Singer Udo Dirkschneider started this band in 1986/87, after leaving Accept for a solo career. Udo had already been thinking about leaving the band to start a career as a producer, together with Michael Wagener. But he finally decided to leave because he wanted to go a different direction musically. So he started U.D.O. to, ironically, go back to the style of the old Accept. U.D.O. were never meant to be one mans band, like Ozzy Osbourne or Dio, but he knew that the name Udo was a good trademark at that time, so it would be foolish not to use it. The original members of the band jokingly stated in an interview that U.D.O. stood for: "United Dipstick Organization!"

ANIMAL HOUSE (1987) BMG/RCA

Fresh out of Accept, Udo Dirkschneider solo debuts with a heavy metal platter that doesn't stand back from anything the man ever released with his "mother band". Consider the commercial approach of 'Russian Roulette' and even more so, 'Eat The Heat', and then listen to 'Animal House'. There is no doubt in my mind that Udo wanted to continue playing real heavy metal, he left an already successful band to do so. (And for the record, he has continued to do so ever since!) Fact is, this album has everything any Accept album ever had, and maybe even more so! It's actually quite the travesty that people are still yelling "reunion" when Udo have always continued to carry the metal torch higher! 'Animal House' shows a hungry band that is giving us its all. This is blistering, no holds barred, German heavy metal. You get speed, attitude, hunger, guitar-solos and duels, riffs, machinegun drumming, thundering bass, raspy vocals and sing-along anthems! What more does a metalhead need?

The liner notes states that the songs are written by Accept and Deaffy, indicating that this was supposed to be recorded as the next Accept album (lyrics collaborator "Deaffy" was/is long time Accept manager Gaby Hauke, aka Mrs. Wolf Hoffmann).

Killer tracks: Every single track is heavy metal monsters, but favorites include "We Want It Loud" and "They Want War".

MEAN MACHINE (1989, 2000) NUCLEAR BLAST/BREAKER

'Mean Machine' is Udo's second solo-effort. But Udo solo sounded more like Accept then Accept did themselves during this period! Just check out "Streets On Fire" if you don't believe me. This is pure heavy metal, nothing more, nothing less. Leave it to Mr. Dirkschneider to never fail his audience!

I own the digitally remastered version, released as a digi-pack on Udo's own label, Breaker.

Killer tracks: Don't Look Back, Break The Rules, We're History, Streets On Fire, Sweet Little Child

FACELESS WORLD (1990) GUN/BMG

'Faceless Word' was the first U.D.O. album I heard. And I got so into it, I almost played a hole in my vinyl version! The album reminds me of 'Russian Roulette' era Accept. I totally enjoy all the tracks of the album, making it one of my favorites by the band. Udo might have gone a tad more commercial on this album. But still, this his is pure heavy metal at it's finest. Just listen to "Heart Of Gold", "Blitz Of Lightning" or the excellent ballad "Unspoken Words", and I know you'll agree.

Killer tracks: All of them.

TIMEBOMB (1991, 2000) NUCLEAR BLAST/BREAKER

Count on Udo to deliver! I'm not sure how many times I've said or written this, but there is simply not much more to say when it comes to this man. He friggin' lives and breathes heavy metal! 'Timebomb' is yet another fine addition to his rooster. After a instrumental intro he sets the bar high with "Metal Eater", another fine metal anthem from the man who practically wrote the book on them. And he continues throughout with choice cuts, such as "Burning Heat", "Thunderforce" and "Kick In The Face". 'Timebomb' is arguably Udo's most aggressive album. Be on the lookout for some stellar guitar work to boot. I have the remastered digi-pack version, released on Breaker Records.

Killer tracks: Metal Eater, Thundeforce, Burning Heat, Timebomb, Kick In The Face

SOLID (1997) GUN/BMG

After the reunited Accept called it quits in 1996, Udo once again reformed his U.D.O.. The first album is named 'Solid', and what a perfect title that is. The entire album delivers heavy metal with a bite. And no fans of the man were let down one bit. This is what we wanted to hear from Accept, but once again, Udo needed to do it on his own. From the killer opener in "Independence Day", to the melodic closing in "The Healer", Udo shows us who's the leader in the German traditional metal scene!

Killer tracks: Independence Day, Two Faced Woman, Desperate Balls, Devil's Dice

NO LIMITS (1998) GUN/BMG

After the solid return in last years comeback album, named ... eh 'Solid', there seemed to be no stopping U.D.O.. 'No Limits' takes off where 'Solid' left us, and once again we're treated to some of the best heavy metal Germany has to offer. I must admit that 'No Limits' has become the U.D.O.-album I listen to the least. But that simply says more of the mans overall quality than anything else. What metalhead cannot bang along to anthems such as "Freelance Man" and "Way Of Life"? And "With A Vengeance" is in my opinion one of the finest tracks the man have ever written! Of the 13 tracks presented, 3 of them are covers. "I'm A Rebel" is a, yes, you guessed it, a cover (or should that be rerecording) of the Accept classic. "Azrael" is, as far as I can tell, a cover of a German composer, mostly known for his musical adaptation of German fantasy and horror books. And it seems that all the books are written by the same author. "Lovemachine" is another obscure cover, namely a cover of the German disco-group, Supermax!

Killer tracks: Freelance Man, Way Of Life, With A Vengeance, One Step to Fate, Azrael

HOLY (1999) NUCLEAR BLAST/BREAKER

+METAL IS OUR RELIGION+ is the "slogan" on the back of the album cover for 'Holy'. Well, if that is what it takes to deliver this kind of metal craftsmanship, album after album, then so be it! I cannot help but being impressed with the stability of the quality in this man's music. The guy is in his mid 40's here, and still heavier then ever! 'Holy' is yet another stellar release from our favorite metal midget, and even a step up from his last effort. Long live metal, long live U.D.O.!

I won this digi-pack version on an internet auction, but the seller did not send me the booklet that was supposed come with it. So if anyone can help me with that, please email me.

Killer tracks: Holy, Recall The Sin, Back Off, Danger, Cut Me Out

LIVE FROM RUSSIA (2CD Digibook) (2001) BREAKER/SPV

U.D.O. have over the years developed a special friendship with the Russian fans. So during their April/May 2001 tour for 'Holy' they recorded their first live album in Russia. Later the same year they released it as a double album, simply entitled 'Live In Russia'.

The liner noted speaks little about where and when the songs were recorded, but with 26 songs represented I'm pretty sure we're hearing tracks from several venues, and not just one full concert. U.D.O. played 8 venues in 7 cities during this tour, so if all those concerts were taped, they  had plenty of material to put together this track list. All of U.D.O.'s albums are represented, as far as I can tell. We also get treated to some Accept tunes as well, but not the most obvious choices perhaps? To me that is a good thing, as I'd much rather hear those seldom played songs live, rather than the ones recorded numerous times over the years.

'Live In Russia' is a decent live effort. It will not go down as a milestone live album, but it is a fine document of the band live anno 2001. Udo is heavy metal personified, and it is a blast hear him and his band roar through some of the finest metal songs ever written!

MAN AND MACHINE (2002) BREAKER/SPV

What more can one add that isn't already said about U.D.O. on this page? I think that there is an unwritten law that you can only release so many top notch albums before you release one that is not up to par. But U.D.O.'s simply choose to ignore that! The man seems to be unstoppable. I have to confess though, that this album took a bit more getting used to that most of his previous efforts. But when that was all taken care off, this was yet another killer metal album for me to enjoy. To me this is possibly the most Accept sounding efforts in Udo's solo career. I have one question though; Why on earth did he think that a ballad-duet with Doro Pesch would be a good idea?

Killer tracks: Man And Machine, Private Eye, Animal Instinct, Silent Cry, Hard To Be Honest, Like A Lion, Unknown Traveller

NAILED TO METAL - THE MISSING TRACKS (2003) AFM

This CD was originally released as a part of a box set, together with a DVD. But the demand to release it as a single CD was big enough for the record company to release it as a separate disc. 'Nailed To Metal - The Missing Tracks' are named so, because it contains 'leftovers' from the recorded live material released on 'Live In Russia', released 2 years earlier. 2 songs titles are on both releases, but they are recorded at different venues. It is also noticeable that most of the tracks provided here are old Accept classics, thus at first it seemed a bit unfit for a U.D.O. live-album. But when you know the complete history behind this release, it is more obvious why these songs ended up here. I'm glad they decided to released them after all. Udo's band have been consistent for almost 5 years now, but when this CD was recorded they had just added Igor as the last piece in their legacy line-up. And they sounded really great. All the classics are done justice, and Lorenzo's drumming alone is worth the admission! The weirdest cut here must be "X-T-C", as it originally appeared on the only Accept album not featuring Udo on vocals ('Eat The Heat')! A great listen, from a great band.

THUNDERBALL AND THUNDERVISION (2004) AFM/CD-MAXIMUM (CD/DVD)

I was missing both this EP and album, and managed to track down a Russian version that had both in one digipack! And the whole shebang cost under $13, with free shipping! Can't beat that price. 'Thunderball' is of course yet another slab of German heavy metal, the Accept way. I have to admit that this album didn't sit all that well with me right away. But it didn't take long before I understood that it is just as good as anything else the man has ever done. Again, the Accept similarities are so obvious, it is impossible to ignore. And I'm not even sure that Udo has ever said that he has tried to distance himself from his old band, musically. Udo wanted to continue doing the music he loved, whilst most of the other band mates were going for a more radio friendly approach. And it's obvious that Udo drew the longest straw on that issue! U.D.O. is doing the music they set out to do, and they do it so much better than all the other bands out there. No need to alter a winning combination. Udo is also paying homage to some of the countries he has been touring over the past year. The Scandinavian countries are represented in "The Land Of The Midnight Sun", whilst Russia get it's own tune in the magnificent, but rather unconventional, "Trainride In Russia". The EP, in the form of a mini-DVD, called 'Thundervision', gives the fans 4 music videos, interviews and a "making of "-documentary, other multimedia snacks, and 4 audio tracks, whereas 2 are exclusive to this release. I find it difficult to choose favorite songs on this release, as every tune has it's own charm.

Killer tracks: All of them.

24/7 (2005) AFM (EP)

Awaiting the upcoming U.D.O. full-length we get treated to this 5 track EP, featuring 4 non-album tracks (although "Harcore Lover" was featured on limited editions of 'Thunderball'), plus a multimedia section. And as usual, the metal midget delivers! "24/7" is catchy as heck, and a signature U.D.O. composition. Of the exclusive tracks featured I like "Scream Killers" the best. But they are all solid metal tunes, so there is plenty to dig during the 20 minutes this EP lasts.

MISSION NO. X (2005) AFM

Trying to come up with new things to write about this bands albums is an impossible task. They are way to busy and way to consistent for me to even try and come up with new ways to describe them. I mean, read my write-up of 'Man And Machine', then cut and paste it here: ..................... It all holds true for this album too (except that there is no duet here though! lol). It is unbelievable that this man can continue to create so many great songs without ever creating anything sub par. 'Mission No. X' might just as well be the bands best effort, ever, and that is saying a lot! "24/7" sounds like classic Accept. So if you wonder why Udo is so hell-bent on not rejoining Accept on a permanent basis, you will find your answer here. He simply doesn't need to, because he already has a better band in U.D.O.. My hat is once more tipped off at this metal genius! Definitely a spot saved for this album on the top 20 list of 2005 releases.

Killer tracks: Mission No. X, 24/7, Primecrime On Primetime, Eye Of The Eagle, Stone Hard, Cry Soldier Cry, Way Of Life

THE WRONG SIDE OF MIDNIGHT (2007) AFM (EP)

As a U.D.O. die hard, I just want to hear everything this band release. Especially the non-album tracks. I never could figure out why a band felt the need to put out edited versions of songs. Do they get more radio play if the are under a minute shorter? I don't think so. Still, 2 non-albums tracks, and an alternative Russian version of "Cry Soldier Cry" makes this EP an essential. Both "Street Of Sin" and "Man A King Ruler" are pumping metal tracks, with Udo's signature voice at the maximum. The latter is my favorite here.

MASTERCUTOR (2007) AFM (Limited digi-book edition)

I totally give up on trying to find anything new to write about U.D.O.. It's all been said and done on numerous other occasions. This band is just one of the most consistent acts out there in today's metal world. And as we write 2007 on our calendar, here is the another effort from them. 'Mastercutor' doesn't only deliver the coolest cover art these Germans have ever used, but the music is of course equally great as well. I find this album to be a little darker. And although "Master Of Disaster" is definitely the heaviest track they have ever recoded, the rest of the album is more mid-paced. For the best of what traditional heavy metal has to offer in this new millennium, look now further than to U.D.O.. So many bands come and go, some change their sound, some sell out, some try out new things, but not Udo and the boys. They have been raising the metal flag higher then anyone else during the last 2 decades, and they don't show any sings of changing their formula any time soon! I'm in awe, and I am also proud to call myself a fan on U.D.O.. This is definitely a contender for a top spot on my best of 2007 list!

This European digibook edition gives me 3 bonus tracks. So put on 'Mastercutor', enjoy the cool W.A.S.P.-like intro, ala 'Inside The Electric Circus', and start a 45-minute plus long headbanging frenzy!

Killer tracks: All of them.

DOMINATOR (2009) AFM (Limited edition)

As sure as leaves fall from the trees come autumn, you can also rely on a new U.D.O. album. 'Dominator' is the bands 12th studio album in 21 years! That has to be some sort of record. Another record has to be the high quality of the material they keep on delivering.

Yes, this CD is as good as the last one, and the last one was as good as the one before it, and so on. They've already found the winning formula, a long time ago. And as the old saying goes, why fix what isn't broke? 'Dominator' sees the band lean slightly more towards the patented Accept sound. Song like "Black And White" (the video track) and "Infected" (the single track) would have been good fits on albums like 'Metal Heart' and/or 'Russian Roulette'. I find 'Dominator' to me just a tad more streamlined than it's predecessor. It is not as dark sounding, and the ballads are "softer" than in a long time. However, this is still 100% U.D.O.. And with a line-up that has held together for 5 years now, you know they sound tight. In fact it is so cool to hear a band heading in the same direction, and that never loose the passion for what they do. They still sound as hungry as they've ever done.

The Limited Edition digi-pack comes with a bonus track, and a multimedia video for "Black And White".

Killer tracks: Again, they are all very solid.

REV-RAPTOR (2011) AFM (Limited edition digipack)

U.D.O.'s 13th album is named 'Rev-Raptor'. It was released via AFM Records on May 20, 2011. "Leatherhead" was released as a single/EP prior to the album.

A band this active and productive should, according to statistics alone, hit some speed bumps every now and then. Fortunately that has seldom been the case with U.D.O.. I haven't been disappointed in any of the bands albums since 'Man And Machine', released almost 10 years ago. And even that album grew on me with time. Sadly the time has come for another let-down. 'Rev-Raptor' comes across as an album written and recorded on auto-pilot. There is nothing wrong here per se, but it also lack anything out of the ordinary. Sure, one can always argue that you now what you get whenever U.D.O. delivers new music, and one should not expect the reinvention of the wheel or something similar. Still, this time it just sounds a little uninspired to my ears. Granted this is still the same unapologetic, balls-to-the-walls '80's metal Udo helped invent, I just find the brother part of 'Rev-Raptor' to be lacking the Oomph!. There are songs I really like here as well, and U.D.O. on auto-pilot is still 10 times better than most of the retro-bands trying to recapture the metal days of the '80s, but I really wanted to hear more killer songs! "Renegade" and "Terrorvision" are good. But like most of the songs on 'Rev-Raptor' they are forgotten as soon as they are finished. Only the ballads stuck with me on the initial listens. And for some reason there are 3 or 4 (semi-)ballads here!

It is rather inevitable though, every once in a while your favorite artists fail to uphold the standards we've become so accustomed to. I'm guessing U.D.O. had too much to live up to in the fans eyes (read: me), after his former band, Accept, delivered a bombshell of an album last year. Still, long time U.D.O. fans should not ignore 'Rev-Raptor', as it definitely sounds like an U.D.O. album! The man has found the winning metal anthem formula, and he's sticking to it!

The limited digipack version of the album comes with 2 bonus tracks, and 2 music videos. The artwork and the booklet is very cool, with each song being accompanied with it's own art.

Killer tracks: Renegade, I Give As Good As I Get, Dr. Death, Terrorvision

Udo Dirkschneider guest appearances:

Accept - 'Eat The Heat'

HammerFall - 'I Want Out' (single)

HammerFall - 'Renegade' (single)

HammerFall - 'Masterpieces'

Lordi - 'The Arockalypse'

Sinner - 'Crash & Burn' (as writer)

Related artists:

Accept, Sinner, Running Wild, Helloween, Paradox, Warlock, Wild Willy's Gang, X-Wild, Jorn