U.D.O. – Touchdown

With one of the most recognizable voices in Heavy Metal history, Udo Dirkschneider has shaped iconic metal anthems since the 1980s with his distinctive sound and style. Dirkschneider is a veritable icon of the Heavy Metal world, having performed on stages for over five decades. Fortunately for music fans, his voice seems to only improve with age, and the new album by U.D.O. – Touchdown proves the point.

Heavy Metal Family

U.D.O. – Touchdown sees a return of ex-Accept bassist Peter Baltes to the musical family. On the change of lineup on the bass, Dirkschneider states:

“When Tilen suddenly had to cancel the shows of last summer for health reasons, we urgently needed a replacement for the current tour and the next festivals. By a huge coincidence, Peter offered to help us out for the few shows”. “It just felt so incredibly familiar and right to me,” Udo continues. “Somehow, what belongs together has come together again.”

On the production side, ex-Accept drummer Stefan Kaufmann (ROXX Studio) worked as a sound engineer in the development process, adding another old bandmate to the U.D.O. family.

Final Notes

With 13 ripping songs, Touchdown fully lives up to expectations. From the opening “Isolation Man”, to the classical music laden “Fight For The Right”, to the anthemic new classic “The Battle Understood”, Touchdown covers all of the bases. The songs are witty, well thought out, superbly performed Heavy Metal that takes the listener back to the 80s, while having a scorching modern mix. With Udo Dirkschneider’s seemingly magical voice that only appears to improve with age, this fan can’t wait for the next album, and gives Touchdown an emphatic 2 “horns” up!

U.D.O. Lineup

• Udo Dirkschneider – vocals
• Andrey Smirnov – guitars
• Fabian “Dee” Dammers – guitars
• Peter Baltes – bass
• Sven Dirkschneider – drums

Touchdown – Tracklist

1. Isolation Man
2. The Flood
3. The Double Dealer’s Club
4. Fight For The Right
5. Forever Free
6. Punchline
7. Sad Man’s Show
8. The Betrayer
9. Heroes Of Freedom
10. Better Start To Run
11. The Battle Understood
12. Living Hell
13. Touchdown