U.D.O. - 'Steelfactory' Album review

U.D.O. – ‘Steelfactory’

After more than 40 years in the business and with a renowned breakthrough in the early 80’s with ACCEPT behind him, as well as several million records sold worldwide, Udo Dirkschneider from Solingen/Wuppertal, Germany, is one of the biggest rock legends in the business. U.D.O. has enjoyed well over two decades in the spotlight. Regardless of changes in the metal scene or the U.D.O line-up, the band has never deviated from Dirkschneider’s vision of serving up traditional balls-to-the-wall, no-nonsense heavy metal.

The German metal gods U.D.O. roll over us with a heavyweight made of steel and metal better than ever! With 'Steelfactory', U.D.O return to their core competence, clearly influenced by their past shows with DIRKSCHNEIDER, the songs in their rousingly simple straightness have a hymn character, as it is only known from the past. 'Steelfactory' has become a timeless metal album and thus the impressive statement of a master of his craft.

With its earthy, punchy and handmade sound - with the participation of the Danish producer Jacob Hansen (among others Volbeat) - 'Steelfactory' meets the nerve of the time, which may be triggered again since the successful DIRKSCHNEIDER tour worldwide.

New album 'SteelFactory' will be released on 31st August.

And my suggestion is go out and buy it. From the moment ‘Tongue Reaper’ hits you, and through Iron Maiden’s Wasted Years sounding ‘Make The Move’ you’re hooked.

The german influences are plain to see and hear, together with some Greek Mandolin thrown in on ‘Keeper Of My Soul’. It’s very 80’s rock, but, being my age, I think that’s what makes it more enjoyable.

Udo Dirkschneider’s prominent voice in ‘In The Heat of The Night’ takes me back to Accept’s great era.  There’s some great crowd pleasers here, including 'Raise The Games’ superb verse riff and Egyptian tinkling. ‘Blood On Fire’ kicks heavy although the chorus lets the song down slightly, Some great duel guitar work in this also, together with a clever tongue in cheek solo!

As we claw our way through the album it’s apparent how solid this effort is. A very good heavy metal album that will please all of Udo’s followers and Accept’s I’m sure. Definitely an 8 from me.

Score 8/10

Reviewed by Sty

Track Listing

1)    Tongue Reaper

2)    Make The Move

3)    Keeper Of My Soul

4)     In The Heat Of The Night

5)    Raise The Game

6)    Blood On Fire

7)    Rising High

8)    Hungry And Angry

9)    One Heart One Soul

10)A Bite Of Evil

11)Eraser

12)Rose In The Desert

13)The Way

BAND MEMBERS: 

Udo Dirkschneider - Vocals
Andrey Smirnov – Lead Guitar
Fitty Wienhold - Bass
Sven Dirkschneider - Drums