Udo Dirkschneider is one of the epitomes of international heavy metal and a true icon of the metal scene. Helping lead the legendary ACCEPT to superstardom from 1979 till his departure in 1987, he never slowed down and kept his balls to the wall and has just released his twentieth studio album “Touchdown” on August 25, 2023.  His unique and raspy voice along with his “bad ass biker” look has made him one of the most recognizable characters in heavy metal history. His son Sven Dirkschneider became a permanent member of the band in 2015. I’m sorry, I do realize that every metal fan reading this already knows all about UDO and his storied musical career, so let’s talk a little about this latest album. According to the bands press release, the album’s title, just as the “touchdown” in American football describes an important goal for players and teams, the same applies to the album which turned out to be the result of a homogeneously functioning team in which everyone contributed to the whole and had their own place. UDO subscribes to this simple  philosophy of life, “honesty is the best policy.” Being a huge fan of both ACCEPT and UDO, I am super pumped to bring the needle down on this one.

“Isolation Man”, the opening track is exactly what I was expecting, gripping guitar riff setting the pace for the entrance of the unmistakable vocals of “da man” with the fierceness of a lion staling his prey. Nothing we haven’t heard before on his solo projects, or ACCEPT, but it stills sound fresh and uncompromised. Track two “The Flood” is a little bit boxier and to the point as UDO delivers a boisterous and unrestrained vocal layering with the riff lurking in the background creating a sinister, blackened sound. The next four tracks were ripped straight out of the playbook, nothing really noteworthy, that’s not saying they didn’t rock, they did of course, it’s just I’m looking to hand pick a more diverse song and “Sad Man's Show” is that song. A meaty, explosive riff opens up to UDO bludgeoning the air waves as only he can when he lets loose with a barrage of head numbing melodic refrains and raucous expression. “Better start to Run” is the title and may also be a pre-warning as full throttle licks explode paired with “in your face” vocals over a manic melody. The album ends with the title track “Touchdown”, an anthem paced song with a rhythmic, chanting chorus fueled by a dangerously assaulting dual guitar solo that pushes this song into hyperdrive, ending the album on a blazing note.

Yes, some people might say all of UDO’s albums kinda, sorta have the same familiar sound and constitution because of his vocal uniqueness. I get that but having listened to him and his bands for over forty years, I know UDO strives hard to keep the complexion of the music alive while maintaining a hard rocking edge and sustain his distinct sound. “Touchdown” is no exception, he surrounds himself with mega talented musicians, down and dirty melodies all tied together with saucy lyrics.