By: Anders

Posted: Aug 15, 2005

The German legend and powerhouse Udo Dirkschneider and his band are now ready with an appetizer for the upcoming full length album "Mission X". Heavy metal the way it was meant to be, with the furious and powerful vocals from Udo and the slaying guitar from Stefan Kaufmann, backed up by a solid rhythm section, that’s the recipe for good U.D.O. material.

The mini album kicks off with '24/7', heavy metal as we know it, a hymn to the style, the players and the fans. The riffs are killer, really catchy and full of sheer power, something which all the riffs on these 5 tracks on this release are. The rhythm is hardboiled and there isn't no other way than headbanging. The vocal are biting and snarling as always, when we talk herr Dirkschneider.

Next up is the single version of the track 'Mean Streets' a groovy basher, which shows the band form a more modern side. I was quite surprised when I first heard it, and it took some time to get used to, due to the heavy grooving and the breaks used. Though as the time went by, it turned out to be a great hard-hitting track. Hard hitting and catchy can be said about 'Number For A Number' as well. Catchy lyrics and good hooks, very listenable and straight forward.

The 2 last tracks 'Streetkiller' and 'Hardcore Lover' are typical heavy metal Accept/U.D.O. style. Straight ahead, great guitar work, great vocals, great choruses and nice back up choirs, heavy metal as all old school fans are going to embrace. Nothing new or that exciting about these 2 tracks, but damn they kick ass.

Judging on the tracks on this mini album, "Mission X" will be yet a great album from U.D.O. Their last album "Thunderball" was great and are still getting the occasional spin here. The power and momentum from that album is being kept high on "24/7" and this is a nice treat to all the hungry fans of the band and heavy metal in general.

Rating: 7/10

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