Michael Schenker – “Bridge The Gap”

*****

Another great release by a great guitar legend!

After the release of Michael Schenker's last album 'Temple of Rock' back in 2011, he seems to have risen like a phoenix from the ashes of what seemed like a shaky end to an amazing career. 'Temple of Rock' featured a plethora of amazing musicians that put their own stamp on the album, but having toured extensively on the back of that release, Michael established a stable group which are now the basis of 'Bridge the Gap'. Familiar band members Wayne Findlay on guitar and keyboards, Lead vocalist Doogie White, bassist Francis Buchholz and of course Herman 'Ze German' Rarebell on drums join Michael Schenker to complete the line up.

The title of this album was thought up by Schenker, as in his mind it refers to bridging the gap between playing with Herman and Francis back in the Scorpions days and collaborating with Doogie and Wayne since 'Temple of Rock'. Doogie White has been credited with co-writing the bulk of this album, and the end result is a fantastic bunch of tracks that really stand out from the crowd. 'Bridge the Gap' opens with a fairly brief but foot to the floor instrumental 'Neptune Rising'. From this you are thrown full on into 'Where the wild wind Blows' a track which features a foot tapping rhythm driven number, and if this wasn’t enough, then pulls you into a ballsy chorus showcasing Doogie's awesome vocals.

One of my favourite tracks 'Horizons' is next, and this one really shows the amazing skills of both Francis and Herman as the heavy driving riff from Francis compliments the beautiful double bass drum sound pounding from Hermans kit, it just doesn’t get better than this! 'Lords of the lost and Lonely' tones down the pace a little and with its slightly eastern tinged riff, allows Schenker to undertake his classic sounding Melodic Rock guitar with a twist, and features another richly irresistible chorus. 'Rock 'n’ Roll Symphony' contains some incredible Hammond organ work from Wayne, who appears to be in symmetry with Michaels lead guitar line and merging into a spectacular sounding number.

Another stand out track is 'Land of Thunder' which again highlights Francis and Hermans ability to compliment each other’s sound and sees them performing in perfect synchronization on the rhythm section. All in all this album is crammed full of hearty classic Schenker riffs and memorable melodies, and together with Doogie's unfaltering vocals, just screams quality. 'Bridge the Gap' is a perfect platform from which Michael Schenker can happily prove he’s back where he belongs, placed firmly on the top of the Rock Tree!

Review by Helen Westby

Listen! to the Track 'Dance for the Piper' Below...