It was a bit of a surprise that the German metal band U.D.O. was already releasing another live album so soon after 2012’s “Live From Sofia.” Frontman Udo Dirkschneider wanted to showcase the new band lineup and capture the energy of their Russian shows and thus we have “Steelhammer Live From Moscow.”
There is no better way to hear metal than live and U.D.O. really brings it all to the table. This is the first U.D.O. live recording to feature the new guitar duo of Andrey Smirnov and Kasperi Heikkinen and their blistering runs are enough reason to give this one a listen. The focus is on the new material from “Steelhammer” and includes six tracks off that record. An epic 11 minute performance of “Mean Machine” is not to be missed and includes both drum and guitar solos. Only one Accept song is included on this album and it is the show closer “Metal Heart.”
“Steelhammer Live From Moscow” is a great way to experience U.D.O. live. Here in the U.S., we don’t often get a chance to see some of the European metal bands live and this set is the next best thing.
