The Scorpions – In Trance

On this 1975 album we capture German rock legends The Scorpions still very much in the early stages of their career even though ‘In Trance’ is their third effort.

Written by: gdmonline

ARTIST: The Scorpions
ALBUM: In Trance
LABEL: RCA Victor
SERIAL: PPL1-4128
YEAR: 1975
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany

LINEUP: Klaus Meine – lead vocals * Uli-Jon Roth – lead guitar * Rudolf Schenker – rhythm guitar * Francis Buchholz – bass * Rudy Lenners – drums

Additional Musician: Achim Kirschning – keyboards

TRACK LISTING: 01 Dark Lady * 02 In Trance * 03 Life’s Like A River * 04 Top Of The Bill * 05 Living And Dying * 06 Robot Man * 07 Evening Wind * 08 Sun In My Hand * 09 Longing For Fire * 10 Nights Lights

WEBLINKS: Site Link

Background

On this 1975 album we capture German rock legends The Scorpions still very much in the early stages of their career even though ‘In Trance’ was their third effort. The band had already been in existence for a decade having formed in 1965, releasing two albums in 1972 and 1974, while merging with fellow Hanover band Dawn Road which bought Ulrich Roth and Francis Buchholz into the fold.

The Songs

By this stage, the Scorpions were finding their feet in the hard rock realm, with less of the neo-classical influence that Roth bought to the band. On this album we hear traces of the band’s future sound and how it would unfold in the years to come.

‘Dark Lady’ unloads in all its manic energy, Meine’s vocals goes to some (excuse the pun) dark places as he twists and screams his way throughout. ‘In Trance’ on the other hand is the complete reverse, a semi-ballad flowing with acoustic verses powering up on the chorus and solo sections. ‘Life’s Like A River’ follows in a similar fashion, a hybrid acoustic/electric affair, given life by Roth’s emotive guitar work.

The band lift their game on the rampant ‘Top Of The Bill’, where once again Meine and Roth dominate vocally and on guitar. The band undulate as ‘Living And Dying’ is pegged back a few notches in terms of tempo and intensity. ‘Robot Man’ is one of the more recognisable tracks on the album if not for its sheer eccentricity. The rapid fire rhythm guitar work and unusual vocals sends this one over the top.

‘Evening Wind’ is one of Uli Jon Roth’s songs. The dreamy arrangement more in keeping with Eloy or Pink Floyd. ‘Sun In My Hand’ moves into blues rock territory, an easy fit for the band considering Roth’s obvious Jimi Hendrix influence. ‘Longing For Fire’ aims at a mid level rocker and not a ballad in case someone was wondering about the song title, while ‘Nights Lights’ is an inoffensive instrumental that is far too light and not that interesting either unfortunately.

In Summary

There were a number of firsts upon the release of ‘In Trance’. Firstly, gone was the progressive kraut rock sound of the first two albums ‘Lonesome Crow’ and ‘Fly To The Rainbow’ in favour of shorter hard rock material which would be their prevailing direction in the years ahead.

Secondly, it was their first collaboration with legendary producer Dieter Dierks, who became their long time associate (aka the ‘sixth’ member of the Scorpions) up until 1988.

Thirdly, the album would be the start of controversy-courting, in relation to their cover art which impacted ‘Virgin Killer’, ‘Lovedrive’ and ‘Animal Magnetism’. From this album onwards, the Scorpions took flight.

Video

In Trance