ydewata MSG’s Written In The Sand was released in 1996. This marked the first studio album released from post-Robin McAuley era. Michael Schenker released a couple of acoustic-instrumental records soon after he disbanded McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP after they released the Unplugged album. This time, the mighty Michael Schenker joined forces with lead singer Leif Sundin, bassist Barry Sparks, and drummer Shane Gaalaas. The result was a 10 uncompromising essential hard rock tunes plus 2 bonus tracks of “Into The Arena” and “Cry For The Nation”.

The album kicks off with “Brave New World”, a hard rocking tune that pretty much and simply stated that “MSG is still alive!”. I was surprised that Leif Sundin was able to deliver such a good voice. Honestly, I was still thinking about Robin McAuley voice but this new guy in the band had a great voice. Not as powerful as his predecessor but absolutely more rocking. “I will be there tomorrow/no need to cry no more”, yep that was the lyrics delivered through the second track “Cry No More”, a mid-tempo hard rocking track. Definitely danceable! “I Believe” is a semi-ballad that was slow in the verses ten turned out to be somewhat heavy during the chorus, slightly pessimist and then next thing there’s an optimist turn around. A nice song though,… with a simple guitar-solo.

Another great danceable track through “Back To Life”. Please have a deep listen to the bass line delivered by Barry Sparks. One of his highlighted performances through out the record. Good job, man! I thought Jeff Pilson was the best bassist for MSG but you proved me wrong! The next track, I think was and IS one of the best track ever recorded by the band throughout the 90s, “Written In The Sand”. Only hearing the drum intro is already making my hair stand! This one is great!!! “I can’t wait another minute/I can’t wait another day/You really pushed me to the limit/I got something yesterday”. Definitely my all-time favorite track from the band. I guess this one also has one of the most catchiest Michael guitar-solo work.

The next track is an instrumental called “Essenz”. What can you say about it other than it showed how great was Michael Schenker (and still IS)? The next track “Love Never Dies” was a 80s track, mid-tempo and sing along song…and catchy. Any hard rocker fans would love to love this track. Don’t go home yet, the next track “I Will Be There” and “Take Me Through The Night” are pretty 80s and melodic as well. The closer track of the album is “Down The Drain”, a somewhat dark song. I don’t think it’s a suitable album closer but thanks to the next 2 bonus tracks “Into The Arena” and “Cry For The Nation”.

I must admit that Michael Schenker was able to gather a bunch of talented musicians for this album. Although Leif Sundin was being in the band for this studio record only but he must be credited for his lyrical writings for the album (except for the 2 bonus tracks).

I would strongly suggest any hard rocker fans to have a taste of this record.