Under a Dark Sky

First of all, I'm a long time Uli fan since first hearing him in the late 70's. His guitar playing is original and inspired. I have seen him live twice now. The first time I saw him, he played "Land of Dawn" from this album (which I didn't own at the time). I liked it and eventually bought the CD. At first, I was put off by the somewhat amateurish lyrics (and still am). However, I must have listened to the CD at least 2 times a day for the first week or two after. Now I really like it. The reason I don't give 5 stars if because of the lyrics.So the good... the composition is really good and the playing is top notch. Uli keeps getting better. There are some nice solos and a nice variety of styles. The music is very orchestral but has rock, blues and middle eastern influences. I think my favorite is "Tanz in Die Dämmerung" It reminds me a bit of "The Sails of Charon." The track "Letter of the Law" starts off a bit lame, but it gets really good and has a really nice guitar solo. "Inquisition" is a nice classical influenced piece with nice guitar shredding. I love the wah pedal riff in "The Magic Word." Lame lyrics though.Should you buy it? If your and Uli fan, then definitely. Otherwise, borrow a copy from your neighborhood Uli fan, and buy your own copy if you like it.

Despite being a long time Uli Jon Roth fan (Scorpions), I openly admit to being fooled into thinking this might be a return to his Electric Sun sound as "promised" by advance notices. After all, he has been embracing his past more and more in both his solo performances and his appearances with the Scorpions.Having said that, when I first listened to this, I wanted to give it 2 stars only. Now, I am not against the music Uli has been making the last 15 years+ or so as I do have Aquila Suite, Prolouge to the Symphonic Legends and Transcendental Sky Guitar (Parts 1 & 2) and like them all, however my expectations ruined the first listen of this CD.Then I decided to pop it in again and I am happy I did. I would most likely give this 3.5 stars if I could, only because I think "side 1", if you can call it that, is not nearly as good as "side 2". I rate the second half of this release as some of the best music he has ever created, including Electric Sun.By the way, for those expecting an Electric Sun revival, I think this CD is closer to Earthquake/Firewind than Beyond the Astral Skies (his worst release in my opinion-although still good). Give this a few spins.....it is a solid 4 star release (3.5 for the first half and 4.5 for the second half)

Its differant but in a good way

36 fret "Sky"guitar master does it again!!Uli Jon Roth,the ex-Scorpions*(see/hear Scorps"Toykyo Tapes:Live in Japan-a Must Hear)Is the Real inventor of the Classically inclinshredding-excep 1 thing:he boes it in a very Passionat& Musical manner.Somtime W/orchestras;W/bands& other configurations.He's also ever evolving -&-not limited to one approach.Check out the "Electric Sun"cds:veryBluesy,W/a touch of Hendrix*(his gtr.Hero!)Another detail of note is his beautiful tone(whichis all his:not a stereotyped "Ideal").36 fret guitars'you'd think'would be unwieldy-but not in Uli's hands.Heappeared 'recently'on "That Metal Show'w/kirk Hammett&was very articulate 7 witty.Nice guy-for a guitar god.Definitly check this out.Everything hes' done is worth the investment.INNoVATION='s CREATIVITY.Imagine Mozart transcribed to rock guitar-W/a rhythm section&you'll have an idea*(most releases).

I had the privilege of hearing them live at the Orange Blossom in Exeter, CA and enjoyed them tremendously.

I am probably the biggest Uli fan in the world, but I view this album as a disappointment. There are some nice sections on here, but the work as a whole seems confused and directionless. I would highly recommend ANY of Uli's works, including anything with the Scorpions or Electric Sun over this.

Uli Jon Roth success on combining rock and clasic music with "Under a dark sky". The outcome is a well balanced album, where you could find all the Uli's music universe.The album starts with a bombastic track called SOS, who works perfect as an intro for the simphony. Second and third track contained the plot of the simphony lirycs. The music of these tracks is clasical oriented with some medieval influences in the melodies, and it's intepreted for Uli and his Sky Orchesta. Track four, "the magic", definetily rocks!, the song starts with a mysterious dark melody, and then uli builds a pretty heavy riff that transports you to the scorpions era. Also, Mark Boals does a very good work on vocals in this song. It's also remarkable the Uli's final guitar solo, outstanding!Next tracks are pretty good too, including two almost instrumental songs where Uli develops soft and peaceful guitar melodies. Track nine, "light and shadows", has a delicious guitar in the beginning. The song rythm and style is diferent from the other songs and is another high point in the album. The last song lasts for 17 minutes!: Fantastic acoustic (maybe spanish) guitar in the beginning, clasical pasages, and rock-heavy parts with some arabian music influences.Liz Vandall and Mark Boals do a very good job on vocals on the whole album.Variety, virtuosity and talent.

The 1st Symphonic legend finally sees the light of day.This is a huge disapointment when compared to Prologue to the Symphonic Legends from 1995, which is one of my favorite albums.The 2 singers on Prologue were much better.The guitar playing is too monotnous & tiresome on the new disc.Some of the songs are just out and out bad like Land of Dawn.As great as Uli is,he does put out alot of crap too.Electic Sun was terrible,except for a few gems.Made a hell of a comeback with Prologue to the Symphonic Legends,but has been on a downward spiral since.Hopefully the 2nd Symphonic Legend can live up to Prologue.

As a late comer to the incredible talent of Uli ( I went to see him on Sunday in Manchester on his 40th anniversary tour and was utterly blown away), I have been buying all his back catalogue.I understand why this album splits opinions, if you are a hardcore rocker then I get why you won't appreciate this.It is a symphonic poem of utter genius and incredible musicianship. Think War Of the Worlds, but for grown ups.Probably not for everyone but I absolutely love it!

SO DIFFICULT TO SAY ANYTHING POSITIVE ABOUT THIS..........IT HAS NO FLOW BUT THE GUITAR PLAYING IS WONDERFUL!!! LISTENED TO IT ONCE AND FORGOT IT AFTER 5 MINUTES, IT ALL JUST SOUNDS A WEIRD MESS OF MUSIC WITH NO DIRECTION AT ALL....

First time I saw Uli he was on stage with The Scorpions, I have seen him solo a number of times and he blows me away every time. I heard this album at a friends and it too blew me away. Great concept album and progressive in parts, just had to buy it and it came very quick too.

One of the outstanding musicians of our time . Totally underrate but a players favorite. This is a work of majestic proportion. This is real progressive rock.

Beautiful music