Scorpions return after a three-year hiatus with what is what they state is their final album. It attempts to relive their glory years of 'Blackout' and 'Love at first sting', but do they succeed?

Upon first listen, nothing really jumped out and grabbed me but, upon subsequent listens, this album grabs you and becomes an addiction. Straight up hard rocking songs like 'Raised on rock', 'Sting in the tail', 'Rock zone' and 'Let's rock' get one's foot tapping, while 'Lorelei' and 'SLY' are Scorpions at their ballady best.

The album has touches of 'Blackout' in it, but it sounds more like 'Crazy World' and each band member brings out their best performances. This is a straight up rocking Scorps album, one which fans have been baying for for years. What more can one ask for? Easy...to plead with the rock veterans not to retire! The day they do (apparently after three years of touring) will bring a tear to many a rock fan's eye...

****½

Review by Nick van der Meulen