The newest release “Touchdown”, which includes thirteen tracks, is the band’s eighteenth album and let me tell you that there are absolutely no signs of slowing down from these veterans. The band’s lineup includes guitarist Andrey Smirnov, drummer Sven Dirkschneider, guitarist Dee Dammers, and new bassist Peter Baltes recently having joined the fold. “Touchdown” is one of U.D.O.’s best albums in the last decade and fans should expect some ballsy aggressive tracks and classic heavy metal that has a distinctly German vibe.

Right off the bat, we get some serious ass-kicking riffs on the album’s first track, “Isolation Man”. The sudden attack of the dual guitars and the signature vocals of Udo are at the forefront. The guitars are all guns blazing with catchy melodies, and bouncy riffs that are full of hooks and reinforced by a burst of rage in the following track “The Flood”. The guitars never break the pattern of dynamism that is fiercely driven with gritty rhythm and anthemic vocals from Udo. On the first listen to the track, “The Double Dealer’s Club” featuring some of the most memorable riffs on the album, with the lead guitar hooks, boisterous solos, and solid heavy metal melodies. U.D.O. perfected its craft in the latest album, the drums give the songs an extra oomph.

Without compromising the aggression and the quality of the riffs, the quintet delivers an outstanding high-octane performance on a number of songs like “Fight For The Right”. The initial foray of the striking riffs at the beginning of the track is packed with powerful heavy metal riffs. Although all the album needed was a dose of fiery melodies to hook the listener, and make no mistake, there are tons of choruses and outstanding precision from the band. From the hard-hitting drums to the hooklike melodies, backing vocals, and classic heavy metal tunes flourishing in the song’s chorus “Forever Free” you can expect plenty of energy and fantastic guitar solos to make this song one of the hits.

The rhythm guitars are impeccable, impressive and deliver authentic heavy metal riffs, while “Punchline” drummer Sven Dirkschneider puts the pedal to the metal, the vocals add extra energy to the guitar attacks. The drumming pace is powerful and full of stomps, and the riffs stem heavily as the pace becomes vitally prominent. There are plenty of mid-tempo songs that unfold with swaggering and mean attitude. “Sad Man’s Show” combines heavy percussion with frenzied vocal delivery, the guitar solos smoothly slithering through rhythm and lead guitars, as you will find many great songs.

The chugging guitars at the beginning of the track “The Betrayer” are incredibly monstrous and instantly attributed to the fierce intensity, the drums act as the backbone of the guitars. “Heroes of Freedom” and “Better Start To Run” unmistakably transcend the songwriting class of the quintet. U.D.O. still maintains its prestigious reputation as one of the leading heavy metal groups in Germany, with bands like Blind Guardian, Accept, Grave Digger, and Helloween. Albeit, there are equal amounts of anthemic choruses and irresistibly heavy metal riffs that make “Touchdown” a refreshing and inspiring album.

“The Battle Understood” and “Living Hell” clearly resemble the style of Grave Digger from the dual hymn-like vocals followed by powerful riffs offering from the band’s trademark. There are no slow tracks in the album, but the consistency of the band and the songwriting ensures plenty of classic 80s heavy metal. The album ends on a high note with tracks like “Living Hell” and “Touchdown”. The rampaging riffs blaze through the up-tempo, aiming to win the hearts of heavy metal fans. U.D.O.‘s legacy masterfully withholds its aggressive style from the vintage ’80s and ’90s and secures its position among the top bands in the genre.

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