U.D.O.--Thunderball
AFM/The End 2004
With elder metal statesmen such as Iron Maiden, Motorhead, and Dio arguably crafting their best works yet on their most recent releases, this form seems to be undergoing a kind of rebirth. That call to arms continues on U.D.O.'s Thunderball, the latest from former Accept growler Udo Dirkschneider and his crew. Headbangers everywhere should rejoice, as this legend has quite possibly forged a new career highlight. Near the top of 2004's metal heap? You better believe it.
On Thunderball, Udo for the most part stays true to the form and style of his earlier work with Accept. This is at its core straightforward, pure metal in the vein of Judas Priest. U.D.O. also manage to incorporate some nice Dio-isms into their sound, giving the whole thing an added dimension in terms of depth. Marry all of this to a production drenched in modernized firepower and you're looking at a real worldcrusher in Thunderball.
The leadoff title track of this disc sets a perfect precedent for what's to come--a more epic version of Painkiller-era Priest with perfect doses of harmony lead work sprinkled throughout. Make no mistake about it, there isn't a nanosecond of filler on Thunderball. With this release, U.D.O. have crafted a slab so flawless and inspired it almost negates the imapct of the Halford/Priest reunion--strong praise but well earned. While the concertina infused metallic take on traditional Russian folk music "Trainride In Russia (Poezd Po Rossii)" stands out as the disc's most unique offering, three tracks really stick out quality-wise. First, the pseudo balladry of "Land Of The Midnight Sun" shines, driven by a "Holy Diver"-like palm muted chug and its undeniable chorus. "The Bullet And The Bomb" is sure to click easiest with Accept diehards, also the most sinister of the batch. Still, when all is said and done, top honors belong to "Pull The Trigger." This one has a very vintage feel and an overwhelmingly invigorating chorus which pushes it to being an all-time metal anthem. You won't find an unbrilliant moment anywhere on Thunderball, but these are the highpoints.
With the album charts overrun by lifeless prefab garbage these days, this disc probably won't gain the attention it deserves. That's a damn shame because Thunderball is one of the biggest middle fingers to come along in recent times reserved for those who think metal is dead. At least U.D.O. have crafted a work that will disprove that myth for all who dig deep enough to find it. The icing on the cake for the best year metal has had in a decade or so. You can't live without it.
Score this CD directly from THE END
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