Single is latest from forthcoming album
Michael Schenker Group unveils latest rock anthem, “A King Has Gone.” The track comes off the band’s forthcoming new full-length Universal, set for release next month via Atomic Fire Records.
“A King Has Gone” and its intro, “Calling Baal,” both have a special significance: The track, sung by Helloween frontman Michael Kiske, is a tribute to the immortal Ronnie James Dio, in particular to his performance on the 1976 hard rock classic Rainbow Rising. For this reason, Schenker has brought together an original Rainbow rhythm section consisting of Bobby Rondinelli and Bob Daisley.
Schenker additionally enlisted keyboardist Tony Carey, who also played on Rainbow Rising, for the terrific Moog synth intro “Calling Baal,” a direct reference to the iconic intro of the 1976 album opener “Tarot Woman.” The impressive result — “Calling Baal”/”A King Has Gone” — is already considered to be one of the most important and successful songs in Schenker’s career to date, both musically and lyrically, and can be enjoyed in its entirety on Universal.
Universal will be released on May 27th on CD digipak with two bonus tracks, Earbook CD with two bonus tracks, vinyl, and digitally.
To celebrate the album’s release and Schenker’s 50th anniversary as a recording artist, MSG will embark upon an extended US tour this fall. The trek will run from September 27th through November 6th.
