ACCEPT ( Heavy Metal Band ) Album Cover Gallery & Discography Information

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

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.

1976-1979:
• Udo Dirkschneider (vocals)
• Wolf Hoffmann (lead guitar)
• Gerhard Wahl (rhythm guitar)
• Peter Baltes (bass)
• Frank Friedrich (drums)

This lineup recorded their debut album, "Accept," in 1979. Gerhard Wahl and Frank Friedrich departed shortly after, not wanting to pursue a professional music career.

1979-1980:
• Udo Dirkschneider (vocals)
• Wolf Hoffmann (lead guitar)
• Jörg Fischer (rhythm guitar)
• Peter Baltes (bass)
• Stefan Kaufmann (drums)

This lineup recorded the album "I'm a Rebel" (1980), which brought them more media attention.

1980-1982:
• Udo Dirkschneider (vocals)
• Wolf Hoffmann (lead guitar)
• Jörg Fischer (rhythm guitar)
• Peter Baltes (bass)
• Stefan Kaufmann (drums)

This lineup remained consistent throughout the early 1980s, recording successful albums like "Breaker" (1981) and "Restless and Wild" (1982).

1982-1983:
• Udo Dirkschneider (vocals)
• Wolf Hoffmann (lead guitar)
• Jan Koemmet (rhythm guitar)
• Peter Baltes (bass)
• Stefan Kaufmann (drums)

Jörg Fischer briefly left the band and was replaced by Jan Koemmet, but returned soon after.

1983-1987:
• Udo Dirkschneider (vocals)
• Wolf Hoffmann (lead guitar)
• Jörg Fischer (rhythm guitar)
• Peter Baltes (bass)
• Stefan Kaufmann (drums)

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.