Released 20th May 2011 on AFM Records
A new UDO album is a rather unchallenging affair for any reviewer. Mostly because you can write the review before hearing the album. As per usual, UDO has not deviated from the template : solid Germanic metal. Choruses are catchy in a Viking-chant-singalong way, and most songs are based on a foundation of thundering drums and chugging metal guitars. Of course you can’t help but think of Accept at times…
What differentiates between UDO albums is basically how much you like the songs on offer. Opening track “Rev Raptor” is so typically UDO I’d almost call it generic. “Leatherhead” wouldn’t have been out of place on “Metal Heart”, one of Accept’s more adventurous albums. One of the album’s highlights for me. “Rock n Roll Soldiers” may be a bit pedestrian, but songs like “Terrorvision” and “True Born Winners” more than make up for it.
Overall, this is one of the better UDO releases. The songs are catchier and somewhat less cliché than the last couple of predecessors.
Production and performance are beyond reproach, as you’d expect. UDO sounds a bit gruff, no doubt his age is starting to catch up with him. I do prefer this over the sometimes exaggerated screeching of the past.
There is some particularly good guitar playing on this album. I think it’s the first time the guitar leads on an UDO album have made me sit up and take notice. Check “Pain Man” for a good example.
Another solid addition to UDO’s ever expanding discography. Recommended for fans and a good starting point for those new to the band.
Rating – 85%
Review by Sancho
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