Let’s be honest, there is no way this album should work. No way at all. But, much to my surprise, a lot on this release from Metal legend Udo Dirkschneider does work. Now, this is not to say it will work for everybody, as there are certain things that could bother listeners.
So, let’s get into what we have here.
For those unfamiliar, U.D.O. is the follow-up band for former Accept lead vocalist Udo Dirkschneider. He’s been cruising under this moniker way longer than he was with Accept, but he will always be tied to that band, for obvious reasons, even if he has released more albums with U.D.O. All said, he has rolled out 27 albums in his career. Which one considers his voice, the man is a freak of nature. Again, no way this album should work.
Udo’s voice has always been a bit of a “love it or hate it” for many people I know. Raspier than a bulldog drinking gallons of whiskey, but still with a great range and attitude not found in many voices. Udo deserves to be lumped into the “Metal vocalist legends” list. Let’s not overlook that 27 albums output. One thing that Udo has never done is give-up on what he is, which I would argue is pure Metal.
With this release U.D.O. pairs up with the official Concert Band of the German Armed Forces. An orchestral band, full horns blaring.
Let that set in for a few minutes.
The album launches right away with the orchestra kicking in, and then in comes U.D.O., the band. Huge sound would be a massive understatement. Does it work? Well, it has grown on me over time. At first it was fairly jarring, and a little movie soundtrack. But the guitar riffs are killer, that is for sure. The orchestra adds a layer of melodrama that is an interesting aspect. On first listen I was wondering what this might sound like without the orchestra, but on further listens, it makes a lot of sense. As an example, the solo during opening track “Pandemonium” has a depth that is all thanks to the orchestration.
Second song, “We Are One” will either be a run away hit, or will end up as a montage scene in a movie. It has a strutting march to it that drives right into your heart. This is music to workout to and will be a massive sing-along and high point for lighting during a live show. Stomping and hooky starting with a killer bass sound marching along. When the horns and trills come in, it might cause a little eye roll, but once Udo starts, it all works.
It should be mentioned, Udo sounds fantastic here. If you are an Udo fan, fear not, he sounds absolutely killer. Still nailing high notes, and still just roaring with attitude and the anger that has made him everything he has been. I have no idea how this guy is still sounding this good. He just sounds so brutal and vicious.
The album ranges from go for the throat Metal (“Pandemonium,” “Love and Sin,” “We Strike Back” – a nod to “Fast As A Shark”?) to marching and stomping numbers (“We Are One,” “Future is the Reason Why,” “Mother Earth”), mellower numbers (“Blindfold” – not sung by Udo, female guest vocalist), with even a few instrumental tracks (one of which feels like it should be in Pirates of the Caribbean, “Natural Forces”). Celtic folk stylings? Why not!?! We even get a smokey, jazzy, saxophone 80s style Metal number, “Neon Diamond.” The band covers all of the bases, with an orchestra pushing the walls of sound even higher.
I have to admit, for as much as the verses of “Children of the World” is, the chorus gets a little too fairy tale/melodramatic/cheesy, for my taste. It almost comes across as tongue in cheek and kind of removes the intensity of the rest of the song. I would have to guess they were going for the contrast, but it is a little too out of nowhere for me.
An added perk for this album is that songwriting was helped along by former Accept bandmates Stefan Kaufman (who was also Udo’s partner for most of the duration of U.D.O.) and Peter Baltes. Just seeing their names listed put a big smile on my face. I’m a sucker like that, I like seeing people like these guys getting back to working with each other again. I’m guessing “Rebel Town” is partially their product, as there is a strong Accept feel to the song.
The more I have listened to this the more it has grown on me. It makes me think a bit of Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds project. An odd hodge-podge of styles that will divide some people, but will be a lifelong favorite for others. High musicianship, brilliantly thought out song construction, that all somehow manages to work. The album might run a tad long, but at this point in his career, what the hell, go for it! I am sure this is exactly the release Udo was aiming for.
All in all, if you are a fan of Udo Dirkschneider, then you will want this release. I know it is causing me to go back and revisit all of the Accept and U.D.O. releases through the years. It doesn’t stray far from who and what he is, even with an orchestra. The orchestra is there to add a depth and to fill out some ideas. It can be a little over the top at times, but at other times it is adding a whole dimension to the songs that is crucial. It shouldn’t work, but dammit, it does. It works surprisingly well.
8/10
TRACKLIST
Pandemonium
We Are One
Love And Sin
Future Is The Reason Why
Children Of The World
Blindfold (The Last Defender)
Blackout
Mother Earth
Rebel Town
Natural Forces
Neon Diamond
Beyond Gravity
Here We Go Again
We Strike Back
Beyond Good And Evil
