Instrumental Intensity
is a compilation of tracks that are all taken from German guitarist
Michael Schenker's recordings on the Shrapnel imprint from 1999 forward.
They include cuts from
Dreams and Expressions (the tracks "A,” "N” and "D”), the first three from
Unforgiven World Tour: Live, and a few from
Into the Arena 1972-1995 [Highlights & Overtures].
The mood ranges from the blistering sound of Schenker’s proto,
old-school metal attack to his moodier, introspective virtuosity, but
it’s all him. Despite the fact that none of these tracks are with UFO,
Scorpions, or the Michael Schenker Group, they bear his unmistakable
trademark sound and dedication to the guitar. These songs may not be
from his best-known years, but they are some of his finest artistic
moments.
Amazon Review: 56 minutes in length approximately.
The sound is very good - what you would expect from Schenker in a studio
situation. The disc is clipped-in, in a fold-out cardboard holder. The
graphics are fitting for the music - very electric looking. The notes
consist of basically who plays what on what track. The first three
tracks consist of Schenker on guitar, with John Onder-bass, and the
great Aynsley Dunbar-drums. Tracks 4, 5, 6 and 12 feature Schenker,
Barry Sparks-bass, and Shane Gaalaas-drums. Tracks 7, 8, and 9 (live)
are a quartet with Schenker, Wayne Findlay-guitars and keyboards, and,
once again, the rhythm section of Sparks and Gaalaas. Tracks 10 and 11
are solo numbers by Schenker, with his beautiful acoustic guitar work in
the forefront. For fans of Schenker's beautiful and, at
times,astounding guitar prowess, this is something worth considering
purchasing. The title is no misnomer - this has some intense
guitar/rhythm section workouts ("Old Man With Sheep On Mars", "Three
Fish Dancing", as examples) as only Schenker can produce, and, at times,
Schenker sounds much like he did in UFO. The acoustic tracks are a
beautiful balance between his in-your-face-electric-sound, and his more
delicate, introspective sound. While there's nothing shockingly new
here, Schenker's guitar is, as always, out front, and listeners who like
his sound and approach will find much to like here. Add in a rhythm
section capable of keeping up with him, and this is another good album
of hard, guitar-rock, with a good look at Schenker's acoustic guitar
work and arranging. This is one of those albums that seems to sound
better at a louder than normal volume. If this doesn't have you playing
air-guitar (or drums), then something's wrong with your ears.
AmericaJR Review:
Here I sit listening to Michael Schenker’s NEW CD "Instrumental
Intensity” for like the 5th or 6th time and I must say that this is
truly the perfect Michael Schenker Album for you Schenker Fans and
beyond. Of course if you like the Scorpions, the MSG Group, and UFO,
then this instrumental album will be a real treat for your euro
rock-metal ears. When I listen to Michael’s arrangements, melodies, and
rhythmic hooks, I want to start delving more into his musical history
and influences… If you listen closely, you can hear his German musical
heritage and classical influences, and here is the way I put it to those
who don’t know of Michael Schenker’s muse… I tell them like this…
Before there was Eddie Van Halen, Adrian Vandenberg, Yngwie Malmsteen,
John Sykes, Kirk Hammett and the like, there was Euro-Guitar Master
Michael Schenker leading the pack. There is no doubt in my military mind
that these cats were influenced by Michael’s playing in some form or
fashion with his flashy extended minor scale runs. In addition, with his
use of lighting fast pentatonics, uncanny phrasing, memorable hooks and
riffs. Mr. Schenker is one of those guitarists who have help shape
another musical sound and direction in the annals of rock music history…
There have been many bands who have crafted their songs and melodies in
this type of widened harmonic fashion and musical bearing. This is
definitely one of those albums that will have you playing air guitar
when no one is looking. "Instrumental Intensity" contains some of
Michael Schenker's greatest instrumental recordings, culled from his
many Shrapnel releases. The instrumental arena is where Schenker's
entrancing melodies and soaring solos really stand out. A Brilliant
composer with a master’s technique, Schenker’s performances are a
celebration of rock guitar in its purest form.
