Just when rock music was starting to sound a little too watered down, here come The Scorpions again. Germany's second-hardest rocking export (next to Jagermeister) has a new album -- "Humanity - Hour 1" -- planned for release on Aug. 28.

The new album -- the band's 21st in its 35-year career -- features Klaus Meine (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar), Matthias Jabs (lead guitar), James Kottak (drums) and Pawel Maciwoda (bass). But there are a few surprises as well. Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins makes an appearance on the tune "The Cross." And Desmond Child, who has worked with KISS, Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, helped produce the album.

"Desmond is a fabulous visionary who took us to musical levels we had never reached before," guitarist Jabs said in an official statement.

The first single off the album will be "Humanity" (see it here on YouTube). It's clear The Scorpions are still at the very top of their game. The song features the band's trademark melodies and guitar licks from the 80s, but the lyrics and message add to the social consciousness introduced with 1991's "Wind of Change."

"The new album will feature the great power-rock ballads, of course, but we have been and we remain a rock band, and people who go for hard but melodic songs will love this album," guitarist Schenker added in the album's announcement.

The Scorpions will tour Europe this summer before hitting the U.S. for a fall tour beginning in early September. Dates are still being worked out so check back here for updates. In the meantime...

An 80s fan's Top 5 Scorpion tunes:
5. The Zoo: "We eat the night, we drink the time."
4. No One Like You: "Girl, there are really no words strong enough to describe all my longing for love."
3. Still Loving You: "Your pride has built a wall, so strong that I can't get through."
2. Wind of Change: " Did you ever think that we could be so close, like brothers."
1. Rock You Like a Hurricane: "Lust is in cages 'til storm breaks loose."

[Photo by Ralf Strathmann]