1967/ 1976 1980- 1984 is a freat period for Michael Schenker, because it is at the head of a band (MSG) really capable of Rock, the real and bloody bastard Rock! Hard Rock ... Or rather, Heavy Metal, the powerful, traditional, heavy, melodic, dreamy Hevy Metal! I've only "Built To Attack" and this compilation by MSG but I'm waiting to be able to get in hands other albums by MSG. Because now I'm investigating and I discovered a band that produces music that like me a lot!

Specifically, this compilation is organized chronologically by publication of the recordings. Personally, if we want to understand MSG in its first incarnation I find that this compilation is a good start. The spirit of MSG is present because the songs produced by MSG can shine with its own light and can be very good to be included in a compilation without losing magic and charm. Honestly, I found it interesting in a compilation of this type, the radio edit of "Cry For The Nations" because more direct ofthe album version but "Captain Nemo" with the original mix seems equal to the version with "international" mix. Good music, in general, more rock than anything else. But not Hard Rock, for harder, powerful, logical, sophisticated, complicated. The Blues component is no longer present, so that the Power ballads are ballads and not Blues ballad. Guitar scores see an approach to classical music and rhythms are very tight.Interesting inserting the live version of MSG "Doctor Doctor" of UFO. But adds nothing else. Rather, it is a good listen, which never hurts.

In short, Michael Schenker is one of the best guitarists of his era, as well as an author of immortal music. Today, a little forgotten and, consequently, to be reassessed. Maybe startingthe study of MSG with "The Best Of Michael Schenker Group (1980 - 1984)" and, subsequently, deepening with its albums.

1967/ 1976 Built to Destroy is the fourth album by the Michael Schenker Group (MSG). Gary Barden returned to the group on vocals following the departure of Graham Bonnet amidst tensions with Michael Schenker.

I've the US mix that is a worldwide version except for U.K. and Japan with diverse order of songs (and "Walk the Stage" is renamed "Rock Will Never Die") and "Still Love That Little Devil" is sung by Derek St. Holmes. The style is a typical 80's Hard Rock with relaxing feelings and sounds, also because the guitar is supported by keyboards. The songs are technicals for the style and the magic is all present due to the fact, also, that the songs are aged very well.

Probably "built To Destroy" is not a masterpiece but the magic, the feelings and other factors tell me that "Built To Destroy" is still one of the best examples of 80's Hard Rock.

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.

ydewata After several changes in voice slot almost on each of the record, this time MSG managed to stay put with singer Chris Logan on Arachnophobiac (2003). Logan stepped up on vocals duty on Be Aware of Scorpions (2001). However, the rhythm section has been changed with the addition of experienced and famous bass player Stu Hamm and Jeremy Colon on drums. In addition to the strong line up, Michael Schenker received a well-earned assistance from Jeff Watson (Annihilator) who played solo leads in several songs.

Produced by Mike Varney, Steve Fontano, and Michael Schenker, this album is relatively varied with 11 crunchy rock n’ roll and melodic solos from Michael Schenker. While most of 80s rock guitar players are busy downtuning their sound, Michael Schenker stays loyal to his formula –only updating it. Tracks such as “Evermore”, “Arachnophobiac”, or “Into The Sands of Time” still well-describing the well-known formula. Also need to mention the shining performance from Chris Logan. On the other hand, “Wheatervane”, “Break The Cycle”, and “One World” captured the metalic-form of Michael Schenker in the 90s.

MSG is not well-known for its ballad, but they did a good attempt on “Over Now”. Very much 80s! Surely one of my fave track down here. Unfortunately, “Alive” fails to comparison that you may see it as a filler. On the other hand, “Fatal Strike” is a memorable album closer.

One low point from the album is the lacking of totality from the rhythm section. Especially when you had Stu Hamm in the line up. He could be very much useful. Michael himself is not an ego-maniac. Based on previous records, he would give the opportunity for the other member to take the spotlight and pen their signature.

Anyway, enjoy this record. Not a great one but surely kicking ass when you play it loud.