ACCEPT – Blind Rage

After 14 albums and nearly 40 years on the trail (taking name changes into account), it is surprising how much Accept still have left to offer. I am happy to report that the renaissance brought about by the addition of vocalist Mark Tornillo continues with the excellent ‘Blind Rage’.

Quite a few people checked out 2012’s ‘Stalingrad’ and the steel-driving five-piece garnered praise from all corners, fans and press alike. Deservedly so; it was a classic old-school metal album full of rocking riffs, fist in the air choruses, head-banging beats and screaming vocals. ‘Blind Rage’ is no different. The first thing that hits you are the guitar lines. Each one has a comfortable familiarity that readily links it to our shared metal past, yet each is subtly and undeniably original. And therein lies much of the success of modern Accept. Then we come to Tornillo’s vocals. I can’t see how anybody who likes Udo will fail to enjoy his performance on ‘Blind Rage,’ (I mean they are quite similar in a way…) but it has to be said that Tornillo has a less idiosyncratic feel that broadens his potential appeal. One of the most impressive things about Accept is the consistency with which they turn out classy choruses. From militaristic, Russian sounding chants to traditional refrains, everything is put together with seemingly effortless grace. There is not one note out of place, not a bar that breaks the spell.

If you ever had any interest in Accept or even just classic metal played well, this will hit the spot, every time.

http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/
http://www.acceptworldwide.com/