U.D.O. Steelhammer 2013

The present of U.D.O. had long been part of Germany heavy metal scenes. The band was deviation of Accept fame since U.D.O., in case you living under wet blanket, was ex Accept proud singer solo band. The relation of Accept and UDO almost something similar to Black Sabbath - Ozzy or Dio situation. Last year, Accept released their Stalingrad album and then guitarist Herman Frank added his solo album, both can very pleased to Accept fans. Our luck have not yet finish as today, Udo Dirkschneider present us his latest works, Steelhammer. The album is a mix of majority very Accept-ish metal tunes as well several more modern experiment.

As we started, Steelhammer is the proud opener. Distinguish Udo's vocals is the clear favorite element on this song. The short one hammering word chorus 'Steelhammer' is the most easiest thing to fit his vocal. The new duo guitar Kasperi Heikkinen and Andrey Smirnov come in and out, they are seems to want to give Udo the best spot yet able to stand by the spotlight when got their turn. The second song got a very nice metal beat with mid tempo headbanging riff and drums, A Cry of A Nation is one of highlight in the album. Metal Machine is going into  '80s sounding and Udo's vocal come even darker and deeper. We also threat with foreign language in Basta Ya, the song itself is generic minor feel riff. And there come the piano ballad Heavy Rain, oh this remind a lot to Ozzy strange melodious ballad with that heavy metal voice singing soft and tender song. Devil's Bite is yet another strong point, interesting keyboard intro come as mental check point on this 14 tracks album. Reaching this point, except for a bass driven tune in When Loves Becomes a Lie and experimental symphonic progressive in Book of Faith, all the rest all just Udo having fun with his boys in riff, riff, riff and stormy drum attacks.

The album composed of good balance between preserving old Udo sounds and yet able to bring new interesting idea. So there not much over repeated headbanging stuffs. For the frontman who roam the jungle of heavy metal in near thirty years, is a good surprise to see this album still as stellar as ever. The album title Steelhammer is not an over boast and this album is true a heavy one, hand downs.

Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

U.D.O. Steelhammer 2013
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1. Steelhammer
2. A Cry Of a Nation
3. Metal Machine
4. Basta Ya
5. Heavy Rain
6. Devil's Bite
7. Death Ride
8. King Of Mean
9. Time Keeper
10. Never Cross My Way
11. Take My Medicine
12. Stay True
13. When Loves Becomes a Lie
14. Book of Faith

Lineup:
Udo Dirkschneider – Vocals
Kasperi Heikkinen – Guitar
Francesco Jovino – Drums
Fitty Wienhold – Bass
Andrey Smimov – Guitar
Record Label: AFM Records

U.D.O. Steelhammer album review

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