Hard rock, heavy metal, and pop-metal fans still associate the name
Uli Jon Roth with
the Scorpions, which is certainly understandable when you consider how popular they were in the 1970s and '80s. Back in rock's pre-
Nevermind era, the German band reigned supreme as one of Europe's top headbanger attractions, and even though
Roth actually left
the Scorpions before 1980s smashes such as "No One Like You" and "Rock You Like a Hurricane," his name continues to be preceded by the phrase "former
Scorpions guitarist." But
Roth's solo output has by no means been an exact replica of his work with
the Scorpions;
Under a Dark Sky, in fact, has very little in common with
Roth's former band stylistically. This 2008 release clearly falls into the progressive rock category -- not hard rock, not heavy metal, not pop-metal or even progressive metal, but progressive rock.
Roth (who is heard on guitar, keyboards, bass, and some of the lead vocals) draws on influences like
Emerson, Lake & Palmer,
Asia, and
Kansas, and elements of European classical music and European church music are used prominently.
Under a Dark Sky is as grandiose and self-indulgent musically as it is lyrically; instead of downplaying prog rock's excesses,
Roth celebrates them. And that is a big part of the album's charm. Someone who has a casual interest in prog rock but is critical of its excesses -- for example, someone who likes a certain amount of
Pink Floyd and
Yes but cites
ELP's excesses as a perfect example of why
the Sex Pistols,
the Clash, and
the Ramones were absolutely necessary -- might find
Under a Dark Sky to be pretentious and dated. But for the die-hard prog rock enthusiast who finds those excesses endearing, this album definitely has its charms. Excesses and all,
Under a Dark Sky is an enjoyable listen. ~ Alex Henderson