Review MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP “Don’t Sell Your Soul”

Michael Schenker is a renowned name in rock and metal. The guitarist started out early and was part of the Scorpions at the beginning of their career, before joining UFO. This experience launched an impressive career. Schenker has been and continues to be involved in many projects and leads various bands. One of these is the Michael Schenker Group. He enjoyed stunning success with this band in the early ’80s, when albums like “Assault Attack” became legendary in the rock and metal genres.

In the latest era of MSG, Schenker released two additional albums, “Immortal” and “Universal,” which entered the German longplayer charts. These days, it is “Don’t Sell Your Soul,” which is expected to build on previous successes. Listening to the album leaves no doubt that this endeavor is the next great step for the guitarist.

After celebrating the UFO days with a “My Days with UFO” tour and album, Schenker released a record showing why he belongs among the greats of heavy music. The galloping opener and title track exudes so much energy. Listening to this song pumps adrenaline into your veins, and the same goes for the dynamic rocker “Flesh and Bone.” The latter has an infectious groove and a memorable melody.

After the excellent opener, “Danger Zone” takes over. It is a rather catchy song with a well-crafted melody. The record as a whole leans towards melody and features tracks such as “Eye of the Storm”. These tunes take a while to unveil their full potential, but there’s no doubt that this is an album by a guitarist. Michael Schenker’s guitar playing is the decisive factor on “Don’t Sell Your Soul”. The good news is that this excellence is embedded in songs with more than just great solos. The hooks and melodies transform laid-back songs like “I Can’t Stand Waiting” into smooth rockers.

“Sign of the Times” is heavier than the previous track, but still has a solid melody, before “The Chosen” starts to spread its eerie vibe. “The Chosen” is a dark, mid-paced tune that differs from most of the other tracks on this album. “It’s You” and the mentioned “Flesh & Bone” present the power of rock right off the bat and with “Surrender” we are getting to the final track of the album, which spreads a lot of late ’80s hard rock vibes.

It takes a while for “Don’t Sell Your Soul” to unveil all its little details, and you may need to listen to it a few times before you are captivated by the fusion of guitar solos and melodies. Michael Schenker Group is the guitarist’s outlet for the more melodic sound in the bandleader’s repertoire, and the latest album delivers. Michael Schenker is an extraordinary guitarist, and “Don’t Sell Your Soul” once again demonstrates this.