Review DIRKSCHNEIDER “Balls to the Wall – Reloaded”

“Balls To The Wall” is certainly one of the iconic albums in metal history, a longplayer that contributed to the definition of heavy metal. Originally published in 1983, the album followed the release of “Restless and Wild” and helped Accept solidify their position in the heavy metal community.

More than 40 years later, former Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider releases “Balls to the Wall – Reloaded”. It’s a risky undertaking, as the original album is simply perfect.

As with the 1983 release, the title track kicks things off. “Balls to the Wall” is a timeless metal anthem and nothing can really ruin the greatness of this classic. However, the “reloaded” version of the title track can’t live up to the original. There is Baltes’ thumping bass and Udo’s unique vocals which is all cool, but what doesn’t work at all are the guest vocals of Sabaton frontman Joakim Brodén. Although the attempt to give the song a little extra twist is a good idea, but it simply doesn’t work.

Each of the songs on the album features a guest appearance and there are some contributions that are electrifying. One of them is Saxon‘s Biff Byford, who sings on “London Leatherboys” together with Dirkschneider. The two veterans obviously had a lot of fun together, because the song sounds great. The same goes for “Fight it Back”. None other than Kreator mainman Mille Petrozza joins in and gives the songs a thunderous thrash metal twist.

Also worth mentioning is “Losers and Winners” featuring Dee Snider. It looks like some pioneers in metal teaming up seems to bring better results. “Losers and Winners” is a blasting metal song that shows the beauty of heavy metal. Raw and wild, this is “Losers and Winners” in the year 2025.

The throbbing version of “Love Child” is surprisingly good. Ylva Eriksson gives the song a different feel with her vocals, which together with Dirkschneider’s hoarse singing provides the song with a new shine.

But there are also some shadow moments. “Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had” features the vocals of Michael Kiske. I really appreciate his voice and his great singing skills, but what is great with Helloween doesn’t unfold its full potential here. “Guardian Of The Night”, featuring Tim Ripper Ownes, also doesn’t belong to the highlights and the same goes for the final track of the album. “Winter Dreams” lacks all the magic of the original version. It is a rather soulless interpretation and Doro‘s vocals are not able to ignite the fire.

“Balls to the Wall – Reloaded” is a new version of the glorious Accept album. It is also a release that nobody really waited for, and things do not necessarily get better when they are touched again. Having said that, some of the songs are exciting new interpretations, while others are the opposite. It might be better to invest in a ticket for the upcoming live shows, because the songs from “Balls to the Wall” are still timeless headbanger treats.