Artist: U.D.O.
Title: Infected
Type: EP
Label: AFM Records
Thankfully, this German legend did not decide to re-join Accept in their reunion, but to continue with his solo efforts. Udo Dirkschneider and the band using his name forge their metal teeth into your veins with this EP ahead of the new album, that is to be released later in the year. 2222 copies of this EP will be released worldwide, why the strange number of releases? But hey, who am I to argue!
It’s a simple 5 track EP, 3 new songs, a remix and a live encounter. From the start ‘Infected’ hits you smack bang hard as you would expect. Traditional heavy metal in the vein of, for want of an easier comparison, Accept’s and Judas Priest’s take on metal. Surely people would know this band had they been listening all the classics, but to re-affirm it U.D.O. shows how powerful his voice still is. Showing some restraint, there are the expected belting chorus’, ripping metal riffs and strong arrangements. ‘Systematic Madness’ seems to build an adrenaline rush within you, even if there is a regimented chorus chanted, whilst the guitar riffs and solo are simply classic metal foundations through and through. My personal favourite tune, ‘Bodyworld’ has a ripping solo, bouncy chugging guitars from Igor Gianola and Stefan Kaufmann. Those who know more classic German metal will recognise bassist Fitty Wienhold who was in the German band Bullet (not the current Swedish band!) who released the great ‘No Mercy’ album in 1984. A live version of ‘Poezd Po Rossii’ (‘Trainride in Russia’) is a ho-down if ever I heard one, those who know Mambo Kurt will know what I mean, it’s full of fun! Apparently “Igor and Fitty were naked in the train car”. Obviously this was a memorable touring experience that pays homage to their Russian fans also. Those who have U.D.O’s 2004 ‘Thunderball’ album will know this song as the original version can be found there. A remix of ‘Platchet Soldat’ (‘Cry Soldier Cry’) also appears too, and was originally only available on the Russian release of the bands last studio album.
This EP shows that it’s business as usual in this reliable metal camp and gives us a fine taster for the forthcoming album.
http://www.myspace.com/udoonline
http://www.udo-online.de/
http://www.afm-records.de
Paul Maddison
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