Artist: U.D.O.
Title: Steelhammer
Genre: Heavy Metal
Release Date: 24th May 2013
Label: AFM Records
Album Review
Two years after the release of ‘Rev-Raptor’ album ex ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider and his personal band U.D.O. are back with their new album titled Steelhammer. There are some changes in the line-up between ‘Rev-Raptor’ and ‘Steelhammer’, Kasperi Heikkinen and Andrey Smirnov (Andrey recorded all the guitars in the album) took the places of Stefan Kaufmann who left the band due to health problems and Igor Gianola. In this album we see a return to the classic metal U.D.O. sound after the more modernized sound of ‘Rev-Raptor’ which I personally didn't like it. In ‘Steelhammer’ we'll find fast tracks like ‘Death Ride’ (which brings to mind the classic ACCEPT track Fast As A Shark) and Stay True, we'll find a very nice ballad titled ‘Heavy Rain’ and also we'll find some very good up tempo tracks like ‘Time Keeper’, ‘King Of Mean’, and ‘Metal Machine’.
About Udo's voice I think everybody knows what to expect, his characteristic voice remains the same after so many years! The weak points of the album in my opinion are the sound of the drums which I think should sound more powerful and the artwork which I found it very simple and rough but ok music is the most important part in an album and not the artwork. If you are a die-hard U.D.O. fan ‘Steelhammer’ will not disappoint you on the other hand if you want a first contact with U.D.O.'s music it's better to start with one of the older albums like Animal House or Faceless World.
Tracklist
01. Steelhammer
02. A Cry Of A Nation
03. Metal Machine
04. Basta Ya
05. Heavy Rain
06. Devil’s Bite
07. Death Ride
08. King Of Mean
09. Timekeeper
10. Never Cross My Way
11. Take My Medicine
12. Stay True
13. When Love Becomes A Lie
14. Book Of Faith
Line-up
Udo Dirkschneider – Vocals
Fitty Wienhold – Bass
Andrey Smirnov – Guitars
Kasperi Heikkinen – Guitars
Francesco Jovino – Drums
Website
www.udo-online.com
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Total: 7 / 10
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