u.d.o. rev-raptor

Released: 20 May 2011 Label: AFM

You simply have to take your hat off to Udo Dirkschneider. Seemingly oblivious to the fickle finger of fashion, the great German vocalist is now a huge thirteen studio albums into a solo career that will probably always be overshadowed by a few short glory years with Accept in the mid-eighties. Does he give a toss? Not if Rev-Raptor is anything to go by. 

As soon as the Teutonic triple treat of Rev-Raptor, lead single Leatherhead and the stupidly addictive Renegade hits you hard, you know that Udo and his band have once again delivered a hard-hitting and quality-assured album of classic metal.

Being brutal, Udo’s voice isn’t quite the lethal weapon it once was – especially in a live setting – but these songs are clearly written with him in mind, so when augmented by some well-crafted gang backing vocals and a clever, spacious production, any potential shortcomings are easily sidestepped on what is just a great heavy metal party album.

Noticeably, the album only falters slightly during its slightly more mellow moments; both the semi-balladry of I Give As Good As I Get’ and the Blind Guardian-lite Days of Hope and Glory don’t quite make the grade, but these moments are easy to excuse given the rip-roaring rock that dominates the rest of the record.

If you want to cherry pick individual tracks – legally please, boys and girls – then you won’t go wrong with the insanely anthemic Motor Borg, but really, this is an album to be enjoyed as a whole on its own merits with a nice cold beer in your hand.

Sure, it’s more of the same, but would we want it any other way? Hell no.

by Marcus Jervis