ALBUM REVIEW ~ SCORPIONS ~ 'ROCK BELIEVER'

I'm music magazine, the scorpions, scorpions, rock believer, rudolf schenker, matthias jabs, klaus meine, when you know where you came from

German rockers, The Scorpions, have rocked us like a hurricane with the winds of change, cementing themselves as legends in the in the world of metal. Having formed in 1965, they fine tuned their signature sound over the years, gaining international acclaim with 1984’s Love At First Sting. MTV added to the album’s success, giving videos from that album significant airplay, introducing Americans to the Scorpions sound. In their first album since 2015’s Return to Forever, The Scorpions prove that their sound is ageless. Rock Believer is a polished version of the essential sound that fueled their rise to fame. Founder and guitarist Rudolf Schenker along with fellow guitarist Matthias Jabs, direct the energy of each song with strong guitar melodies and riffs. Frontman and lyricist Klaus Meine sounds stronger than ever, with his unique voice. Together they have perfected the Scorpions formula of melodic ballads mixed in with strong guitar fueled lyrics. The newest album features a newer, polished version of their unmistakable sound.

The first release, “Peacemaker”, is full of high energy guitar that is fresh, yet reminiscent of the earlier albums. It’s complete with hard edges and lyrics that are thought provoking. “…Keep the lions in the cage / The battlefield is bleeding red / The land of glory mourns the dead”. Later we have “…It’s been written in the stars / Forever love, stop the war / A ray of light is shining down / Tomorrow’s ‘round the corner now / Now the future’s in your hands / Do you remember, yes we can”. “Peacemaker” is a call to action, in a world that needs direction. To hear this from a band that witnessed the “Winds of Change” on their proverbial front porch with the fall of The Iron Curtain, we should listen well.

For those looking for that perfect ballad mix that the Scorpions are best known for, look no further than the title track. While the guitar is still strong in this track, it’s Meine’s flowing voice blending with the guitar, that drives this song, with its varying intensity. It’s a love song for the fans. “…But we came back to make you feel / Our love in every song we play / Scream for me, screamer / I’m a rock believer like you…” Further on; “We go from here to everywhere / So many moments that we share / of all the love we give and take” I may be wrong, but this sure sounds like a love song thanking the fans. It’s beautiful.

My surprise love on this album, is on the deluxe version. The acoustic rendition of “When You Know” is just one of those songs that strikes home. “When you know where you come from / You back down from no one / Just be true to yourself/ It’s your life” is just one verse that more of us need to remember.

So many positive moments in these songs, marking a return from the longest hiatus between albums. The Scorpions prove that nothing will stop them from doing what they love. This album is the perfect celebration before their return to Las Vegas in March. Welcome back, boys. You were missed.

“No matter what some haters say / No one can take our dreams away” ~ “Rock Believer”

I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Michele Hancock