ALBUM REVIEW: Revelation – Michael Schenker Fest

One of the most legendary guitar players to grace the world of heavy metal, Michael Schenker has returned with a new album Revelation, under the banner MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST. The line-up for this record remains the same as the previous record Resurrection from MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST, who have also performed and produced music under MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and MICHAEL SCHENKER’S TEMPLE OF ROCK.

Beginning the latest offering for the ex-SCORPIONS guitarist and his group is Rock Steady. Much like the name suggests, this is indeed a steady opening track. The solos begin proceedings, and Doogie White’s soft vocals add to the atmosphere. The tempo picks up a notch not too long into the song, and there is certainly a nostalgic feel to the record as it throws you back to the height of heavy metal in the 80s from the overall sound, and is a good introductory track.

Up next is Under A Blood Red Sky, which starts off with a bit more complexity in terms of the opening riffs and basslines giving a good speed to the track. Again Doogie is completely on point with his vocals, and once more the track whisks you away to the 1980s. There’s nothing overly complicated in terms of the way the song has been put together or indeed the composition, everything works and does the job well.

Compared to a number of new records that are released in the modern era, Revelation is one of the lengthier records containing 13 different tracks. With so much material to listen to it is hard to whittle down some of the stand out numbers from the record, as each one has its own unique selling point and subtle differences.

There are two in particular which do catch the eye, or in this case make your ears prick up. Crazy Daze is a touch more on the heavier side, with Doogie’s voice deeper and gravellier, and even in terms of the guitar sound there are certainly more echoes of IRON MAIDEN. The other track is Still In The Fight. Like Crazy Daze, this track is certainly on the heavier scale of the metal scale, and it is one that certainly gets you headbanging the more you listen to it.

On the whole, this is another masterpiece from Michael Schenker. He has been one of the most influential guitarists for a number of bands and fellow guitarists, and when you listen to Revelation it is clear to see why.

Revelation is full of nostalgia and that classic heavy metal sound that we have all come to know and love over the years. It is such an easy listening record, one that you can pick up and play whatever mood you’re in and whenever it takes your fancy, and it has something that any metal fan will be able to enjoy and appreciate. Overall one of the strongest albums to be produced so far in 2019, and well worth checking out.

Rating 8/10

Revelation is out now via Nuclear Blast Records.

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