In the 1970s, Roth and Ule W. Ritgen formed Black Angel in Hanover, and played together for a few years while attending university. After the band, which played music influenced by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, etc., broke up in 1977, Ritgen played bass in the band of Zeno's brother, Uli Jon Roth, appearing on three Electric Sun albums. By 1980, Zeno Roth and Ule Ritgen were again working together, now playing in a more melodic style. They were joined by Michael Flexig on vocals, and the band was named Zeno.