Germany has been the home country to a variety of excellent music; from Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Synth Pop, to Industrial. One of the longest standing, and most successful, Hard Rock bands from Deutschland is none other than Scorpions. Originally formed all the way back 1965, and continuing strongly through 2022, they have never really stopped at any point. Consistent and persistent, the Scorpions have also never truly stopped making new music and now they are back with their nineteenth studio album Rock Believer.
Released on Friday February 25th, 2022 through Vertigo, Rock Believer takes their sound back to the best roots of the band while presenting them in a positive, energetic, as well as a modern way. Let us keep in mind the Scorpions have not released an album since 2015’s Return to Forever, and while that was solid, it certainly did not receive the props or anticipated of Rock Believer. Sustaining some lineup changes through the years, having long term members Rudolf Schenker as well as Matthias Jabs on guitars helps define the signature sound of the Scorpions, and they prove they are at the top of their game here. With sixteen songs making up the deluxe edition release, including the catchy title-track, there is no room for anything except love that the Scorpions are back in action.
Overall Rock Believer is extremely refreshing and each song deserving of a listen. The aforementioned title-track is a great anthem – well-harmonized and very memorable. Bringing it all together, Klaus Miene singing “No one can take our dreams away” implies that it’s just silly to give up on who you are as musician, or person, just because times are changing. In enough words, to know is to love, and Rock exists if you still believed. Then there is the opening cut, “Gas In The Tank,” a fun riff heavy jam that immediately brings you back to the older days of Scorpions. From here we have the witty fun rockin’ “Roots In My Boots” which would definitely be exciting in a live setting with its catchy lyrics and beats.
Moving on, “Shining of Your Soul” reeks of a positive message and a Classic Rock vibe that should be relatable to the masses. Moving ahead to the midsection of the album is “Hot and Cold” which is a decent four minute journey through a vintage Rock sound. They then pick up the pace with “When I Lay My Bones To Rest” before the short but sweet “Peacemaker” that again speaks in positive tongue all while carrying the weight of a heavier message.
Diving deeper into the depth of the album there is “Call Of The Wild” which has a very soothing tempo mixed with guitar solos and vocal melodies serving up multiple dishes of pure happiness. The band then barrels into “When You Know (Where You Come From),” a beautiful Rock ballad featuring all the best Miene has to offer. Then keeping with classic Scorpions, yet are not out of touch with modern times, are “Shoot For Your Heart” and “When Tomorrow Comes.” Finalizing this lengthy well-planned release is “Crossing Borders,” along with the acoustic version of “When You Know (Where You Come From).” The former is an appropriate topic since the borders were not easily crossable the last couple years, and thus it serves as a metaphor. Then, the last brings a nice change of pace with its somber melody, acoustic guitars, and serene harmonizing.
Rock Believer is so commendable from start to finish, and it’s a huge reminder to what, who, and why the Scorpions are still around after all these years. Let’s shout out for joy that perhaps they will have yet another ‘last tour’ in support of this major milestone. For sheer stamina alone Cryptic Rock gives Rock Believer 5 out of 5 stars.
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The album bites. And not in a good way. It’s lousy. They should have hung it up after “Sting in the Tail.” Just like they lied and said they would. Since I’m assuming this is their actual final studio album, their last two studio albums were garbage. This final one was better than the one released in 2015, but that’s really not saying much.