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Review: Michael Schenker Group- Don't Sell Your Soul.

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Edited by Anselm Anderson

German guitarist Michael Schenker has been a key figure in rock music for the past fifty years, captivating audiences around the globe with his signature flying V guitar. He has garnered admiration from rock fans worldwide due to his distinctive style and flair, performing with notable bands such as UFO and Scorpions. He has continued this trend with the Michael Schenker Group, and "Don't Sell Your Soul" is the thirteenth instalment in the band's forty-six-year history. The album was released last week via EarMusic and is the second part of a trilogy that Schenker plans to release. This follow-up to last year's "My Fifty Years with UFO" serves as a throwback to Schenker's successful career.

Photo Credit: Ross Halfin

Produced by Schenker and longtime collaborator Michael Voss, the album features the usual suspects: Bodo Schopf on drums, bassist Bernd Courbole, and guitarist Steve Mann. The guest vocals are provided by his trusted companions: Ex-Skid Row vocalist Erik Grönwall, Robin McAuley, Dmitri Liapakis, and Michael Voss. The album is infused with 1980s rock, featuring soaring riffs, infectious vocals, and contagious tunes.

The album opens with the distinctive galloping rhythms of Schenker on the title track, 'Don't Sell Your Soul,' featuring powerful vocals, pounding drums, and a cautionary tale about the risks of being a rock star. The album features vocalist Michael Voss showcasing his versatility with gentle pop vocals on "Danger Zone" and sly, sneaky tones on "Janey the Fox." The album feels lightweight and lacks some substance, with many melodic tracks. The album comes to life with the thunderous roars of Robin McAuley on 'Eye of the Storm'.

Michael Voss serves as the lead vocalist for most of the tracks, giving the album a dynamic that feels more like a duo than a traditional group recording. "The Chosen" revitalises the album, with Voss delivering a powerful performance as an impassioned singer. Toward the end, Schenker contributes an ear-splitting riff that heightens the overall impact of the song. The standout tracks on the album are "It's You" and "Sixstring Shotgun," which showcase the dynamic interplay between Schenker and Voss. Their collaboration exudes edge and energy, making these songs particularly memorable. The riffs are gritty, and the vocals are deep and powerful, drawing the listener in. Robin McAuley lends his strong vocals to the latter, showcasing his talents as a rock singer. The album would have benefited from more appearances by McAuley, as his vocals blend beautifully with Schenker's rapturous guitar play.

Overall, "Don't Sell Your Soul" is a timely reminder of Schenker as a musician and songwriter. While this may not be his best contribution, he still delights with his captivating presence and thunderous guitar play.

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Michael Schenker
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