Scorpions In Trance

 

Origin: Germany

Year: 1975

Subgenre: Hard Rock

Rating:  78.11    Solid and Above-Average !

The Players:

Klaus Meine  Vocals

Ulrich Jon Roth  Guitar, Vocals

Rudolph Schenker  Guitar

Francis Bucholz  Bass

Rudy Lenners  Drums

Following 1974’s Fly To The Rainbow, this album had a very different feel. Whereas the previous album was more progressive and energetic, In Trance was darker, a bit heavier, and more focused on dynamics. Most songs featured mellower sections punctuated by powerful chords. It was also the first Scorpions album to portray controversial album art (the cover art originally showed the female model with a breast hanging over a white Stratocaster). Unfortunately, American censors had a field day with it. Musically, the songs are tight and interesting, but a bit depressing in overall vibe. 

This was the first Scorpions album I actually was exposed to……..I was definitely hooked. Klaus Meine’s vocals soar and had that unique Teutonic tone, while  Uli Jon Roth’s guitar playing is masterful, with an emphasis on arpeggios and climbing scales. Francis Bucholz’ excellent bass playing was also featured up front in the mix. 

The raucous Dark Lady opens the album; it's a solid song, but I wish Uli Jon Roth's vocals were replaced with Klaus. The anthemic In Trance follows, featuring "light and darkness" dynamics that characterizes most of the album. Life's Like A River is similar to the title track in vibe and style. Top Of The Bill was the first Scorpions I have ever heard, and it holds a special place in my heart. Living and Dying is a slow and lumbering track that features more of the aforementioned dynamics. A bit of a downer. Robot Man opens Side 2 and is a rousing anthem, but the thinly recorded guitars disappoint a bit (the live version is awesome). Evening Wind is a very interesting and somber track that features more dynamics, but is more epic in scope. The chorus and heavy sections  kill ! The bluesy Sun In My Hand has Roth back on vocals.......ouch. Longing For Fire is the most upbeat track on the album and is a consistent and melodic rocker. The instrumental and rather mellow Night Lights closes the album, notably demonstrating Uli's fine guitar playing. 

More hard rock than metal, In Trance saw the band still trying to find their sound. Overall, although the album is a bit depressing in tone and style, it still ranks as a very sentimental album for me personally. 

Dark Lady  75

In Trance  85

Life's Like A River  78

Top Of The Bill  81

Living And Dying  72

Robot Man  80

Evening Wind  82

Sun In My Hand  71

Longing For Fire  79

Night Lights   Not Rated