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Michael Schenker produced the first of an intended trilogy back in 2024 with “My Years With UFO” (Reviewed here!), where he successfully revisited some of his UFO classics with a huge roster of big-name stars. This is the second in that trilogy – with the final one due in 2026 – and, this time, the album features all-new songs.
His band consists of Barend Courbois (bass), Bodo Schopf (drums), Steve Mann (guitar & keys), and has vocals mainly handled by Erik Grönwall (ex-Skid Row, H.e.a.t – interview here!), along with guest vocal appearances by former MSG singer Robin McAuley (interview here!), R.D. Liapakis (Devil’s Train/Mystic Prophecy) and Michael Voss, who also co-produced with Michael himself.
Voss has worked so often with Michael on past albums that it is no surprise that he knows just how to bring the best out of the German guitar maestro, and here he does exactly that. While there is never any doubt who is the main star of this album, it is never at the expense of the band or the songs themselves, which are never just an excuse for some ace guitar playing. Vocally, this album is also one of the most consistent of recent MSG albums.
Simply put, there is not a duff song on this release, and Michael’s playing is scintillating throughout, and the passion that shines through belies the 61 years he’s spent behind the guitar – he started aged 9 when older brother Rudolph bought him a Gibson Flying V for his birthday. And, boy, are we glad he did! Never once does he sound unengaged or jaded, as someone who turned 70 in January this year could have done.
In an album of highlights, I would single out the title track, which was premiered at this year’s Wacken Open Air Festival, and which sets out Michael’s store well – a powerful and head-shaking riff coupled with subtlety, skill and the first of many memorable solos – this time featuring some wonderful wah-wah.
I also loved “I Can’t Stand Waiting”, which demonstrates – as every one of the 11 songs here does – Schenker’s innate sense of melody as yet another carefully curated solo is mixed in seamlessly with the rest of the song.
Last song to mention specifically is “Sixstring Shotgun” as it is not only another highlight but one that happily recalls Michaels’ halcyon MSG days with Robin McAuley, who handles the vocals here with aplomb.
Interestingly, though the music for each of the songs here was written solely by Michael, the lyrics were mainly written or co-written by Voss, who has ensured they dovetail perfectly with the music vision on display here. They are a great team, and on the basis of this album, one I hope will continue for some time to come.
5,5/6 | Ross Sampson
Utgivelsesdato 3. oktober 2025