U.D.O. - review added 5th May 2011
Album Review: Rev-Raptor (2011)
For fans of: Heavy Metal
Yep, here he is again. We looked at the EP prequel to "Rev-Raptor" a few months back and it held great promise. Does the full album live up to the expectation? Yep, it certainly does.
"Rev-Raptor" is the follow-up to 2009's "Dominator", and see's German singer Udo Dirkschneider (formerly of Accept) doing what he does best. And that's making huge sounding heavy metal with more addictiveness and entertainment than a caffeine fairground. Yes, his gravelly voice is a matter of taste, but there's no denying the fun this guy pumps into what is normally a serious genre. He doesn't necessarily resort to outlandish lyrics or leftfield japes, merely his approach his more about enjoyment than pure crushing heaviness.
Fortunately, if there's another thing U.D.O. is good at, it's heaviness and great guitar sounds. Both are in abundance on the album. The drums and bass rattle around like a banzai weapons factory too, leaving a potent vibe.
Song wise, the two tracks from the EP - 'Leatherhead' and 'Rock´N´Roll Soldiers' - sound thoroughly great here too. 'Days Of Hope And Glory' and 'Pain Man' are monsters too and...well, the news stays good elsewhere. There isn't a duffer on the album...and this must be one of U.D.O.'s most complete releases.
In Summation:
Loving this album. I haven't listened to all the man's releases over the years, but this is the best I have heard. Great stuff. Buy it.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Rev-Raptor
02. Leatherhead
03. Renegade
04. I Give As Good As I Get
05. Dr. Death
06. Rock´N´Roll Soldiers
07. Terrorvision
08. Underworld
09. Pain Man
10. Fairy Tales Of Victory
11. Motor-Borg
12. True Born Winners
13. Days Of Hope And Glory
Band/Performers:
Udo Dirkschneider - vocals
Stefan Kaufmann – guitars
Igor Gianola – guitars
Fitty Wienhold – bass
Francesco Jovino - drums
Other Info:
Label: AFM Records
Artist's website(s): U.D.O. | MySpace | Facebook
