Accept - 'Restless And Wild'

Accept is one of the all-time great German metal bands. They were very successful in Europe, but never reached elite status in the U.S. They had some MTV and radio airplay in the ‘80s, most notably for “Balls To The Wall.” The band’s breakthrough album was Restless And Wild, released in Germany in 1982 and in the U.S. in 1983. It was their fourth full-length, and immediately vaulted them to the European elite.

Restless And Wild is being re-released by Revolver Records. Older metalheads probably already have this one in their collection, but it’s an album all metalheads should be aware of. After kicking off with a German folk song, Accept launches into “Fast As A Shark,” a fast and intense song with a lot of elements of what would soon become thrash/speed metal.

The album has a lot of those types of songs along with anthemic and melodic songs like the title track and “Shake Your Heads.” “Neon Knights” is a standout, a more mid-tempo track that showcases Udo Dirkschneider’s lower register. His trademark high pitched style is prevalent throughout, so it’s a nice change of pace

Accept had a run of really good albums in the ‘80s, beginning with this one, and including 1984’s Balls To The Wall and 1985’s Metal Heart.. Accept’s last studio album was in 1996, but are reportedly working on a new release. Udo’s not the singer, so it’s not really the same. But for some classic Accept, you can’t go wrong with Restless And Wild.

(re-released August 11, 2009 on Revolver Records)