German heavy metal veterans U.D.O. will kick off their long-awaited North American Fall headlining tour this week! The journey will commence on September 6th in Frenchtown, New Jersey and makes its way through two dozen cities, closing on October 10th in Columbus, Ohio. Support will be provided by Midnight Hellion, KillDevil Theory, and Power Theory on select dates. Tickets, as well as VIP upgrades which include a meet and greet with U.D.O., a photo-op, autographs, and more are available at: national-acts.com/UDO. See all confirmed dates below.
Heavy metal quintet U.D.O. — fronted by legendary singer Udo Dirkschneider — released their latest studio album, Touchdown, last Summer via Atomic Fire Records. Crafted with producer and mixing engineer Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer at Redhead Studio (Wilhelmshaven, Germany), the massive, thirteen track Touchdown was mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio (Solingen, Germany). The record includes a guest appearance by violinist Stefan Pintev on the closing track, and bass tracks were recorded by newest member, former Accept bassist Peter Baltes. Artwork was provided by Martin Häusler.
He is one of the epitomes of international heavy metal: With his unique voice, Udo Dirkschneider has been shaping legendary rock anthems since the ‘80s. Spending five decades on stages, Dirkschneider is a true icon of the metal scene.
Despite his long history and the many ups and downs that rock ‘n’ roll life entails, Udo Dirkschneider continues to write his own story and never ceases to amaze. His latest album, Touchdown, is no exception. Just as the “touchdown” in American football describes an important goal for players and teams, the same applies to the album and Udo Dirkschneider. After the difficult years of the pandemic and the split from bassist Tilen Hudrap, U.D.O. returns with a true touchdown. Anthemic, brutal, and authentic beyond all measure, this is yet another musical milestone in the band’s career.
“As the title track brings things to a close, hurtling along at light speed, one might wonder aloud how Udo Dirkschneider still has the energy for all of this. But he does, and Touchdown is an unpretentious, hard-hitting joy as a result.” – Blabbermouth
“This is indeed a touchdown and deserves a gratuitous end-zone celebration by all involved. Impressive stuff from one of metal’s elder statesmen.” – Angry Metal Guy
“…quintessential and classic U.D.O., with Dirkschneider and friends delivering traditional speedy heavy metal with his whiskey gruff vocals at the forefront. If you’re a fan, you will enjoy this album. Recommended.” – Dangerdog
“If you want a solid heavy metal record featuring now two legends, Touchdown is a good example as to why these guys have rocked out for so long.” – Heavy Music HQ
“The latest studio album Touchdown features the return of ex-Accept bassist Peter Baltes to the fold – and an array of material that showcases an artist willing to keep one foot in his conventional traditional, old-school wheelhouse, while also encouraging his younger musical compatriots to develop songs that contain some modern angst, power, and bite.” – Dead Rhetoric
“I’m not sure how I went this far into the review without mentioning the inclusion of classic Accept bassist Peter Baltes, but his bass playing and backing vocals really do add an extra retro metal kick. I can’t wait to hear what he’ll contribute to U.D.O. in terms of songwriting on subsequent releases. Until then, I’ll put on my helmet and put on my best game face. Touchdown gives me every reason to do so.” – Defenders Of The Faith Metal
“It’s not just good on disc; with the mix of speed, melody and aggression, most of these songs are bound to make a killing in the live setting. Great stuff.” — The Metal Crypt
U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER:
Udo Dirkschneider – vocals
Andrey Smirnov – guitar
Sven Dirkschneider – drums
Fabian Dee Dammers – guitar
Peter Baltes – bass
For U.D.O. coverage in North America, contact liz@earsplitcompound.com.
