Once upon a time when hard rock was still quite young, Michael Schenker left UFO and, more worryingly, had cut off his long permed blond hair. Kids were distraught. Fortunately word went round (no internet back then) that popular department store WH Smith’s record department had a video set-up that would be playing Mickey’s new single ‘Armed & Ready’ on lunchtime replay. Heated discussions about what on earth a video was ensued, but many of those who’d queued outside the Virgin record store waiting for it to open for copies of Strangers In The Night to go on sale, again snuck out from work and college to find out. There he was, locks shorn, the weekly music rags’ rant about him going mental played out punningly with film footage of his getting electric shock treatment, then an “Oh, yeah!” from a young fellow holding a mic who was to stand beside the Teutonic warrior for the next few years and become a name himself. It was game on.
That lad was Gary Barden, whose voice and perhaps more so his stylistic lyrical direction was to lead the direction the Michael Schenker Group (or MSG for short) would take thereafter. It was the 80s when that began, and he’d return to work with Schenker again in more recent times, but in between he also sang with Praying Mantis, Statetrooper, Silver and others as well as releasing solo material.
Now, under his full name of Gary John Barden, he has a new single out in ‘Hit The Ground Running’, with studio album, Empowered Emotions, due to follow come 18th September through Frontiers Music Srl.
The album was written largely by Barden in close collaboration with German producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Voss, with whom he previously worked in the band Silver, a creative partnership that clearly benefits from shared history and musical chemistry. Together, they crafted a record rooted in classic melodic hard rock, driven by strong riffs, memorable choruses, and a timeless European approach to songwriting.
“Empowered Emotions is a very special record for both Michael and me,” Barden continued. “This album marks 25 years of writing, creating, and sharing music together, and every song carries its own story and meaning. It has truly been a labour of love from start to finish. We’re incredibly grateful to Frontiers Music for their belief in us and for giving us the opportunity to bring this project to life. We can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve created and celebrate this milestone with all the rock fans who have supported us over the years.
“‘Hit The Ground Running’ perfectly captures the energy and spirit of this album,” Barden exclaimed. “The song started with Michael’s driving, ZZ Top-inspired riff, and from there it took on a life of its own. Lyrically, it was loosely inspired by the film Angel Heart, which has fascinated me for years. It’s got a great groove, a strong hook, and the kind of attitude that makes it impossible not to turn the volume up. I’m thrilled for people to finally hear it.”
Tracks featured are: ‘Barden’s Overture’, ‘Maasai Enkai’, ‘Hit The Ground Running’, ‘Empowered Emotions’, ‘Burning Wind’, ‘Dark Water’, ‘Ride Horsemen Ride’, ‘This Phoenix’s Gonna Burn Ya’, ‘Let The Children Play’, ‘The Ruling Class’, ‘Walk Away’ and ‘We’ll Meet Again’.
Aside from Barden on vocals and Voss on guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals, Gereon Homann plays drums with the exception of Brian Tichy on ‘Walk Away’. Barry Sparks plays bass and Tommy Denander lead guitars on ‘Maasai Enkai’, Alen Brentini lead guitars on ‘Ride Horsemen Ride’, original MSG keyboard player Don Airey features on the title track ‘Empowered Emotions’, and Michael Schenker himself plays lead guitar on ‘Dark Water’, described as “a dramatic and emotive centerpiece that expands the album’s sonic scope.”
