rocking opener ‘Crazy Love’ – the guitars on this one are superb. ‘The Sound Of Your Voice’ is an album highlight, a song first recorded by .38 Special on their ‘Bone Against Steel’ album.

Basically if you like the music of Survivor and Jim Peterik this is a must have. Classy and well played melodic rock, sung by a talented singer and featuring plenty of guitar action. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

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