There are two Scorpions – with Uli, and after Uli. The one after is where Rudolf took total charge and found out how to make money and chased it all the way. I love Scorpions with Uli, as I thought they were a more balanced outfit and wrote some great songs with a more European feel – and with some killer guitar.
First track in, Dark Lady, actually has Uli doing lead vocals with some incendiary guitar playing. It’s no secret that Uli is a big Hendrix fan, he even lives with his ex girlfriend. Title track, In Trance, is next and shows what a great singer Klaus is. The epic ballad, Life’s Like A River, is next – again with some amazing Uli string bending. Straight up rocker, Top Of The Bill, follows – with a huge riff and even more Uli dive bombs at the end. Side 1 closes out with the album’s weakest song, Living And Dying.
Robot Man opens up Side 2 with major Uli, and an odd groove – it was a single I do believe. Another Roth peace is next with Evening Wind – the longest track on the album and the showpiece of the whole record…and surprise, surprise…even more ULI!!! Sun In My Hand is next, another Roth written tune again with him singing. This is my favourite of the whole album as it has killer guitar, which would point to the direction he would take when he would leave the Scorps and form Electric Sun. Longing For Fire, and Night Lights close out the album. Yes, with even more ULI!!!
Don’t forget this was recorded in 1975 and they were a totally different band, and still trying to figure out who they were. My only gripe about this album is the somewhat flat production by Dieter Dierks, as you can hardly hear the drums. Great album!
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
