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"Under A Dark Sky" flows like a concept album from the early seventies. Each individual movement seamlessly flows into the next creating a symphonic experience wherein it is hard to tell sometimes when a song has ended. Next thing you know the music takes a different turn which disguises the individual song as part of the entire piece. Some songs, like the album's last track "Tanz in Diw Dammerung" (nearly 19-minutes long) consist of multiple movements that are often contrasting to the previous while reoccurring themes make appearances throughout the changing musical tambour. The arrangements are creative and often times consist of sound effects that appear throughout and between the movements. I found myself wondering if these sounds (like a gun shot and electrical pulses) were meant to serve as an anachronism next to some of the album's classical/romantic elements.
In general I am fond of this type of record and always appreciate the risk taken by composers of the style. Since the style is complex and eclectic, the possibility for alienating the average listener is great. It is both the selling point and the stumbling block of most progressive movements and artists. In fact, I'm glad to see that people like UJR are still creating albums like this (similar to early 70's progressive rock) but with an increasing amount of detail.
I can clearly see the amount of time and energy put forth on this album and I'd like to like it more than I do. For one, I am a big fan of albums that are similar in nature like "Tales of Topographic Oceans" by Yes, "Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd, "In A Glass House" by Gentle Giant, or Jethro Tull's two famous concept albums "Thick as a Brick," and "A Passion Play." But where I find that "Under A Dark Sky" is similar to these albums, I find that this album leaves me wanting more guitar work, more core bass/drums/guitar arrangements. I also find that the guitars sound very thin next to very dynamic orchestral elements. I also notice the same thing in the vocals. The classical singing toward the beginning of the album is much more dynamic than the vocals that run throughout the rest of the album. Finally, although I don't believe that one hast to understand the concept to like the experience, I find that a lack of understanding the concept of this album makes it that much harder to get into.
I cannot stress enough that concept is a stronger driving force for this album than genre, so, it is not a metal album by any means. If you enjoy progressive rock, this album is worth checking out. The sad part is that if the guitars and vocals were as dynamic as the other elements, this album would have been much easier to get into.
I review albums from a heavy metal perspective and in that sense I'd have to say that this album is sub-par, hard rock/metal elements exist in the music but there's just not enough. This album is a prime example of a musician's album, those who do not have an understanding or appreciation for complex musical scores will feel alienated, especially if you go into it expecting a sound similar to Uli's past performances with heavier bands.
Rating: 68
Reviewed By: Brian Grefrath