Year: 2021
Total Time: 01:08:45
Label: AFM Records
In HEAVY METAL there are some fixed values. One of them is the “Teutonic” Udo Dirkschneider. More or less, we all have basic information and we all know this “soul from steel” Udo Dirkschneider – we’ve already written about it in a previous review, so it’s useless to repeat ourselves, therefore it’s better to focus on his new songs. First of all, what I (we) like about Udo is that he keeps his character unchanged, respecting his glorious past. In this way, he is both supporting his solid fan base and also doing what he wants to do artistically.
The “general” is unstoppable since 2018 with the “Steelfactory” album (the writer’s favorite), offering us a “series” of great works – one after the other – proving the saying: “the team that wins, doesn’t change.” It even gets stronger, since the members of the band remain the same to this day. Also, the heavy style of guitar and bass playing along with “the sharp as shark teeth” riffs of Andrey Smirno and Dee Dammers, the old school aesthetic modern production by Mattes and Stefan Kaufmann as well as the staccato and steady drumming by Udo’s son, Sven Dirkschneider, form a song structure in similar to previous albums, high quality levels.
In this 17th album of U.D.O., there are no “weird” surprises, as many bands tend to do in order to stand out. U.D.O., on the contrary, throws us pure German metal either with fast tracks, or with mid tempo-groovy moments, but also with two beautiful ballads, covering the whole spectrum of the artist’s career. The lyrics are written according to the personal style of the band. Also, the beautiful SAVATAGE touches in the sharp riffs (listen to “Holy Invaders” and you will remember me), the full of retro 80’s but also the 90’s ROCK ‘N’ ROLL “vagrancy” of great beasts like MOTLEY CRUE, AC DC, JUDAS PRIEST and ACCEPT is spread throughout the album, stirring up wonderful memories but at the same time our air guitar!
On the downside of the album: the lack of diversity in the structure of the songs from track to track and the long duration of the album can justifiably make some people tired. Special mention should be made of the beautiful solos and the fact that there are still inspired ideas in every song but, to be honest, even if two or three songs were not there, “the earth wouldn’t be split in twain.” Nevertheless, the best moments of the album are undoubtedly in the first part of the album.
In conclusion, there are two kinds of people: those who like and their mood is lifted by listening to AC DC, JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT and U.D.O. and those who find them boring and monotonous. Personally, I liked the album and it lifted my mood, but somewhere I got tired due to its long duration, but also due to the lack of a very big hit. Although it’s not “Steelφactory”, it remains a good album and for those who like this sound, it will surely compensate them by listening to it.
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Nikos Mathiopoulos
Related Link: U.D.O. – Official Page
