"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.
In the heart of the 1980s, when the neon lights of glam metal clashed with the raw power of thrash, Accept, the German heavy metal titans, took a bold step into the unknown with their seventh studio album, "Russian Roulette." Released in 1986, this album marked a turning point for the band, a daring departure from the commercial sound of its predecessor, "Metal Heart."
"Russian Roulette" was a calculated risk. Accept, known for their unyielding energy and powerful riffs, decided to self-produce the album, leaving behind the guiding hand of Dieter Dierks, who had helmed their previous efforts. This decision was a gamble, but one that ultimately paid off.
The album was recorded at the familiar grounds of Dierks Studios, the birthplace of many of Accept's classic records. However, this time, the band was in full control. They aimed to recapture the raw, unpolished sound of their earlier works, a sound that had been somewhat tempered on "Metal Heart."
"Russian Roulette" is a heavy metal album through and through. It eschews the glossy production of the era in favor of a more aggressive and direct approach. The guitars are razor-sharp, the drums thunderous, and Udo Dirkschneider's vocals are as ferocious as ever. The album opens with the anthemic "T.V. War," a searing indictment of the media's obsession with violence. This sets the tone for the rest of the album, which explores themes of conflict, aggression, and personal struggle.
The album's title track, "Russian Roulette," is a standout, a heavy metal masterpiece that perfectly captures the band's energy and intensity. Other highlights include the driving "Monsterman," the melodic "It's Hard to Find a Way," and the epic "Heaven Is Hell."
While "Russian Roulette" was a critical and commercial success, it was not without controversy. Some fans felt that the album's production was too raw and unpolished. Others criticized the band for abandoning the more melodic sound of "Metal Heart." However, Accept stood by their decision to self-produce the album, arguing that it was a necessary step to recapture their true sound.
The production team for "Russian Roulette" was a tight-knit group, led by the band themselves. Accept's core members, Udo Dirkschneider, Wolf Hoffmann, Peter Baltes, Jörg Fischer, and Stefan Kaufmann, were all involved in the songwriting and arranging process. The album was engineered by Michael Wagener, a veteran of the heavy metal scene who had worked with bands like Metallica and Dokken.
Despite the controversy, "Russian Roulette" proved to be a pivotal moment in Accept's career. It cemented their reputation as one of the leading heavy metal bands of the 1980s and paved the way for their later success. The album's raw power and uncompromising attitude continue to resonate with fans today, making it a true classic of the genre.
Music Genre: German Heavy/Speed Metal Music |
Album Production information: Produced and arranged by Accept for Breeze Music GMBH.(Breeze Music Gmbh is a record company founded and owned by Dieter Dierks , located in Stommeln, Germany.) Recorded at Dierks Studios "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 Gaby "Deaffy" Hoffmann - Lyrics, Cover Design Michael Wagener - Sound Mix Engineer Michael Wagener is a renowned music producer, mixer, and engineer hailing from Hamburg, Germany. He is highly recognized for his work with numerous prominent hard rock and heavy metal bands, particularly during the late 1980s, when he achieved considerable success and acclaim for his production contributions. Before his rise as a producer, Wagener had a musical career of his own. He was a guitarist and part of a German band called "Band X" in the pre-1970 era. Notably, Udo Dirkschneider, known for his involvement with the bands Accept and U.D.O., also performed alongside Wagener in "Band X". This early collaboration between Wagener and Dirkschneider acted as a precursor to the formation of Accept, the influential German heavy metal band. While Michael Wagener began as a guitarist for Accept , he eventually transitioned into the realm of music production, where he found his true calling. His talent, expertise, and meticulous approach to producing and mixing led him to work with some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. Wagener became highly sought after for his ability to capture the energy and power of these genres in the studio. In addition to his work as a music producer, mixer, and engineer, Michael Wagener is also the president of Double Trouble Productions. This production company, headed by Wagener, focuses on providing high-quality production services to various artists and bands in the music industry. Over the years, Wagener's production credits have included collaborations with iconic bands such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Dokken, White Lion, and many others. His contributions to the sound and success of these bands have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of rock and metal production. Michael Wagener's work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, ability to capture powerful performances, and his knack for creating an impactful and polished sound. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the hard rock and heavy metal genres, have left a lasting imprint and have helped shape the sonic landscape of numerous iconic albums. Mark Dodson - Sound Engineer Mark Dodson is a British record producer and sound engineer, who mostly works with artists in the heavy metal genre. He is best known for producing albums by Anthrax and Suicidal Tendencies, as well as working with dozens of other bands. Bob Ludwig - Mastering Engineer Bob Ludwig is an American mastering engineer and record producer. He is widely regarded as one of the best mastering engineers in the music industry, and has worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including classical, rock, pop, and jazz. Ludwig has been active in the music industry since the 1970s and has worked on numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including records by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry and has won several Grammy Awards for his work. Throughout his career, Ludwig has been known for his technical expertise, attention to detail, and his ability to bring out the best in recordings. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation of audio quality and has worked to promote the use of high-quality analog and digital technologies in the recording and mastering process. Overall, Bob Ludwig is a highly respected and accomplished mastering engineer who has made a significant impact on the music industry through his work with many of the biggest and most influential artists of our time. Didi Zill - Photography
|
Record Label Information: RCA PL 70972 / LC 0316 |
Album Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Accept |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
Year & Country: 1986 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Accept Russian Roulette |
|
Track Listing of: Accept Russian Roulette |
The Song/tracks on "Accept Russian Roulette " are
|
Hires Photo of Front Cover of "Russian Roulette" by Accept |
|
Hires photo of album back cover of Accept's Russian Roulette |
Lyrics custom inner sleeve of Russian Roulette by Accept Side One
Lyrics custom inner sleeve of Russian Roulette by Accept Side Two
Close-up photo of the "RCA" Record Label of "Russian Roulette" with Catalognr PL70972 and BIEM/GEMA Right Societies
|
Note: The photos on this page are of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Metronome 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."
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
