MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP – Universal

Michael Schenker Strikes Gold

Few Musicians in the industry have had such a long and starry career as guitarist Michael Schenker. Whether it’s his work in The Scorpions, UFO, MSG, McAuley-Schenker Group or his other varied line-ups, Michael Schenker always delivers top notch songs with great performances. With the release of his new album titled Universal, Michael adds another notch in his belt of accomplishments. He’s expanded on the guest star approach from his last album, and surpassed it with a little help from a few people like Michael Kiske (Helloween) and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) to name a few.

It’s All About The Songs

Universal was produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss (Lessmann/Voss, Mad Max) at Voss’s Kidroom Studio, like several of Michael Schenker’s previous albums. Voss and Schenker have been a solid songwriting team for several albums, and Universal may well be their best co-effort to date. Ronnie Romero is the main vocalist, and the touring vocalist for the band, having the perfect voice for MSG’s style. One very special song on the album is “A King Has Gone” featuring Michael Kiske on vocals, Bob Daisley on bass, Bobby Rondinelli on drums, and Tony Carey on keyboards. If you ‘ll notice, that’s 3 former members of Rainbow, and the song is Michael Schenker’s tribute to the late , great Ronnie James Dio.

Final Notes

Michael Schenker Group – Universal is a really great record, showing that Michael still has all of the energy and talent that brought him to where he is today. Ronnie Romero is the perfect fit on vocals, and with the addition of the guest performers this album is very special indeed. For fans of Classic Heavy Metal, UFO, Michael Schenker, Rainbow, Primal Fear and Helloween (did I miss anyone?), this album is solid gold, and a must own.

Lineup

Michael Schenker – guitars

Tony Carey – Keyboards

Vocals:
Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Vandenberg)
Michael Kiske (Helloween)
Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear)
Gary Barden

Drums:
Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who)
Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner)
Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow)
Bodo Schopf (Eloy)

Bass:
Bob Daisley (Black Sabbath),
Barry Sparks (Malmsteen, Dokken)
Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian, Zakk Wylde)

Universal – Tracklist

01. Emergency
02. Under Attack
03. Calling Baal (Tony Carey)
04. A King Has Gone (Michael Kiske / Bob Daisley / Bobby Rondinelli)
05. The Universe (Gary Barden)
06. Long Long Road
07. Wrecking Ball (Ralf Scheepers)
08. Yesterday Is Dead
09. London Calling (Ralf Scheepers)
10. Sad Is The Song
11. Au Revoir
12. Turn Off The World
13. Fighter (bonus track)