Michael Schenker has told MetalTalk that the recording is now complete for the new MSG album ‘Immortal’, with a release date set for 8 January 2021 through Nuclear Blast. The album contains the first song Michael wrote and recorded with The Scorpions, while the first release will contain a unique live recorded Blu-Ray.
Michael has also shared the artwork for the new album, recorded in celebration of his 50th anniversary as a musician.
Schenker told us: “We have a lot of guest musicians, who will undoubtedly help to make the album an exceptional success. First of all I want to say that I am very grateful to any musicians that have helped to create a fitting tribute to my long career on this special release.
“I want to thank all of them for their incredible contribution.”
The album cover has been created by Zsofia Dankova.
Mostly recorded in Kidroom Studio in Germany, Michael worked with his long time partner Michael Voss, who co-produced the album and also sings on two tracks.
Schenker continues: “It is always a pleasure to work with Michael Voss, who works around the clock and is a phenomenal musician and producer.
“He was composing the melody and lyrics for a power ballad I had written the music for, and he ended up singing along. It turned out so amazing, I did not think anyone else could have done a better job for this song. Truly great!”
‘Immortal’ will feature a big list of friends and guests. The album’s main vocalist will be uprising Chilean born talent Ronnie Romero, along with Michael Voss, Ralf Scheepers and Joe Lynn Turner singing on two tracks each.
Besides Michael Schenker himself, the album was recorded with Steve Mann (keyboards), Barry Sparks (bass) as well as the three drummers Bodo Schopf, Simon Philipps and Brian Tichy.
Schenker says: “Brian was thrilled to be part of it. He is a master of groove and ended up playing on six songs. I could not believe it: This man is something else.
“He is a true natural and very original. With his input it made the album very solid and complete. So guess what – I am very happy.”
Also featured on the album is keyboard player Derek Sherinian, who plays on the opening track, featuring German power machine Ralf Scheepers on vocals.
“Derek and myself trading solos! It sounds unexpected and beyond my expectations. Absolutely fantastic!” says Schenker.
Included in the album tracklist is ‘In Search Of The Peace Of Mind’.
Schenker tells us: “I wrote this song when I was 15 years old. It was my first ever written piece of music which I recorded with Scorpions on our first studio album ‘Lonesome Crow’ in 1970, getting released in 1972 – when I had already left Scorpions to join the British rock Band UFO in June of 1972 – when I was 17.
“We re-recorded this song for my 50th anniversary as a celebration and it turned out to be an epic.
“With an extra extension at the end of the song, which turned out absolutely fantastic, with Simon Phillips on drums, doing his usual amazing stuff.”
The result is a true highlight and features even more surprises: “Gary Barden sings the first verse, continued by Ronnie Romero – and in the end we have Ronnie, Doogie White and Robin McAuley screaming their heads off, as a tribute to my 50th anniversary. Absolute amazing. Thanks to the guys for doing this!”
The limited first edition of the album contains a superb extra.
Schenker concludes: “We have the ‘Michael Schenker Fest – Bang Your Head – Blu-ray’, recorded during our headline show in Balingen/Germany two years ago: Unfixed, raw, pure and great!
“There’s a couple of small mistakes, but because the show and recording went so well, I decided to keep it the way it went on the night. It’s live, magic and pure.”
