Five things in metal that I am thankful for in 2011

I have been making these lists in November for the last four or five years. So in no real order here are the top five things in metal that I am thankful for this year.

King Kobra-So many bands put reunion albums these days the number of bands have not reformed are probably in a minority. In many cases it turns out to be a lame attempt to cash in. King Kobra reformed with 4/5 of their early line-up with veteran vocalist Paul Shortino coming in Marcie (Mark) Free who is involved with Unruly Child's reunion. Most of these have been in several bands over the years so I was afraid this might just be another quickly released generic album. I was wrong because this solid AOR/hard rock coming from some experienced musicians who spent time really working out a solid album. I am thankful for King Kobra for proving that a reunion album can be good.

Iron Claw-This is kind of a bittersweet pick since vocalist Gordon Brown recently left this band and they are once again looking for a singer. However that doesn't take away from the fact that they released their first album since the 70's this year and it was a killer. They had a real handle on taking the vibe of the 70's but keeping it fresh. The results was a solid album of heavy groove powered rock. I am thankful for them because they showed that an older band come back and still be relevant.

Southern Lord records-Not always my favorite label in the world. However this year they had like 4-5 albums that I will consider for my top 25 albums of the year list that I'll post next month. At least two of those are likely to make my top ten. I will not name them now because that would spoil my list. I'll just add that having that many quality releases make me thankful for this label and they certainly deserve a spot on the list.

Michael Schenker-I frequently pick a guitarist for this list. This year it's Michael Schenker. Nothing make me madder at a guitarist than if they just showboat and through themselves into complete self-indulgent wankery. Schenker has the skills to showoff, but on his latest album he contributes to making the songs strong rather than focusing just on himself. I am thankful for Michael Schenker for demonstrating how to use his skill for the good of the album rather than just showing off.

Alice Cooper-We should almost always be thankful for Alice Cooper. However this year it's even more evident. So Alice was going to do a sequel album and bring in a bunch of guest stars. Normally those two things spell disaster in recent years. Instead it turned out to be his best album in a long time and he has some good albums in the last decade or so. The writing is strong, the guests perform well and Alice sounds comfortable. So I am thankful for Alice Cooper for proving that sequel albums can be good and that having a bunch of guest stars can help.

There you go.

Michael Schenker-Temple of rock

MVD
2011

Legendary guitarist Michael Schenker decided to put aside the MSG for this time and just go by his name. Schenker has been hot and cold on albums over the past say ten years, but there is no denying his talent from his many past successes. Fortunately Temple of rock is very much a return to form and Schenker certainly draws on the type of songs that have worked so well for him in the past. This is melodic hard rock that's big on melodies and most of the tracks are quite focused. This was one of those albums where I play it once and right away it clicks. The writing isn't anything new, but it's very tight. I have heard some differing views on the vocals of Michael Voss. Count me in the positive group because I think he is a fine fit for this style. The best part of this album and really makes it is not that Schenker just rips it up (he does), but rather he shows restraint when needed as well. This is very and album that relies on the strength of all of the songs and all of the musicians. I am sure this was Schenker's choice to go that route and the result is one of the best albums in years that he has been involved with. There are ton of guests on this album and normally I get nervous when an artist does that because it makes me think they don't confidence in themselves to sell this album so they added some names just sell a few more units. However that is not the case here (I hope) because Schenker his band certainly did enough on their own to create a very likable album. For those who want to know who the guests are on this disc I listed them below the band line-up.

Michael Schenker - Guitars
Michael Voss (Mad Max, Casanova) - Vocals
Herman Rarebell (ex Scorpions) - Drums
Pete Way (ex UFO) - Bass
Wayne Findlay (MSG) - Keyboards

Guests:
Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions) - Guitar
William Shatner (Captain Kirk from Star Trek) - Intro Vocals
Leslie West - Guitar
Doogie White - Vocals
Robin McAuley - Vocals
Don Airey - Keyboards
Chris Glenn (ex MSG) - Bass
Neil Murray (ex Whitesnake) - Bass
Paul Raymond – UFO (ex MSG)
Simon Phillips - Drums
Carmine Appice - Drums
Chris Slade (ex AC/DC) - Drums

Number 19

On to number 19 of my top 25 hard/metal guitarist countdown. There are only a couple guys on this list who here because of real contributions to multiple bands. Michael Schenker is one of those because of his work with UFO, his early work with his own band and even some work on one Scorpions album. His work with UFO was his most impressive though. He came in and made an immediate impression on that band and quite honestly elevated their sound right away. At his best he has create a balance between solid rhythms and killer solos. The flying V is pretty cool too.