Let me start this off by admitting that when I popped this CD in I had very low expectations. As my review stated, I was not thrilled with Michael Schenker's previous release, The Unforgiven. As a matter of fact, I was a bit disappointed. Also, during the past couple of years, Michael Schenker has been involved in a couple of live releases, The Michael Schenker Story, and (UFO) Live Werewolves of London, which were solid, but not spectacular. All those thoughts quickly left my head the minute the first note of "Armed and Ready" began.

This is a GREAT Live album!!! Two discs of complete Schenker-driven Shred mayhem! As a matter of fact, I am compelled to make a very bold statement: This is Schenker's second greatest Live album (UFO's Strangers in The Night being #1 - but y'all knew that). Every song rocks ferociously and is delivered with spunk and a freshness that is almost foreign in this day and age - key components that were missing from both Werewolves and Story.

Michael has surrounded himself with quite a live band these days. The chemistry just oozes through the speakers. Bassist Barry Sparks provides just that, quite a spark. Check out his awesome bass lines on "Captain Nemo" and "Assault Attack" - this guy just keeps getting better and better. His partner in crime, drummer Shane Gaalaas drums his ass off. I'm so glad he finally found his "trademark" drum sound. Wayne Findlay provides guitars and keys a la Paul Raymond, and believe me, that's quite a compliment.

But what really surprised me was the quality of the vocals. Steelhouse Lane's Keith Slack is a very pleasant surprise - this man can sing, and not only that, he does Phil Mogg, Gary Barden and even Leif Sundin justice, and he sings the songs the way they are supposed to be sung. We Schenker fans are very demanding in this regard. For example, how annoying was it when David Van Landing kept bending the wrong notes and altering the phrasing on songs like "Love To Love" from Story? Extremely annoying! Well, Slack sings all the songs in chameleon fashion almost with "respect." But not to worry, there's plenty of balls and emotion to his voice. Just check out his renditions of "Love To Love" and "Written In The Sand" (MetalGod's Pick).

Even more surprising is Kelly Keeling's performance. All the songs from The Unforgiven are given new life as Kelly finally sings the way he should have been singing all along. Also, check out his mind blowing renditions of "On and On" and "Another Piece of Meat." Killer! And Schenker, oh the all-mighty Schenker. What can I say? Flawless guitar playing. This album is a guitar fan's heaven, with Schenker's melodic leads rippin' all over it. The man does it all, from the heavy riffs of "Attack of the Mad Axeman," to the beautiful classical arpeggios of "Bijou Pleasurette/Positive Forward" to the lightning fast leads of "Doctor, Doctor" and "Lights Out." The one small drawback to me personally is the lack of McCauley era material, but I'll live.

Now, if you're a Schenker fan (like me), you've probably heard most of these songs before, but not in this way, trust me! If you're reading this, do yourself a favor and pick this up, for no guitar fan's collection will be complete without it.

Reviewed by MetalGod

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