"ACCEPT" a German heavy metal band from the town of Solingen, originally assembled in the early 1970s by Udo Dirkschneider. The band played an important role in the development of speed metal and Teutonic thrash metal
Hailing from the industrial town of Solingen, Germany, Accept emerged in the early 1970s as a major force in the heavy metal scene. Founded by vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, the band played a pivotal role in the development of speed metal and Teutonic thrash metal, leaving an enduring legacy in the genre.
Formation and Early Years
Accept's roots trace back to the late 1960s, but it wasn't until the early 1970s that the band solidified its lineup and began making waves. Udo Dirkschneider's distinctive raspy vocals, combined with the dual guitar attack of Wolf Hoffmann and Gerhard Wahl, created a powerful sound that resonated with metal fans.
The band's early albums, including their self-titled debut in 1979 and "I'm a Rebel" in 1980, showcased their raw energy and aggressive style. These albums laid the groundwork for their breakthrough in the 1980s.
Rise to Prominence
Accept's commercial success came with the release of "Breaker" in 1981 and "Restless and Wild" in 1982. These albums featured faster tempos, heavier riffs, and anthemic choruses that solidified their place in the burgeoning heavy metal scene. Songs like "Fast as a Shark" and "Princess of the Dawn" became classics and staples in their live shows.
Their most commercially successful album, "Balls to the Wall" (1983), catapulted them to international fame. The title track, with its iconic riff and rebellious lyrics, became an anthem for metalheads worldwide. The album's success opened doors for Accept, leading to extensive touring and exposure to a wider audience.
Impact on Speed and Teutonic Thrash Metal
Accept's fast tempos, aggressive riffing, and emphasis on melody were instrumental in the development of speed metal. Their influence can be heard in bands like Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Grave Digger, who further refined and expanded upon Accept's sound.
Additionally, Accept's music played a significant role in the emergence of Teutonic thrash metal. Their raw energy and Germanic themes resonated with bands like Kreator, Destruction, and Sodom, who formed the backbone of this subgenre. Accept's pioneering sound paved the way for a wave of German thrash metal bands that achieved international recognition.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Despite lineup changes and brief hiatuses, Accept's legacy remains strong. Their music continues to inspire generations of metal musicians, and their albums are considered classics of the genre. The band's reunion in the 2000s, with Mark Tornillo on vocals, has rekindled interest in their music and led to successful albums like "Blood of the Nations" and "Stalingrad."
Accept's impact on heavy metal is undeniable. They were pioneers in the development of speed metal and Teutonic thrash metal, and their music continues to be celebrated by metal fans worldwide. Their distinctive sound, characterized by powerful vocals, aggressive riffs, and anthemic choruses, has earned them a place among the greats of heavy metal.
Accept experienced several lineup changes throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but certain members remained consistent and crucial to their sound.
This lineup, considered the classic Accept lineup, recorded their most successful albums, including "Balls to the Wall" (1983), "Metal Heart" (1985), and "Russian Roulette" (1986).
By the end of the 1980s, tensions and disagreements within the band led to Udo Dirkschneider's departure and a temporary hiatus.
It is important to note that this is a simplified overview of Accept's lineups during these decades. There were other temporary replacements and guest musicians who contributed to the band's sound and evolution.
BRAIN 0060.188 , 1979 , Germany
"ACCEPT" is the self-titled debut album released by the German heavy metal band Accept. It was recorded in 1978 and released in early 1979 on the German label Brain Records. Drums on the record are played by Frank Friedrich, but he chose not to pursue a professional music career
Accept ( self-titled ) 12" Vinyl LPRCA PL 70186 / LC 0316 , 1983 , Germany
ACCEPT's iconic "Balls to the Wall" 12" LP, a cornerstone of heavy metal, delivers relentless energy and anthemic tracks. Released in 1983, the album's raw power, Udo Dirkschneider's distinct vocals, and socially conscious lyrics solidified its place in music history.
Balls to the Wall 12" Vinyl LPBrain 811 994 , 1983 , Germany
"Best of Accept" is a compilation album by German heavy metal band Accept, released in 1983. The songs on the album were pulled from Accept's earliest four solo albums, namely Accept, I'm a Rebel, Breaker, and Restless and Wild
Best of Accept Orig Brain 12" Vinyl LPBrain Records 0060.390 , 1981 , Germany
Released in 1981 on Brain Records, "Breaker" is Accept's third studio album and a definitive heavy metal classic. It features raw energy, powerful vocals by Udo Dirkschneider, and iconic tracks like "Starlight" and the title track "Breaker." This 12" vinyl LP captures the band's early sound
Breaker 12" Vinyl LPRCA PL74083 , 1989 , Made in Germany
"Eat the Heat" is the 1989 release by German Heavy metal band Accept. It was recorded at Dierks-Studios, in Cologne, from September 1988 to January 1989. Although Jim Stacey is presented as guitar player in the band on the album cover, the cover text also states that all guitars are by Wolf Hoffmann.
Eat the Heat 12" Vinyl LPMetronome Music GmbH 831 077-1 , 1977 , Made in Uk ( United Kingdom )
Accept's "Hungry Years Digital Remix" is a compilation album that offers a fresh take on the band's early catalog. Released in 1987, the album features digitally remastered versions of songs from their second, third, and fourth albums, including "Fast as a Shark," "Restless and Wild," and "Balls to the Wall."
Hungry Years 12" Vinyl LPBRAIN 0060.389 , 1980 , Made in Germany
Accept's 2nd album, "I'm a Rebel" (title-less), is a raw, high-energy heavy metal record. Though not as polished as their later work, it showcases Udo Dirkschneider's distinct vocals, Wolf Hoffmann's powerful guitar riffs, and the band's signature sound in its early stages.
I'm a Rebel 12" Vinyl LPRCA NG70941 , 1985 , Made in Germany
Accept's 'Kaizoku-Ban' is a live mini album that unleashes a sonic storm of heavy metal energy. Recorded in Nagoya, Japan in 1985, this genuine 1st issue vinyl LP captures the raw power of a legendary performance. Udo Dirkschneider's commanding vocals, Wolf Hoffmann's scorching guitars
Kaizoku-Ban / Live in Japan 12" Vinyl LPRCA PL 70638 , 1985 , Made in Germany
Accept's "Metal Heart" (1985) is a landmark heavy metal album showcasing the band's signature sound of powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and anthemic choruses. Tracks like "Metal Heart," "Midnight Mover," and "Screaming for a Love-Bite" explore themes of technology, rebellion, and love with a hard-hitting edge.
Metal Heart 12" Vinyl LPRCA PL 70638 , 1985 , Made in Germany
Accept's "Metal Masters" is a double LP compilation album showcasing the band's early raw energy and signature heavy metal sound. Featuring tracks from their first two albums, "I'm a Rebel" and "Breaker," this collection highlights Udo Dirkschneider's powerful vocals and the band's driving riffs.
Metal Masters 12" Vinyl LPVenus Records / Polydor 810 987 , 1983 , Made in France
This is the French release of "Restless and Wild" by the German Heavy Metal band "ACCEPT" and has been released on the Venus records. The album front cover shows the Accept band live on stage and this front cover is different from other European releases (which show two white "Gibson Flying V" guitars
Restless and Wild 12" Vinyl LPBRAIN 0060.513 , 1982 , Germany
Accept's "Restless and Wild" (1982) is a seminal heavy metal album that marked a turning point in the band's career. With its faster tempos, aggressive riffs, and anthemic choruses, the album solidified Accept's signature sound and launched them into the international spotlight.
Restless and Wild 12" Vinyl LPRCA PL 70972 / LC 0316 , 1986 , Made in Germany
"Russian Roulette" is the 1986 release by German heavy metal band Accept. It was again recorded at Dierks-Studios, but the band chose to self-produce rather than bring back Dieter Dierks as producer. It would be the last Accept album to feature Udo Dirkschneider as lead vocalist
Russian Roulette 12" Vinyl LPRCA NL74720, BMG Ariola Hamburg , 1990 , Germany
Accept's "Staying a Life" (1990) is a double live album capturing the band's electrifying performance in Osaka, Japan during their "Breaker" world tour. This iconic recording showcases their signature heavy metal sound, powerful vocals, and energetic stage presence.
Staying A Life 12" Vinyl LP