As a proper Metalhead you really need to know who Udo Dirkschneider is. If you don't, you must have been living under a rock for the last 42 years, as he released his first album when he sang on the self-titled debut ACCEPT record in 1979. He especially rose to stardom with the magnificent records "Breaker", "Restless And Wild" and the more commercial "Balls To The Wall" and "Metal Heart". He stayed on for a while longer, until the band decided that he needed to go. That was in 1986, when he formed U.D.O.. From 1993 to 1996 they tried again, but found that they had drifted too far apart. So he was down to using his own name again. And always with a proper amount of success.

The reason for this was that he has quite a distinctive voice, and always stays true to the one style of music that fits him like a pair of spandex trousers: Heavy Metal. Yes, with capitals, as he seems to be incapable of doing anything else. He has made 10 albums with ACCEPT, and "Game Over" is his eighteenth studio recording with U.D.O.. And if you even thought he would sound jaded, tired or even old, think again.

From the start of opener "Fear Detector" the only thing I can feel is adoration for his determination. The song is simply what qualifies as the perfect U.D.O. song. Nice tempo, great riffs and a good solo. Not only that, it seems that the guitar players have been listening to ANNIHILATOR, as the riffs have the same staccato feel but also the sound of the Canadian riffmeister Jeff Waters. A sound that is repeated several times more during the course of the album.

If you think that after so many years this man should be out of ideas for his lyrics, he isn't! He's certainly very much aware and concerned with the state of the earth as it is right now. It's the subject touched on most of the words he's using. And he isn't afraid to address some delicate matters, so be prepared.

The best songs on the album for me are the aforementioned opener, "Holy Invaders", "Like A Beast", "Metal Damnation", "Empty Eyes", "I See Red" and "Speed Seeker". What's most evident about that list that these are the more up-tempo songs on "Game Over". I just feel that Udo Dirkschneider has a voice that fits those songs best. The confession I made to myself today is that I really didn't expect to enjoy the new U.D.O. as much as I actually do. Somehow this man is capable of keeping himself sound fresh. Yes, even after 42 years. That's quite an accomplishment.