After that, we started getting phone calls, including one from Japan to headline Loud Park on closing night. It was a unique combination, and our first concert was headlining at Sweden Rock, then we went around the world, just from word of mouth via YouTube. Then I was thinking about putting a band together, and came up with a line-up with Steve, Chris, and Ted – the original rhythm section of Assault Attack with Graham Bonnet. It would be a great idea if I could have all three from the ’80s on one stage.” So, we asked Robin, Gary, and Graham, and they were excited about it. I went, “Wait a minute… I’ve been performing my most popular music from the past, but not with the original singers. In 2015, Michael Schnenker Group had an offer to play in Japan, and the promoter thought of Graham Bonnet’s band opening, then having him sing a couple songs. What was the impetus for the new release? We spoke with him to learn more about the reunion. * Blue Swirl W/ Bone * Black Splatter (U.S.Michael Schenker has been part of many live releases over the years, and one of the most intriguing is his latest, Michael Schenker Fest Tokyo, which sees the man known for wielding two-tone Flying Vs reunited with singers Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley, along with ’80s cohorts Steve Mann on keys, Chris Glen on bass, and Ted McKenna on drums. * Red & Mustard Swirl W/ Black Splatter (Rebellion Republic Exclusive) * Bone & Beer Swirl W/ Red & Brown Splatter (Revolver Magazine Exclusive) * Purple & Yellow Swirl W/ Mint Green & Bone Splatter (UK Indie Exclusive) * Mint Green & Brown W/ Cyan Splatter (EMP Exclusive) CD Jewel + Blu-ray Bonus Disc (Jam Camp!) Long Box (Decibel Magazine Exclusive) T-Shirt + CD Jewel + Blu-ray Bonus Disc (Jam Camp!) CD Jewel + Blu-ray Bonus Disc (Jam Camp!) Persona Non Grata will be available in the following formats:
For the third time in the band’s history, they returned to Swedish artist Par Olofsson to create the album artwork. Steve Lagudi was at the helm of engineering while the band enlisted Andy Sneap of Backstage Studios to mix the album. The band gathered at Tom Hunting's house in the mountains where they produced and recorded Persona Non Grata from three home-built studios.
Literally translating to “an unwelcome” or “unacceptable” person, Persona Non Grata touches on themes of modern societal disgust and degradation. Watch the trailer, as well as the lyric video, below: The band recently released the lyric video for the second single, "Clickbait", and today they release a new trailer, in which guitarist Gary Holt discusses the track. His catalog of hits is phenomenal – it’s crazy what it is."Įxodus return with their eleventh studio album, Persona Non Grata, out November 19 via Nuclear Blast Records. And Michael is a phenomenal guitar player and just as good of a songwriter. But I think all of us thrash guys grew up on the same music. And Schenker is number two on my guitar list…sometimes number 1 – it depends on how I’m feeling between him and (Ritchie) Blackmore on any given day. In our heyday, UFO were huge – and still are one of my all-time favorite bands. It seems like all the thrash guitarists of the ‘80s list him as a major influence. Guitar World: You just mentioned Michael Schenker.