Rock Believer

2022 is the 50th anniversary of Scorpions' debut album, Lonesome Crow, and yet they sound nothing like a bunch of seventy-somethings (and one in his late sixties) in the twilight of their lives on this rip-roaring, riff-packed burst of rock energy, Rock Believer. This is an uncomplicated rock/metal album that, while not exactly brimming with unforgettable classics, is very listenable and feels like a shorter album than it actually is – usually the mark of a record you're really digging. I don't think there is a single dud on this record; on the contrary, there are some truly cracking songs on offer here: Knock 'Em Dead combines an AC/DC-like riff with a hugely catchy verse/chorus combination that reminds me a little of late 80s/early 90s Alice Cooper whereas Shining Of Your Soul boasts the type of classic riff hook that would have easily fit in on one of the Use Your Illusion albums. That's not to say that this album is at all dated, but it most certainly harks back to a golden era of hard rock and metal and delivers it with confidence and style. While I don't think Rock Believer is going to join the list of all-time great hard rock/metal albums because, if it has one flaw, it's that there is not one song on here that will become a staple of rock radio or classic rock playlists. Having said that, I don't think many rock fans would argue that it is a bloody good, highly enjoyable collection of songs that remains extremely impressive from a veteran band in this stage of their career. No, it may not be particularly innovative, but it still sounds fresh, urgent and, most importantly, it rocks extremely hard. When all is said and done, nobody can argue that Scorpions definitely still have Gas In The Tank.

Scorpions will never reach the heights of their ‘Lovedrive’ heyday, but who does thirty years on. Their output for the last twenty years or so has been a bit up and down - too many sickly ballads after ‘Winds of Change’Probably one of the better more recent efforts.

As described, well packaged, on time

Awesome album

Album is a return to form. They became sycophantly mainstream after the wall came down and they abandoned their base for political dogma.Great talent went to waste for me it was difficult to watch Mat Jabs go from full on full hair guitar hero to wearing a sombre black cap and leather trench coat just strumming chords up a corner.At last they seem to be making an effort to pay back the fans that put them in a position to make a great life for themselves. Good return to former form.

Great 👍 cd thanks 😊

From the very first track this had me bopping round the living room! Incredible they can produce an album like this in 2022. I felt like I was back at a rock night in 1979, fantastic!!

Brilliant album from a brilliant band