Dirkschneider & The Old Gang: Arising

It really has been something of a vintage year if you’re an Accept fan. The band themselves released Too Mean To Die back in January 2021, while the singer of their classic line-up Udo Dirkschneider has only recently unleashed the equally excellent Game Over with his long standing outfit U.D.O. Add in a solo album from their two-time guitarist Herman Frank and that the latter has also reactivated Victory with the excellent Gods Of Tomorrow album, should mean that those completists out there will be feeling well served in 2021, if somewhat short of cash!

However, even with all of that, one of the biggest stories from the Accept ‘family’ this year has been Dirkschneider & The Old Gang, where the singer has once again teamed up with bassist Peter Baltes (one of only two ever-presents in Accept until he threw the towel in during 2018) and guitarist (although he played drums in Accept) Stefan Kaufmann. Added to that reunion was ex-Sinner guitarist Mathias ‘Don’ Dieth, who stood alongside Dirkschneider in U.D.O. for the Faceless World album in 1990, which Kaufmann also produced - the band being rounded out by Udo’s son Sven who handles drums and singer Manuela ‘Ella’ Bibert who provides both lead and backing vocals.

Releasing three stand-alone digital singles in the first half of 2021, Arising brings the trio together to make a short, satisfying EP that supposedly is merely a hint of what is to come from this ‘new’ outfit. “Face Of A Stranger� opens, a trademark Accept-like staccato riff given an alluring melodic twist as first Udo, then Baltes and finally Bibert take on lead vocals. All three are in top form, Udo barking imperially, Baltes possessing an excellent tone and Bibert stealing the show with soaring but never operatic contributions. Add in an excellent solo from Dieth and this really is a winner - big time - especially when the sextet add gang backing vocals. “Every Heart Is Burning� brings a more atmospheric air where a riff that gently reminds of Accept’s “Midnight Mover� is powered along by Sven’s pinpoint snare work and the excellent twin guitar from Kaufmann and Dieth. Again, however, it’s the intertwining vocals that illustrate the excellent arrangements, Baltes and Bibert combining wonderfully while Udo adds his unmistakable authoritative gravel infused voice. With Dieth once more providing a stunning solo and Bibert given a vocal spot in the limelight, what really comes across here is the collaborative feel of this whole endeavour and not just the three ex-Accept men.

Closing things out on this short burst comes “Where The Angels Fly�, a slow, heartfelt piece initially introduced by Kaufmann’s acoustic guitar work, before a slow, steady beat allows the track to build to a majestic crescendo - and nearly 4 million hits on Youtube will tell you just how memorable it all becomes.

As introductions go Arising may be brief, but make no mistake it’s also hugely impressive. With U.D.O. now promoting their Game Over album, hopefully Udo won’t put the Old Guys on the back burner for too long. I for one can’t wait to hear more!

Track Listing
1. Face Of A Stranger
2. Every Heart Is Burning
3. Where The Angels Fly

Added: December 11th 2021
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Urising @ AFM Records
Hits: 679
Language: english

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