851. The Michael Schenker Group / The Michael Schenker Group. 1980. 3.5/5

He initially started out in a little band called the Scorpions with his brother, before moving on to big things as a part of the English group UFO, with whom he spent a large part of the decade of the 1970's. After 'guesting' on Scorpions Lovedrive album in 1979, Michael Schenker then decided to form his own project and release his own material. Teaming up with vocalist Gary Barden, The Michael Schenker Group was born, and this was their eponymously titled first album.

It was hardly a group when this was put together. Session musicians filled out the recording of this album, with Schenker and Barden writing all of the material between themselves.
There is a lot to like about this first album from M.S.G. The ready-made classic "Armed and Ready" opens up the album, setting off on the right foot. With the right mix of sing-along lyrics, guitar, drums and keyboard, this has the perfect beat to draw you into the album, while still allowing Schenker to show off his skills through the middle of the songs. Still as terrific today as it was on its release. "Cry for the Nations" utilises the same visions, allowing Schenker's guitar to explore its way through the song while Barden warbles on over the top. "Victim of Illusion" doesn't quite come up to this degree of excellence, in fact it is a fairly drab song that changes little throughout the length of the track. Almost filler, one would suspect. "Feels Like a Good Thing" sounds like it is played with more purpose, certainly Barden sound more invested in the song from a vocalists point of view.
The two instrumentals on the album come from different creatures. "Bijou Pleasurette" is played in a more classical guitar form, combining a middle ages keyboard and guitar sound much like a harpsichord and a sitar, in a refined and quiet atmosphere. "Into the Arena" on the other hand is much more hard rock, with Schenker taking control of the track and letting his guitar do the talking, while allowing the keyboards to duel along the way. Great stuff, and one that has stood the test of time.
"Looking Out From Nowhere" and "Tales of Mystery" again come from opposite sides of the saddle, both giving Schenker the opportunity to prove his all round ability on his instrument. The final song "Lost Horizons" for the most part channels the 1970's method of songs that lengthen themselves beyond the norm with a freeform guitar extravaganza while the rest of the band plays on until it comes to a natural conclusion. While sometimes this can be overdone, here it allows Schenker again to do what he does best, which is play the guitar and make fascinating and brilliant tunes from it. It may well be a pointer to the past, but it also promises to continue in a stronger direction in the future.

This album is a great starting point for a band that Schenker has moved around in different shapes and forms over the past 35 years. An argument could be made that these songs would sound even better with a stronger vocalist, and indeed in a live setting that has probably proven to be the case. There is also a case that can be made that this has dated somewhat since its release. Again you can only take that on face value. In the main this is a good album, one that takes a step away from Schenker's work in UFO and allows him to begin to put his own stamp on the metal scene in his own capacity.

Rating:  Are you high tonight, are you feeling right, cos I need you now, like I never did before  3.5/5