Ex-Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, affectionately known as Herman ze German, has just released his latest solo album, Take it as it Comes. Released by Dark Star Records, it’s a great album full of hard rock songs by the German drummer.
Never known as a flashy drummer, the man behind the Scorpions drum throne for 20 years, as well as co-penning such hits as “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” “Blackout” and many more, is back. Herman’s new album consists of some new songs and some old songs, most notably an old version of “Wipeout” from 1984. The original version that made it on his first solo album was shortened by the record company. This version was found in Herman’s archives and is more favored by the drummer and is more of a delight for pure drumming fans.
The catchy and appropriate first single “Let Me Rock You” proves Herman’s zest for catchy songwriting. The title track best exemplifies Herman’s philosophy on life and has a “words to live by” type of meaning to it. Herman’s scruffy voice is a perfect fit for this style of rock ‘n’ roll. The AC/DC-like “Don’t Lose Your Trust” is a perfect rocker with a twangy guitar and a rumbling bass presence. A new take on “Rock You Like A Hurricane” has an interesting new twist to it: a new verse, a saxophone solo, sampled sounds and a spoken word vocal style. Herman explained that he wanted an updated modern version of the song and since he wrote the lyrics to the original, he basically had carte blanche to do whatever he wanted.
Herman’s wife Claudia Raab plays the saxophone on several tracks and also graces the album cover.
Take it as it Comes is a fun and kick ass rock ‘n’ roll album with grit, groove and plenty of German gusto from one of the most underrated drummers in rock. If you’re a fan of the Scorpions or rock in general, it’s definitely worth picking up.
