I was skeptical right from the inception of this “new version” of ACCEPT because I belong to those fans of the German band that simply cannot imagine them without their emblematic frontman, Udo Dirkschneider. On the other hand, I absolutely respect Hoffmann and Baltes and their overall contribution in the shaping of Heavy Metal. So, when they decided to record new music without Udo behind the mic (he didn’t accept the offer made by his former bandmates) and hire ex-TT QUICK singer, Mark Tornillo, I must admit that I was curious and anxious at the same time. Upon listening “Blood of the Nations”, it was instantly evident that ACCEPT were right in their notion to carry on despite Udo’s refusal and they delivered the goods!

“Blood of the Nations” is a well-crafted record and producer Andy Sneap managed to bring out the best of ACCEPT by displaying all the familiar elements that established the German panzer in the heavy metal elite of the 80’s. There are songs that bring to mind the glorious masterpieces of the past but bear in mind that you must not get sucked into comparisons with the band’s classic albums because –as it happens with all the groups- those records simply cannot be reproduced. Nevertheless, the sing along choruses, the trademark backing vocals, the catchy melodies, the classical-influenced guitar solos (courtesy of Hoffmann) and the raspy vocals (Tornillo’s voice is somewhere between Brian Johnson and Udo). “Blood of the Nations” has nothing to do with the failed experiment that ACCEPT made more than 20 years ago when they recruited David Reece and released the weak “Eat The Heat”…mind you, those were the 80’s, right? It is far better than “Death Row” and “Predator” and makes you wonder why Heavy Metal is no longer played and performed in such manner.

All in all, “Blood of the Nations” may not be a milestone record but it will definitely appeal to all the long time fans of the band that now have the privilege to enjoy both ACCEPT and U.D.O! Not bad, huh?