Scorpions-Sting in the tail

Universal

2010

So before this album was even released we get the news of it being the final Scorpions album. Right away I think beings about sadness amongst fans, but it also perhaps raises expectations. If it's their last effort then we want it to be great. This is a band that has certainly been one of the most consistent metal acts of all time. Not too many albums have been off and most have good and several have been great. Back in 2007 on Humanity Hour 1 the Scorpions opened up a little and reached slightly beyond their normal formula as they added in some heavier parts and explored some different tones. It worked wonderfully so I was hoping that they might follow in that direction. They didn't but instead they have followed a more tried and true approach. They have several songs with the word "rock" in the title. Thar's more than a little cliche. However the Scorps bring forth the sound they used so well between about 1982 and 1995 as they alternate between straight forward hard rock and anthems and ballads that manage to avoid being sappy. It's predictable, but they do they handle it so well. These are the kind of songs where you can hear five seconds know exactly who it is, but that kind of familiarity can be a good thing in this case. "Sting in the tail" breaks no new ground nor is it a classic, but instead it falls in with the good albums like "Savage Amusement" and "Face the heat". So if this is to be the Scorps last effort then they certainly end on an album that brings forth a sound that they have perfected.