What comes to mind when you think of the word “dominator” today? Some will no doubt think of somebody who imposes his (or possibly ‘her’?) will and stands tall, no matter what....? And, in a way, this could also be an appropriate signature for Udo Dirkschneider, the former singer of German metal pioneers Accept, but now one of the fore-most vocalists and songwriters of his generation with his own band U.D.O.. And more than 20 years later, it’s little surprise to many that U.D.O. now should turn out to be the more relevant and the more consistent of the two bands….
1981 was an important year for the young Accept, fronted by Dirkschneider. Their just released third album “Breaker” secured the international break-through many had predicted and was just the first of several Metal classics forged by this soon to be recognised, legendary band. “Restless And Wild” (1982) was the successor, followed by "Balls To The Wall“(which secured them a Gold Record in the USA in 1983) and "Metal Heart“(1985) followed along with triumphant world tours and a rapidly growing fan base….. But just 1 year later, after the release of the "Russian Roulette” album, things moved into a different direction as Udo and Accept went different ways: the charismatic singer Dirkschneider founded U.D.O. to continue on the path of traditional Metal while Accept themselves changed into a more commercial project with a new singer. U.D.O. went on to release strong albums such as "Animal House“ (1987), "Mean Machine", "Faceless World" and "Timebomb", enjoying a steadily rising support from fans and critics alike, and even though tempted into a reunion of Accept in 1992, he was and still is going strong releasing huge albums such as "Solid“ in 1997, followed by "No Limits“, “Holy“, the eagerly awaited live album “Live In Russia“ (2001) and "Man And Machine".
Soon after signing to AFM in 2004, U.D.O. then released “Nailed To Metal“ (available as a live CD and DVD), the critically acclaimed "Thunderball" and the "Mission No. X". album, but 2007 would see him release what is widely accepted as the most successful U.D.O. album to date. “Mastercutor“, according to press and fans alike, somehow marked a “reinvention“ of the band. Although still classic Heavy Metal the album showed a new side to U.D.O. and all was justified when the said album entered the German charts at 39, not only proof of the class and longevity of the whole line up and band but the highest chart entry in more than 20 years of U.D.O. history. A live album soon followed to celebrate….
Back in the here and now though, it’s time for the next instalment. Time to announce the imminent arrival of “Dominator“. A must-have for every Heavy Metal fan and the next logical step in the career of the master.
On “Dominator”, U.D.O. once again displays the charismatic Heavy Metal sound that has made him famous. Overall it sums up perfectly what he stands for (and what Accept itself stood for). With its up-to-date sound (another trademark also of “Mastercutor”), there’s a huge selection from all episodes of Udo..s illustrious career: the classic riffing and charismatic choruses that might hark back to Accept (“Black And White”), the more epic/orchestral sounds of the “Faceless World” album (1990) (“Stillness Of Time”), a “Man And Machine”-like grooving thunderbolt entitled “Heavy Metal Heaven”, and the straight up, in your face headbangers, “Dominator” and “The Bogeyman” mixing smoothly with the ballad “Whispers In The Dark”, but this album is not to be taken lightly – this is once again a great statement from a great statesman.
“Dominator” was again produced, mixed and mastered by the singers former Accept buddy Stefan Kaufmann, now the guitarist in his band almost as long as the man himself has sung in it, so, prepare for your time! Prepare For Domination!! Accept the boss!
Management and worldwide booking:
International Touring and Management GmbH & Co KG
Frank Suepfle
U.D.O. and Accept are my two favorite bands! Now that Mark Tornillo is the new vocalist for Accept, we'll see how they do. It would be a great thing to see both bands on the same stage! Please come to El Salvador!
