Universal

Universal, true to its title, is a work that, welcoming powerhouse vocalists of many nationalities, presents Michael Schenker’s guitar language as truly “universal melody.” Sharply singing lead guitar, clear, hard-edged riffs and lyrical chord progressions bind powerfully with a different vocal timbre from song to song, beautifully pulling the strength of the guests’ colors into one album’s flow. A record that pushes the fullness of the previous Immortal further. From the powerful drive of the opener “Emergency” to the drama of “A King Has Gone,” every song is full of the appeal of Schenker’s guitar, while the aggression of “Under Attack,” the solemn “The Universe” and a cut like “Fighter” heighten the work’s appeal alongside the gorgeous guests. Varied yet, a consistent Schenker aesthetic runs throughout. Its appeal lies in being an MSG-like culmination that places beautiful melody as the lead while keeping the sure frame of traditional hard rock and metal. Even as a veteran, his melodic sense and playing quality have not dimmed in the least. Fusing internationally varied voices and Schenker’s immortal guitar, it is a powerful, fulfilling melodic-metal work.