Accept - Restless And Wild (Brain Records, German Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Explosive 1982 German heavy metal classic that defined speed metal and left a blazing legacy

Two burning Gibson Flying V's burning into flames of the album front cover of "Restless and Wild" by Accept. 

"Restless and Wild" is the fourth album by the German heavy metal band Accept,. It was the first Accept album to not be recorded at Delta-Studio, the band moving to Dieter Dierks' studio in Stommeln. It is also the first Accept album in which Udo Dirkschneider sings every track, as well as the first in which manager Gaby Hauke ("Deaffy") gains credits for songwriting. Michael Wagener took engineering and mixing duties once again. 

Restless and Wild Album Description:

"Restless and Wild" is the fourth studio album by the German heavy metal band Accept, released in 1982. It was a breakthrough album for the band and helped establish them as one of the premier metal bands of the 1980s. The album featured hit singles like "Fast as a Shark" and "Restless and Wild" and helped propel the German heavy metal scene to international recognition.

Musical Direction

"Restless and Wild" was a departure from the band's earlier sound, which was more rooted in hard rock and traditional heavy metal. The album featured faster, more aggressive songs that incorporated elements of speed metal and thrash metal. The band's use of dual lead guitar harmonies and catchy choruses also set them apart from other metal bands of the time.

Opening Track

The album opens with "Fast as a Shark," a blistering speed metal track that is considered one of the earliest examples of the genre. The song features a fast-paced riff, intricate guitar solos, and a high-pitched scream that would become a staple of the band's live performances.

Production

"Restless and Wild" was produced by Michael Wagener, who was also responsible for producing albums by other metal bands like Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and Skid Row. The album's sound is characterized by a raw, unpolished quality that adds to its intensity and energy. The guitars are especially prominent in the mix, with the dual lead guitar harmonies adding a sense of complexity and depth to the songs.

Legacy

"Restless and Wild" has been widely regarded as a classic in the heavy metal genre and helped establish Accept as one of the premier metal bands of the 1980s. The album has influenced countless other metal bands and helped pave the way for the rise of speed metal and thrash metal in the 1980s and beyond.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

German Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Black BRAIN 0060.513

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1982 – Germany

Producers:
  • Accept – Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Michael Wagener – Sound/Recording Engineer
Michael Wagener is a legendary music producer and sound engineer, known for crafting the signature sounds of hard rock and heavy metal. He co-founded Accept before shifting to production, working with top bands like Metallica, Skid Row, and Dokken. His powerful, polished mixes defined an era of rock. Read his biography
Recording Location:

Studio Dierks, Cologne, Germany – February, March, June 1982

"Dieter Dierks Studios" is a legendary German recording facility known for shaping the sound of iconic rock bands like the Scorpions. Founded by visionary producer Dieter Dierks, it's a place where rock history was made and continues to be created. Learn more
Photography:
  • Erhard Schulz – Album Cover Photography
  • Didi Zill – Album Cover Photography

Additional Notes:

Deaffy (Gaby Hoffmann-Hauke) — Lyricist & Creative Director

Deaffy, the pen name of Gaby Hoffmann-Hauke, wasn’t on stage shredding riffs but she was essential to Accept’s rise in the 1980s. Married to guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, she became the band’s secret weapon: a lyricist, cover concept designer, and production hand. Her sharp, socially charged lyrics gave Accept their distinctive voice, while her creative direction shaped the band’s visual identity during their most iconic years.

  • Primary Role – Lyricist, Creative Director
  • Country – Germany
  • Years Active – 1980s–1990s
  • Bands – Accept
  • Associated Acts – Wolf Hoffmann
Selected Discography
  • Accept – “Restless and Wild” (1982) – Lyrics & cover concept
  • Accept – “Balls to the Wall” (1983) – Lyrics
  • Accept – “Metal Heart” (1985) – Lyrics
  • Accept – “Russian Roulette” (1986) – Lyrics & concept
  • Accept – “Eat the Heat” (1989) – Lyrics
Didi Zill (Dieter Zill) — Photographer & Author

Didi Zill, born Dieter Zill in Germany, wasn’t the one on stage under blinding lights—he was the eye behind the camera, shaping how the world remembers rock’s greatest icons. As a leading photographer for Bravo magazine, he captured unguarded and unforgettable images of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and ABBA. His lens carved out an intimate yet mythic record of rock’s golden age, later preserved in numerous photo books that remain definitive visual documents of the era.

  • Primary Role – Photographer & Author
  • Country – Germany
  • Years Active – 1960s–present
  • Bands – Not a musician; photographed Deep Purple, ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Queen
  • Associated Acts – Bravo Magazine, German rock press
Selected Discography
  • Accept – “Russian Roulette” (1986) – Photography credit
  • Accept – “Hungry Years” (1985) – Photography credit
  • Accept – “Restless and Wild” (1982) – Photography credit
  • Boney M. – “Greatest Hits Of Boney M” (1981) – Photography credit
  • Boney M. – “Oceans Of Fantasy” (1979) – Photography credit
  • Deep Purple – “Come Taste The Band” (1975) – Photography credit
  • Deep Purple – “Powerhouse” (1977) – Photography credit
  • Deep Purple – “Slaves and Masters” (1990) – Photography credit
  • Published many photo books featuring rock and pop bands, including Deep Purple, ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and The Rolling Stones

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Udo Dirkschneider – Vocals
    Udo Dirkschneider: a metal icon forged in steel. The legendary voice of Accept, the unstoppable force behind U.D.O. Explore his music, his journey, and the enduring power of true heavy metal.
  • Wolf Hoffmann – Guitars
  • Herman Frank – Guitars
  • Peter Baltes – Bass
  • Stefan Kaufmann – Drums

Complete Track-listing:

  1. Fast as a Shark (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes) – 3:49
  2. Restless and Wild (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes, Robert A. Smith-Diesel + Accept) – 4:12
  3. Ahead of the Pack (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes) – 3:24
  4. Shake Your Heads (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes) – 4:17
  5. Neon Nights (Deaffy, Robert A. Smith-Diesel + Accept) – 6:02
Video: ACCEPT - Restless And Wild - Restless And Live (OFFICIAL LIVE CLIP)
  1. Get Ready (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes, Robert A. Smith-Diesel + Accept) – 3:41
  2. Demon's Night (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes) – 4:28
  3. Flash Rockin' Man (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes) – 4:28
  4. Don't Go Stealin' My Soul Away (Hoffmann, Kaufmann, Dirkschneider, Baltes, Robert A. Smith-Diesel + Accept) – 3:16
  5. Princess of the Dawn (Deaffy, Robert A. Smith-Diesel + Accept) – 6:16
Video: Accept - Princess of the Dawn (Restless And Live)

Accept – “Restless and Wild” Front Cover Variants: French vs. German

- Detailed side-by-side for vinyl collectors: French live-photo sleeve vs German flaming-V cover, spot the tells fast and bag the right pressing

Two radically different jackets sit behind the same blast of music. For collectors, the French Venus/Polydor pressing and the German pressing can be identified in seconds by the front artwork alone. Use this guide to authenticate, describe, and file the variants correctly.

Accept - Restless and Wild (French Pressing)

The French cover of Restless and Wild captures Accept in raw concert energy: Udo crouches center stage, flanked by guitarists in motion, while a towering drum kit blazes under red and orange lights. The crowd’s raised fists frame the scene. Title text appears in white lowercase script, with a red Polydor logo at bottom-right and catalog code 810987-1 discreetly printed top-right.

Accept - Restless and Wild (German Pressing)

The German cover of Restless and Wild is iconic heavy metal symbolism: two Flying V guitars are crossed and engulfed in vivid orange flames against a stark black backdrop. Electric-blue lightning bolts slash across the scene, amplifying its raw power. The album title blazes in bold cyan uppercase letters at the top-left, with Accept’s sharp metallic logo and crest set prominently in the corner.

At a Glance

  • French (Venus/Polydor): full-bleed live stage photograph; crowd hands in foreground; drummer centered behind a large kit; towering speaker stacks; band name and title set as white script “Accept • restless & wild”; Polydor logo printed at bottom-right; tiny catalog code 810987-1 printed at top-right.
  • German: conceptual studio artwork of two V-shaped guitars engulfed in flames against a black field; electric-blue lightning bolt at right; cyan “RESTLESS AND WILD” top-left; crisp Accept logo with lion crest top-right; no label logo on the front.

Visual and Typography Details

Primary image
French (Venus/Polydor)

Live concert shot: Udo crouched center; Wolf and Herman on guitars left/right; Stefan on massive kit; audience at bottom edge.

German

Still-life art: twin Flying-V–style guitars arranged like a pyre, fully ablaze.

Color palette
French (Venus/Polydor)

Fiery reds/oranges from stage lights; deep shadows; metallic highlights on drums.

German

High-contrast black ground, intense orange flames, cool electric-blue lightning and title.

Title styling
French (Venus/Polydor)

Lowercase white script: “restless & wild”, prefixed by a mid-dot “•”.

German

Uppercase cyan: “RESTLESS AND WILD” set flush left.

Band logo on front
French (Venus/Polydor)

Visible as a huge stage backdrop behind the kit; partially obscured by lights.

German

Printed, sharp logo with lion crest at top-right.

Label branding
French (Venus/Polydor)

Red Polydor logo block at bottom-right.

German

None visible on front.

Catalog code on front
French (Venus/Polydor)

Small “810987-1” at the upper-right corner.

German

Not visible on the front artwork.

Stage/crowd elements
French (Venus/Polydor)

Yes: raised hands, stacks, lighting rigs, live energy.

German

No: purely conceptual artwork.

Iconic motif
French (Venus/Polydor)

Band-in-action photograph.

German

Flaming crossed V-guitars and lightning strike.

Authentication Tips (Front Jacket Only)

  1. Look for the Polydor bug: a red Polydor rectangle sits at the bottom-right on the French cover. Its absence strongly suggests the German artwork.
  2. Scan the top-right corner: the French live cover prints a tiny 810987-1; the German artwork shown does not carry such numerals on the front.
  3. Read the title case: French uses “restless & wild” in white script with a mid-dot; German uses blocky cyan “RESTLESS AND WILD”.
  4. Identify the motif: people and hardware (crowd, drums, stacks) = French; burning V guitars + lightning = German.

Collector Notes

  • Shelf spotting: The French cover’s live photo reads from across the room thanks to the glowing drum kit and crowd silhouettes; the German cover pops as a stark black sleeve punctured by a vertical flame column and a blue lightning slash.
  • Cataloging: When filing or selling, include the front-cover variant in your description (e.g., “French live-photo front” vs “German flaming-guitars front”).
  • Condition sensitivity: The German’s black background can accentuate surface scuffs; the French’s saturated reds/oranges often hide light wear but show edge chips around the dark borders.

Why It Matters

These two jackets tell different stories: one documents the heat and sweat of the stage; the other forges a myth in fire and lightning. For collectors, the artwork is not just packaging—it's a quick identifier of the pressing lineage you own or want.

Album Front Cover Photo
The album cover of Restless and Wild by Accept shows two Gibson Flying V electric guitars set upright against each other in the shape of a blazing bonfire. Bright orange flames completely engulf the instruments, consuming their wooden bodies and necks, while sharp details like tuning pegs and pickups remain faintly visible through the fire. Against the stark black background, the intense fire radiates outward with dramatic tongues of flame, while a jagged bolt of white lightning splits the darkness near the band’s metallic logo, which features a fierce lion crest. The album title Restless and Wild appears in solid blue type on the upper left. The entire composition conveys raw energy, destruction, and the unrestrained power of heavy metal.

The cover art for Restless and Wild erupts with a striking image: two Gibson Flying V guitars leaned together in a triangular stance, engulfed in fierce, bright orange flames. Their familiar V-shaped outlines are still visible, but the instruments appear to be consumed by fire, as though sacrificed to the spirit of heavy metal.

Behind the burning guitars stretches a deep black background, making the fire glow even more violently. A jagged streak of white lightning slashes across the right-hand side, directing attention toward the gleaming Accept logo, crowned with a metallic lion crest that adds an emblem of power and ferocity.

In the upper left corner, the album title Restless and Wild is printed in a stark, icy blue typeface, its cool tone contrasting with the raging inferno. The whole composition radiates destruction, rebellion, and raw untamed energy, perfectly embodying the sound and ethos of early 1980s heavy metal.

Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of the album Restless and Wild by Accept features two Gibson Flying V guitars crossed upright, their bodies blackened and glowing as if emerging from flames. Against a dark background with faint smoke and orange highlights, the guitars stand as charred monuments. Track listings for Side 1 and Side 2 appear in white text, angled outward on either side of the guitars, detailing all ten songs with songwriter credits. The album title Restless and Wild is placed in bold blue type under the band’s yellow name Accept, located between the guitar necks. At the bottom edge, small print credits the label Metronome Musik GmbH, while the Brain Records logo and catalog number 0060.513 are shown in the upper corners. A small red and white retail price sticker marked 18.00 adds a vintage touch.

The back cover of Restless and Wild displays two Gibson Flying V guitars set in a dramatic cross formation, their necks rising like pillars and their bodies glowing faintly with the aftermath of flames. The scorched imagery continues the fiery theme of the album front cover.

Between the guitar necks appears the band name Accept in bold yellow, with the album title Restless and Wild in vivid blue below it. On the left and right sides, angled white text lists the tracks for Side 1 and Side 2, complete with songwriter credits, making the back cover both functional and visually striking.

In the upper right corner the catalog number 0060.513 is displayed, along with a small red and white price tag marked 18.00, giving it a tangible vintage retail feel. Along the bottom edge, fine print credits Metronome Musik GmbH, Hamburg, and the Brain Records logo, grounding the release firmly in its original German issue.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the black Brain Records label for Accept's Restless and Wild LP, catalog number 0060.513. The circular label features the Brain logo at the top with its iconic side-profile silhouette, followed by the band name Accept in bold capitals. Below, track listings for Side 1 are printed in white text, including Fast as a Shark, Restless and Wild, Ahead of the Pack, Shake Your Heads, and Neon Nights, each with songwriting credits and durations. The GEMA rights society logo and LC 3230 label code are clearly marked on the right side. Along the bottom edge, the text states 'Made in Germany by Metronome Musik GmbH' with the publishing year 1982. The spindle hole is centered, surrounded by the glossy black surface of the vinyl.

This close-up of the Restless and Wild LP label reveals the stark black design of Brain Records. At the top, the label’s distinctive profile silhouette logo is printed in white, next to the word Brain, a mark instantly recognizable to collectors of German vinyl.

The band name Accept appears in bold, followed by detailed track listings for Side 1: Fast as a Shark, Restless and Wild, Ahead of the Pack, Shake Your Heads, and Neon Nights. Each title is accompanied by precise songwriting credits and timings, emphasizing the professional layout of the pressing.

To the right, the GEMA rights society box and LC 3230 code confirm its official German release. Around the bottom rim, the text credits Metronome Musik GmbH with production and marks it as made in Germany in 1982. The clear white typeface against the deep black background makes the label both functional and striking in its minimalism.

Index of ACCEPT (Band, Germany ) 1980s Vinyl Discography

ACCEPT - Accept ( self-titled )
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Accept ( self-titled ) album front cover

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 LP
ACCEPT - Balls to the Wall
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Balls to the Wall album front cover

 RCA 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 LP
ACCEPT - Best of Accept
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Best of Accept Orig Brain album front cover

Brain 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 LP
ACCEPT - Breaker
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Breaker album front cover

Brain 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 LP
ACCEPT - Eat the Heat
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Eat the Heat album front cover

 RCA 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 LP
ACCEPT - Hungry Years
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Hungry Years Digital Remix UK album front cover

 Metronome Music GmbH 831 077-1 , 1987 , 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 LP
ACCEPT - I'm a Rebel
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - I'm a Rebel album front cover

 BRAIN 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 LP
ACCEPT - Kaizoku-Ban / Live in Japan
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Kaizoku-Ban / Live in Japan album front cover

 RCA 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 LP
ACCEPT - Metal Heart
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Metal Heart album front cover

 RCA 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 LP
ACCEPT - Metal Masters
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Metal Masters album front cover

 RCA 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 LP
ACCEPT - Restless and Wild
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Restless and Wild ( France ) album front cover

Venus 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 LP
ACCEPT - Restless and Wild
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Restless and Wild ( Germany ) album front cover

BRAIN 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 LP
ACCEPT - Russian Roulette
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Russian Roulette album front cover

RCA 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 LP
ACCEPT - Staying A Life
Thumbnail of ACCEPT - Staying A Life album front cover

RCA 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