Michael Schenker Group
Be Aware Of Scorpions

January 2002
Released: 2001, SPV / Steamhammer Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Pete

I've never really gotten the Michael Schenker "guitar hero" thing. Granted, his contributions to UFO and early Scorpions were no doubt influential, but I've found his solo efforts pretty mainstream. Great title for this release aside, BE AWARE OF SCORPIONS is pretty much a straight ahead, AOR-friendly record.13 tracks of commercial hard rock in the vein of Rainbow's Joe Lynn Turner-era. Vocalist Chris Logan has a blusey style similar to Turner & Glenn Hughes, while Jeff Martin (RacerX, Badlands) and Reverand (?) Jones keep the songs tight with their rhythm section. Spotlight is on Schenker though and he shines on tracks as "Blinded By Technology", and shows some nice acoustic work on "Reflection of Your Heart." "My Times Up", with it's catchy chorus, is a contender for a single, while the closer "Eyes Of A Child" offers some thought provoking lyrics. No real filler on this disc, yet nothing mind blowing either.