MICHAEL SCHENKER’S Temple of Rock – Bridge The Gap – CD review

MICHAEL SCHENKER’S Temple of Rock
Bridge The Gap
Inakustik

At least I think he’s now using that as a band name. The typography of recent releases has confused me somewhat, but we’ll just go with it. So, hottish on the heels of “Temple of Rock: Live in Europe” and two years after his “Temple Of Rock” studio album, and with another new lineup in tow, here comes the mad axeman with his latest studio release.

This time around we have the touring lineup of vocalist Doogie (Killie Pie) White, Wayne Findlay (keyboards and 7-string guitar), and the former Scorpions rhythm section of Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass). Doogie must relish completing the full set of Schenker, Malmsteen and Blackmore, and it’s good to have three members of the Scorpions back in the same band again.

“Bridge The Gap” follows the format of Schenker releases from back in the early days of MSG with an opening instrumental, followed by an admirable set of sturdy hard rock tunes. Mr White seems to have brought his Rainbow influences along, especially on the likes of ‘To Live For The King’, and there are some hands in the air rawk moments that will please those of a certain age, with ‘Rock n Roll Symphony’ a sure fire live winner.

The band are in excellent form, but having seen a live DVD of this lineup, I would be interested to see the breakdown of guitar parts between Schenker and Findlay. Just saying. Doogie White is a solid vocalist, although I’m still not convinced about the mesh between him and the Schenker legacy, having much preferred Michael Voss in the role, but he does what he needs to, without ever really standing out.

Elsewhere, the highlights are the songs that hark back to the early eighties with ‘Where the Wild Winds Blow’ and ‘Lord Of The Lost and Lonely’ both candidates for classic Schenker status. It’s good to have him back, after too many lost years, and Schenker fans of old will warm to this quickly.

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