Scorpions - Sting In The Tail (LP)

One does an aural double take upon hearing the opening bars of "Raised on Rock," the first track from the Scorpions Sting in the Tail. Rudolph Schenker's opening power chord riff and guitar tone sound like something from 1976's Virgin Killer, or 1979's Lovedrive. When he's joined by Matthias Jabs on their trademark twin-guitar attack, and by Klaus Meine's instantly recognizable vocal, the effect is complete, the sound familiar, but somehow not nostalgic. The riff was just a quick, humorous nod to history rather an attempt to revel in it. Sting in the Tail is reported to be the final Scorpions studio effort after 44 years. The band that vaulted to the top of the '80s metal scene with its balance of monstrously loud rock anthems ("The Zoo," "Blackout") and infectious power ballads ("Wind of Change," "Still Loving You") has decided to give it one last, honest shot at what they do best. There's more of the former on this offering, from the aforementioned and boogie-metal party rocker that