Uli Jon Roth - The Arcada, St. Charles, IL 4/18/26 (words by Mark Kadzielawa, images by Edward Spinelli)

 

Uli Jon Roth always delivers a sensational show filled with spirituality, breathtaking music, and guitar work that leaves a lasting impression. This particular performance at The Arcada was divided into two sets, striking a compelling balance between ambition and accessibility—reflecting both Roth’s artistic vision and the passions that continue to drive him forward.

The first set featured Roth alone with his guitars and backing tracks, and it leaned heavily into his more ambitious side. The material demanded focused listening, rewarding the audience with depth and nuance. Roth moved seamlessly between Mozart interpretations, selections from his time with Scorpions, and his own orchestral compositions. The result was nothing short of beautiful, delivered with precision and emotion.

Roth truly stretched himself here, reaching remarkable heights. Pieces like “The Cry,” “Sky Overture,” and “Spirit of the Heart” stood out as absolute masterpieces, and experiencing them live was a rare treat. At several moments, his playing was so expressive that it brought tears to my eyes—a peaceful, almost transcendent response to the emotion coming from the stage.  The closing performance of “The Sails of Charon” was especially powerful, elevated by an expanded arrangement that gave the piece even greater impact. The set was further enhanced by carefully chosen visuals displayed on screen, creating an immersive experience. Altogether, it felt like an unforgettable journey—rich with emotion, evocative imagery, and storytelling through guitar.

The second set featured exclusively Scorpions material from the era when Roth was still in the band. At the beginning of this review, this portion was described as more commercial—but if you know Uli Jon Roth, you know he never takes the easy route. While the material may seem more accessible compared to the first set, Roth infused each track with ambition and depth.

Roth was backed by an exceptional band. David Klosinski, on second guitar, proved to be a perfect counterpart. The understanding between the two players is subtle yet powerful, elevating every riff and lead break into something truly compelling. It’s no surprise Klosinski has remained alongside Roth for so long—he’s a fantastic player with a vivid musical imagination of his own.

Niklas Turmann added yet another dimension with his guitar work. At certain moments, the triple-guitar attack from Roth, Klosinski, and Turmann was simply breathtaking. Turmann also handled the vocals admirably, capturing the spirit of Klaus Meine in those classic Scorpions tracks.

The rhythm section was equally impressive. Barry Sparks delivered an energetic performance on bass while also contributing backing vocals. Jamie Little did an excellent job on drums, demonstrating sensitivity and the right feel for the material. His versatility and personal touch added nuance to the songs.

Rounding out the lineup was the mystical and mysterious Gwen Antti-Adams, who provided backing vocals, danced, and delivered a standout performance of “Yellow Raven.” With a band of this caliber, it’s no wonder everything on stage shone so brightly.

The main attraction of the second set was the performance of the Scorpions’ Virgin Killer and In Trance albums. Both are celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it was a perfect fit for the “Pictures of Destiny” tour. Hearing those tracks live again was a thrilling experience, delivered with electrifying energy. “Polar Nights” stood out as an absolute highlight of the set, with Roth and the band truly outdoing themselves. Every note felt magical, creating a deeply spiritual experience for both the band and the audience.

Other featured tracks included “Sun in My Hand,” “We’ll Burn the Sky,” and another standout, “In Trance,” which showcased Turmann’s exceptional vocal delivery. The band concluded the set with “All Along the Watchtower,” adding a Hendrix-inspired touch that provided a powerful and fitting close.  Great energy flowed all night long here.

There is no doubt that Uli Jon Roth remains one of the most inventive guitarists in the world. His ability to channel emotion through his playing is a rare and remarkable gift that he continues to share with audiences across the globe. This is an experience that truly must be seen to be fully understood, appreciated, and, in some cases, believed. Once you witness it, it becomes impossible to resist—it’s simply addictive.

Mark Kadzielawa

 

Cyclone – Known Unto God (M-Theory)

 

Cyclone was perhaps the most well-known thrash band to come out of Belgium. Their debut album, Brutal Destruction, made a strong impression, and fans took notice of the band back in 1986. Unfortunately, the group never fully capitalized on this momentum and gradually faded from the spotlight. They did release Inferior to None in 1990, but by that time the band had largely been forgotten, surviving mainly with a cult following.

Known Unto God is a brand-new EP from the band. At this point, only vocalist Guido Gevels remains from the original lineup. All the other musicians joined the revamped version of Cyclone in recent years. Despite the lineup changes, the music still resembles the classic Cyclone sound. Either these musicians grew up using Brutal Destruction as a blueprint, or Gevels made sure the band understood exactly what Cyclone should sound like. Whatever the case, the results are strong and should satisfy longtime fans.

The EP opens with “Eliminate,” a furious track featuring a main riff somewhat reminiscent of Sepultura’s Arise. There is a clear intensity, and Cyclone does a good job of navigating and controlling the flow of energy. Each track that follows continues in the same vein. It’s exactly the type of material fans would appreciate hearing. The EP serves as a solid way to reintroduce the band and build anticipation for what might come next.

Known Unto God doesn’t break new ground, but it successfully preserves the spirit of what Cyclone established four decades ago. If Brutal Destruction resonated with you back then, Known Unto God will keep that connection alive. There is also a sense of excitement surrounding this release, as the band appears to be preparing for its final chapter. Let’s enjoy the moment—and the music—while it’s still here.

Mark Kadzielawa

Tangerine Dream – 50 Years of Phaedra – at the Barbican (Kscope)

 
Tangerine Dream is truly a miracle. The band now operates without any of its core original members, yet it continues to thrive and amaze its fan base. Under the watchful eye of Thorsten Quaeschning, the group honors its legacy while also taking confident steps forward. The band’s recent studio album, Raum, reassured listeners that all is well within the Tangerine Dream camp—and that there are exciting things to come in the years ahead.

This release celebrates the 50th anniversary of Phaedra, the groundbreaking 1974 album. Not only do we get to hear the sounds the original trio stumbled upon half a century ago, but we also experience innovations that were technologically impossible at the time. You hear Phaedra, but you hear it fully realized. Some may argue in favor of the original sequences, yet this reinterpretation offers a fascinating and adventurous perspective. It keeps the music fresh, adding subtle twists while respecting the source material.

The rest of the concert blends classic themes from the past with newer tracks from the current lineup. The selections balance each other beautifully, creating a strong sense of continuity throughout the live recording. There is intensity, but also remarkable focus and precision. The beauty of this performance lies in its natural flow—nothing feels forced. The music simply carries you along, inviting you to journey inward through soundscapes designed for exactly that purpose.

Tangerine Dream created a powerful atmosphere at the Barbican in London. Quaeschning, Frick, and Yamane perform like high priests in a sonic ritual, shaping and controlling the sound while sharing an immersive experience with the audience. There is certainly enough “tangerine” here for this writer to keep dreaming and enjoying the ride. An incredible album—one that beautifully bridges the past and the present.

Mark Kadzielawa

Graham Bonnet Band – Lost in Hollywood Again (Frontiers)

Graham Bonnet keeps getting lost in Hollywood time after time! The man is a classic rock singer with an incredible catalog under his belt, and he’s still actively creating new music. This live set delivers a powerful overview of Bonnet’s long career—from his days in Rainbow to Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and finally his own Graham Bonnet Band. This set is hot whether you play it forward or backward. Killer songs, strong delivery, and an extremely fun time from start to finish.

Lost in Hollywood Again is a combination live CD and DVD. See it, hear it, breathe it—it's excellent whichever way you choose to experience it. The concert took place at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in 2024, an intimate venue with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. From the first intro to the final note of “Lost in Hollywood,” this show absolutely rocks.

The performance kicks off with “Eyes of the World,” a perfect opener and arguably one of the finest tracks from Bonnet’s Rainbow era. The song builds beautifully, and once Bonnet begins to sing, the mood and momentum surge forward. The lead break is simply out of this world. Anthem after anthem follows—essentially a greatest-hits set delivered with confidence, passion, and total conviction.

The band clearly enjoys themselves on stage—you can see it in their expressions. They aren’t just performing; they’re flying with the music. Conrado Pesinato handles guitar duties, Alessandro Bertoni commands the keyboards, Francil Cassol powers the drums, and the ever-resourceful Beth-Ami Heavenstone anchors the low end on bass. They are excellent musicians who share a strong, positive chemistry. It’s refreshing to witness such genuine love for the music being expressed onstage.

Graham Bonnet himself remains a true survivor of rock’s golden era. While he may not have the same vocal power he once did, he still delivers a compelling show. Any limitations are more than compensated for by his attitude, professionalism, and forward momentum. Watching or listening to this performance is a reminder of the songs many of us grew up with—if we were lucky enough. The setlist is packed with outstanding material, ensuring that every listener will find a personal favorite.  There is even an instrumental surprise that digs deep into the Purple family.

With the Graham Bonnet Band currently working on a special upcoming studio release, Lost in Hollywood Again will more than satisfy fans in the meantime.

Mark Kadzielawa

Greyhawk – Warriors of Greyhawk (Cruz Del Sur Music)

 

Over the last couple of years, Greyhawk have truly developed into an outstanding heavy metal band. With each release, the band has shown clear growth and a steadily sharpening musical identity.  Warriors of Greyhawk should have been the album that firmly cemented their position—and technically, it still does. This is a flawless record: beautifully crafted, packed with catchy songs, and bursting with energy.

What momentarily halted Greyhawk’s momentum was a change in the vocal department. Rev Taylor departed to focus fully on his operatic career, and Anthony Corso stepped in as his replacement. Corso proves to be an ideal fit, bringing a strong melodic edge to the band. His performance on this album is absolutely superb, leaving no doubt that he is the right man for the job. With him at the helm, Greyhawk are poised to soar to new heights.

Warriors of Greyhawk excels from start to finish. There’s no learning curve here—just press play and let it flow. The album delivers a solid blend of traditional and power metal, driven by confident, adventurous songwriting. Rather than relying on excess, the band focuses on feel and skilled execution. Big chords, powerful hooks, and infectious sing-along choruses make it clear that Greyhawk are ready for any battle ahead.

With Warriors of Greyhawk, the band has clearly struck the right chord. The album showcases a tight, talented instrumental unit paired with a commanding and capable frontman. Its diverse songwriting makes for a highly engaging listen—one that invites repeated exploration. Few modern heavy metal albums achieve such a strong balance of material. While Greyhawk are technically re-establishing themselves with a new vocalist, this release represents a massive step forward in nearly every aspect. Excellent from beginning to end.

Mark Kadzielawa

Iron Brigade – Ill Fated Voyage (Stormspell Records)

 

Iron Brigade have finally released their debut album, and it’s an excellent one. Ill Fated Voyage offers a very different take on heavy metal, rooted in the pure essence the band projects and now reflects through their music. The album carries an early 1980s feel—uncompromising metal that was never commercial and never bent under pressure.

Ill Fated Voyage is packed with fast rhythms, strong guitar harmonies, pounding drums, and powerful vocals. Vocalist Daniel Butch is an outstanding singer and truly adds the icing on the cake to an already intriguing album. Every component of this machine works together to create something special.

Each spin of Ill Fated Voyage awakens the spirit of traditional heavy metal. The band isn’t breaking new ground, but what they do is refine and perfect what was handed down by the very best. The album has a clear personality, and the development of an original style is more than evident. Iron Brigade skillfully conceal their influences while adding their own perspective to established norms. Listeners will hear echoes of the past and may form their own interpretations of the material. And while there’s no shame in an Iron Maiden overtone here and there, Iron Brigade stand firmly on their own!

Ill Fated Voyage is well planned and expertly delivered. A great deal of thought went into this album, and that’s what makes it so compelling. There’s a depth that may not reveal itself immediately, but each listen brings you closer to discovering it. The production adds a raw, authentic edge—don’t expect any happiness here. This is mean metal delivered with fury. Iron Brigade aren’t just playing songs; they’re attacking!

Mark Kadzielawa