Review | Michael Riesenbeck – Courage

Independent Release

Michael Riesenbeck is a Dutch multi-instrumentalist who has been around for years, yet he might be only known by the happy few. That is because he has not always moved around in the rock circuit. For the last years he has been playing in the Duran Duran tribute band Snake Union and very recently he started a new cover band called 80’s Alive. During the years he already released two solo-albums and on his latest effort (completely self-financed and released) he almost spent ten years of his life crafting it.

Why review an album of an artist who does not move around full-time in rock and metal? When I tell you that the songs on ‘Courage’ have been heavily influenced by bands like Toto, Journey, Survivor, Kansas etcetera a review of ‘Courage’ is fully justified and more or less a must for this magazine. We always try to support material coming from Dutch soil.

TONY MILLS

Although Michael did the bulk of the work himself, he is not a lead vocalist so for his songs he invited guest singers and he also dived into some personal musical archives. For instance: Michael was once working together with Tony Mills (formerly with Shy) in the group China Blue. The song ,,Changing Ways’’ was written during that time and recorded. We all know that Mills passed away some 6 years ago but Michael had the vocals of Tony still in his possession. The song has been modernised with the Tony Mills vocals finally being used. Michael invited Holly Mills (the daughter of Tony) to add some vocals as well, giving this melodic rock song a second lease on life with Tony Mills’ superb voice as key ingredient.

CLASSIC INFLUENCES

The whole album can be described as a combination of classic rock meets AOR with a progressive touch added here and there. For me the best song is without any doubt ,,Lost And Found’’. It is a track with a Kansas feel but the most outstanding part is the vocal arrangement which is just perfectly performed by Lars Edvall, who also sings on several other songs. Also, Mayank singer Gui Oliver contributes his talents towards ‘Courage’ via the track ,,Heavens End’’. From Dutch soil Michael asked Ruben Dukker and Plan Nine maestro Robert Soeterboek to help out with their talents. It must be said that Robert Soeterbroek on the title-track gives the album a more rockier approach. Dukker sings on three songs, does a reasonable job but is overall less impressive  compared to the other singers.

COHESIVE

Michael Riesenbeck as guitarist, main composer and producer has managed to deliver a very cohesive album. I find it a bit strange that he placed two instrumentals (,,Hard2desire’’ and ,,A Fools Lullaby’’) towards the end of the album, but that is his choice. As a guitarist Riesenbeck has done an excellent job. His playing is tasty, has the necessary crunch and heaviness but is always drenched in a in nice melody.

MICHAEL RIESENBECK – THE CONCLUSION

For a melodic rock fan there is plenty to enjoy on ‘Courage’. The songs are most of the time above average. Several tracks like the playful instrumental ,,Hard2desire’’ have some surprising arrangements. The overall production and sound is slightly polished but heavy enough to attract a large rock audience. It has taken Michael Riesenbeck some ten years to finish these proceedings but the result is something for him to be proud of. If you check his website you can find more information and a link to purchase the CD. ‘Courage’ is also featured on Spotify.

Release date: 13 June 2025