Rock Believer

The veteran German rockers 19th studio album, Rock Believer, sees the Scorpions working remotely to craft a surprisingly solid and unifying set of hard rock anthems that provide plenty of fan service. While they might not be able to see the nosebleed section -- the core members of the group are in their seventies now – the bands aim is still true, and their particular brand of workmanlike stadium rock seeks out the furthest corners of the rafters with seasoned precision. Commencing with the straight-shooting "Gas in the Tank," Rock Believer eschews the systemic horniness of the groups 80s output for something a bit more age-appropriate though no less rabble-rousing. The bands longevity is the thematic throughline, with songs like the bracing "Roots in My Boots" and the spirited title track serving as both calls to arms and career assessments. Elsewhere, the fiery "Peacemaker" flirts with socio-political unrest, the lumbering "Seventh Sun" dabbles in power metal pomp, and the closing ballad "When You Know (Where You Came From)" summons the light of a thousand Zippos/cell phones. Never ones to dabble in irony or nuance, the Scorpions have always left little to the imagination – back in the groups heyday, Klaus Meines radio spots always ended with "lookout (insert city here), were gonna sting ya!". Still, in an age awash in misinformation and cultural bemusement, hearing a group of septuagenarians preach the undemanding gospel of rock & roll feels downright therapeutic. ~ James Christopher Monger

72年の初作〈恐怖の蠍団〉から50年……ドイツが世界に誇るレジェンドが19作目を完成。ドラマーがミッキー・ディー(元モーターヘッド)に交替してからは初のアルバムで、先行カットの"Peacemaker"から良い意味での既聴感を伴った怒涛の〈らしさ〉が叫びを上げる。80年代の作り方に倣い、5人が同じ部屋で演奏してレコーディングしたそうで、ロックを信じる者同士のコミュニケーションが轟く表題曲も実にエネルギッシュで美しい。
bounce (C)轟ひろみ