Scorpions - Sting In The Tail

The Scorpions have released what they have proclaimed is their final studio album ever. With the exception of future compilations and live albums (should there be any), this is the last we’ll see of the Scorpions in record stores. So, did the Scorpions go out with a bang? Is Sting In The Tail a worthy swan song for this band that has been rocking for 4 decades? Let’s spin the disc and find out.

Sting In The Tail launches with the hard rocking, power chord heavy, Raised On Rock, an excellent song in the vein of classic Scorpions. It has their signature sound and of course the distinctive voice of none other than Klaus Mein. The guitars scorch on this opening number and Mein’s voice proves to be in fine form. James Kottak sounds great behind the drum kit and Raised On Rock launches Sting In The Tail with class.

The title track follows and so do the hard rocking good times. Sting In The Tail is an exceptional song with a heavy groove that is hard to duplicate. Its moderate tempo has a bit of a dance beat to it. Sting In The Tail is definitely a song you can shake your ass to. It’s also a song that you’ll be singing along with in no time. Short, compact, and oh so powerful, Sting In The Tail is an exceptional tune.

Slave Me is my favorite song on the record. Centered on a slow, melodic groove, Slave Me is the perfect grind song. I can see strippers swinging from the pole during this song, which is part of what makes it so amazing. I’m not sure if it was specifically written for that demographic, but they would certainly put it to good use.

The multiple guitar attack of Rudolph Schenker and Matthias Jabs decorates Sting In The Tail with color and style. Their finger picking is at its finest and the shredding solos performed by each of them helps to vibrantly color Sting In The Tail. The Schenker/Jabs twin attack is a magnificent one-two combination and their years of experience shine on Sting In The Tail.

Unfortunately, Sting In The Tail suffers from what’s been occurring in a lot of rock albums lately, a weak middle. The album starts off with a bang (and then some) with the first three tracks, but the next three take it down a notch and weaken the album. The middle three songs (The Good Die Young, No Limit, and Rock Zone) aren’t terrible songs, but they are far from the amazing specimens that the first three songs were.

Sting In The Tail’s revival comes with the exceptional power ballad Lorelei. This is a true Scorpions ballad, very reminiscent of their classic past ballads (RE: Winds of Change, Still Loving You). Lorelei is the classic love lost tale that is evident in most ballads. The blend of electric and acoustic guitar ties the song together and makes it an impeccable track.

The album rebounds with some solid cuts after that, highlighted by The Spirit Of Rock, a kick in the pants rock song with some power. Overall, Sting In The Tail is a fine record. The Scorpions are going out on a high note with this album. If this truly is the final piece of their legacy, it’s a good one to leave behind. If you haven’t picked up this record yet, it’s worth your $10 investment. There will definitely be multiple listens of Sting In The Tail.

Ryo’s Rating: 7 (out of 10)

Track Listing
Raised On Rock
Sting In The Tail
Slave Me
The Good Die Young
No Limit
Rock Zone
Lorelei
Turn You On
SLD
Spirit Of Rock
The Best Is Yet To Come