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U.D.O.: Game Over
U.D.O. - Game Over Album Art

U.D.O.: Game Over

Heavy Metal
4.5/5.0

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AFM Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 20.10.2021 | Released: 22.10.2021

Many words come to mind when describing vocalist and songwriter Udo Dirkschneider: legend, icon, and prolific heavy metal artist. If Udo were English, instead of German, he would probably get an OBE from the Queen for his heavy metal history. This coming Spring Herr Dirkschneider will become a septuagenarian, which will not likely slow him down. His main gig for the last thirty plus years has been U.D.O. formed in 1987 after leaving Accept with 17 studio albums to this credit. Here's the latest (and seventeenth) U.D.O. album, Game Over which is packed with 16 songs including three, count them, bonus tracks.

U.D.O. - Click For Larger Image

U.D.O.

Lyrically, within Game Over, like many of his recent U.D.O. albums, Dirkschneider addresses serious issues facing our world. These include environmental problems (like the self-evident flooding in Europe this past Summer), the proliferation of the international arms trade, and the increase of gun violence among children and teens. The last concern is addressed in the song Kids And Guns.

Musically then, Game Over is classic U.D.O and Dirkschneider, meaning traditional, keep it true, heavy metal with twin guitar harmony, generous guitar solos, solid gallop and groove, and Udo's instantly recognizable raspy vocals. As usual I found myself leaning towards the heavy metal rock like Metal Never Dies, Unbroken, Fear Detector, or Kids And Guns. But that latter song, while having metal sharp riffs, has strong melodic rock groove, perhaps even some AC/DC-ish rock boogie. Alternatively, a song like Prophecy has a more obvious power metal gallop in it's groove; it's fast and heavy with a sharp concluding guitar solo. For something completely different, enjoy another Udo ballad with Don't Wanna Say Goodbye. All said, U.D.O.'s Gamer Over is another fine and entertaining album of classic heavy metal rock featuring Udo Dirkschneider's consistent songwriting and indomitable vocals. Recommended.




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The Take Away

U.D.O.'s Gamer Over is another fine and entertaining album of classic heavy metal rock featuring Udo Dirkschneider's consistent songwriting and indomitable vocals. Recommended.

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