AFM Records [Release date 23.01.15]
Everyone’s favourite German growler, Udo Dirkschneider, is back with his new studio album “Decadent”. It doesn’t seem long since I was underwhelmed by his one paced “Steelhammer – Live From Moscow” album. So what does Decadent have to offer besides its very loud and slightly disturbing cover?
Udo keeps a stable line-up for this release with long-time bassist Fitty Wienhold joined again by guitarists Kasperi Heikkinen and Andrey Smirov together with drummer Francesco Jovino.
To be honest you know what to expect from U.D.O. – Teutonic metal, sub-Judas Priest riffing and Udo’s unique vocals – so let’s skip to the tracks that offer something a little different.
Title track Decadent has some Prodigy-like drum beats thrown into the mix together with a weird spoken vocal section…enough variation to make this an interesting track.
Mystery is definitely my favourite track on display…with its creepy intro complete with evil clown laugh, Udo’s impression of an evil Lemmy on the verses works well before turning into a high pitched screech on the bridge and then sung chorus. The featured solo is just plain odd as well.
Pain is almost melodic rock with its catchy refrain of “how much pain can we take…” Secrets In Paradise can only be described as a ballad…well it starts out that way with acoustic guitar and Udo only before drums and electric guitars come crashing in.
Album closer Words In Flame is an epic monster of a track which builds slowly from an acoustic intro. The use of orchestration throughout is both surprising and highly effective.
Really wasn’t expecting to like this but it’s actually better than expected. Udo has got just enough variation here to keep things fairly interesting. Still prefer Russian Roulette though… ***
Review by Phil Berisford
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
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DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)
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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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