It has been over forty years since Accept, with Udo Dirkschneider at the helm, released arguably one of the most important Heavy Metal albums of all time, 1983’s Balls to the Wall. An album that introduced many Metal fans worldwide to Accept and spawned the timeless Metal anthem, “Balls to the Wall.” Now, Udo and his band Dirkschneider have put together a reimagining of this iconic album he calls Balls To The Wall Reloaded.
Udo Dirkschneider, born April 6, 1952, in Wuppertal, Germany, is perhaps best known for his unique vocal style and presence. As the vocalist and central focal point of the legendary German Heavy Metal band Accept, he rose to become one of Metal’s most memorable icons. His powerful and unique brand of raspy vibrato was his calling card, along with his military stage attire and less-than-towering stature. Despite that, Udo Dirkschneider is a giant among Metal vocalists.
As a fan of the Beatles and Rolling Stones in his childhood, Udo Dirkschneider’s obsession with Rock-n-Roll was evident early on. In fact, he started his first band when he was sixteen. A few short years later, that band would become Metal Pioneers Accept. Soon after their formation in 1976, the band gained popularity with their own unique style of heavy music as they helped usher in the era of Thrash Metal in Germany. In 1981, they put out their third album, Breaker, and it was at that time that they served as a supporting act for Judas Priest on their World Wide Blitz Tour. Gaining worldwide attention, they then put out Restless and Wild in 1982, displaying elements of what would later be called Speed Metal.
Setting the stage for their fifth release, the aforementioned Balls to the Wall, Accept was propelled toward worldwide fame and American recognition. The band’s only release to be certified gold in the United States and Canada, to many, it is their most important album. Why? It preceded 1985’s Metal Heart, which is widely considered to be the band’s ‘best’ album. Unfortunately, Metal Heart would be the last album Accept would make with Udo Dirkschneider.
So much has transpired since then. This includes the formation of U.D.O. and, later on, Dirkschneider. Simplifying it, sometime around 2015, Udo Dirkschneider decided that U.D.O. would no longer play old Accept songs, so he opted to perform some shows under simply Dirkschneider to avoid confusion. Keeping the two entities separate, Udo Dirkschneider himself put out his solo tribute album My Way in 2022, U.D.O. put out the killer Touchdown album in 2023 and on February 28, 2025, Dirkschneider (the band) put out this new Balls To The Wall Relouded record through Reigning Phoenix Music.
With this release, Dirkschneider continues to honor the legacy of Accept while also forging his own path of destruction through the world of Metal with his solo project. Joining him for this new release are Guitarists Andrey Smirnov and Fabian “Dee” Dammers, bassist and Accept founding member Peter Baltes, and his son, Sven Dirkschneider, on drums. An album packed with contributions from iconic musicians from the Rock and Metal scene. The result is a work that is fresh yet entirely grounded in the gravity of the original offering of four decades ago.
Overall, this release is a loving tribute to a masterpiece of Metal and has the blessings of all who were ever involved in its original creation. Featuring all original ten tracks, the opening track, “Balls to the Wall,” brings in guest vocalist Joakim Brodén of Sabaton to great effect. The impact of Brodén is immediately felt as his vocal style blends with Dirkschneider’s perfectly, adding a new dimension and a level of grit.
“London Leatherboys” is next, with Saxon’s Biff Byford added to the mix. The track succeeds in weaving both vocalists together, creating a unique yet somewhat familiar experience. This is while “Fight It Back” brings the many talents of Mille Petrozza of Kreator into the fold, and the combination of Dirkschneider and Petrozza brings new levels of gutturality.
A memorable bass intro to “Head Over Heels” gives way to Nils Molin of Amaranthe/Dynazty, whose dynamic vocal style brings newfound intensity and a fresh depth of emotion. Then Michael Kiske of Helloween added a greater range of feel and diversity to “Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had,” an already soulful track.
Thereafter, “Love Child” features Ylva Eriksson of Brothers of Metal, creating a contrast that jumps out immediately, “Turn Me On” brings in Danko Jones before Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider provides his unmistakeable sound to “Losers and Winners.” Looking at the last of this bunch, Snider trades vocals back and forth and joins Udo throughout the song, taking it to previously unachieved heights!
Lastly, “Guardian Of The Night” features former Judas Priest Vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider (who adds his immense range and pure sonic poetry), and the Metal Queen Doro Pesch emerges on “Winter Dreams.” A true highlight, her stunning vocals blend with Dirkschneider’s beautifully, creating a sweet growl that absolutely haunts you.
Overall, Balls To The Wall is an album that has defined the musical experiences of so many, and it returns in a big way with Balls To The Wall Reloaded. It is a loving tribute to the original work and the fans who have been and continue to be inspired by this groundbreaking musical creation. It is also a reinvention clearly remade with love, passion, and a desire to celebrate its impact on the world.
A very successful endeavor that hits all the notes with added layers and fresh new performances by Dirkschneider and friends, Cryptic Rock gives Balls to the Wall Reloaded 4 out of 5 stars!
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