DIRKSCHNEIDER (Heavy Metal – UDO!!! – Germany 🇩🇪 ) – Launch “Balls To The Wall” Lyric Video For Title Track Single Feat. Joakim Brodén Of SABATON via Reigning Phoenix Music #Dirkschneider #sabaton #ballstothewall #udo #accept #heavymetal

Taken off the album “Balls To The Wall Reloaded” (February 28th, 2025)
🎧 Stream, get it here: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrYT

“To re-record ‘Balls To The Wall’ with SABATON’s Joakim Brodén was definitely a highlight! This man has an incredibly powerful voice which makes the song sound even more explosive. It’s a huge amount of energy lifting this classic track to unknown heights. Joakim has simply delivered – and together we managed to revitalise the song, resulting in a brute new version!”

🎧 Stream, get it here: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/ballsYT

Back in time for its 40th anniversary, ACCEPT’s Udo Dirkschneider is thrilled to release the re-imagined version of the legendary album Balls to the Wall, coming February 28th, 2025. This genre-defining record showcases a powerhouse collective of talent, breathing new life and energy into each track. Featuring collaborations with iconic vocalists and musicians from the rock and metal scene, the re-release offers a fresh take on classic anthems, while staying true to the original spirit of the album. Fans can expect powerful performances, a redefined sound, and an exciting tribute to an album that has shaped the landscape of heavy metal for decades.

Udo states, “This reinterpretation of “Balls To The Wall” not only makes the original songs shine anew but also underscores the album’s timeless relevance and influence on the metal scene. At the same time, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary attempt to revive an untouchable work. Instead, it’s a celebration of the legacy of “Balls To The Wall,” with the blessing and enthusiasm of many significant voices in the genre.

The result is a tribute to the history of heavy metal and proof of how enduring and inspiring this album remains, even four decades later.”

Balls To The Wall Reloaded – Track Listing:

01. Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON] 02. London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON] 03. Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR] 04. Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE] 05. Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN] 06. Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL] 07. Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones] 08. Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER] 09. Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens of KK’s PRIEST, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST] 10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]

Formats:
– CD-digipak + patch bundle [RPM EU excl.] – CD-digipak
– jewelcase-CD
– various coloured 1LP vinyl (‘guardian of the night,’ ‘red hot marbled,’ ‘winter blue’)
– digital

The opening track, “Balls to the Wall,” sets the stage with an electrifying punch, featuring Joakim Brodén of SABATON. His commanding vocals seamlessly blend with Dirkschneider’s, delivering a dynamic and impactful start to this revamped version of the album. “London Leatherboys” follows as track two, with a collaboration featuring SAXON’s Biff Byford. This rendition adds a unique twist to the classic anthem about a thrilling night in the lives of a group of boys in London. Track three, “Fight It Back,” showcases the collaborative talents of Mille Petrozza of KREATOR. His vocals bring a timeless energy, effectively conveying the anthem’s message of rebellion against an “average” life.

A passionate beginning opens track four, “Head Over Heels.” This electrifying collaboration features Nils Molin of AMARANTHE and DYNAZTY, whose dynamic vocal style enhances the song’s intensity and emotional depth. On track five, Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN lends his emotive vocals to “Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had,” a tragic ballad that explores themes of regret, heartbreak, and self-reflection. His heartfelt delivery brings an added layer of gravity to the introspective lyrics. Track six, “Love Child,” features Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL. The interplay between Dirkschneider and Eriksson creates a captivating contrast, blending their unique vocal styles to elevate the song’s intensity.

“Turn Me On,” track seven, features Danko Jones, retaining the raw energy and desire that made the original so impactful. The track captivates with its pulsating rhythm and electrifying passion, an anthem of lust and longing. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER joins Dirkschneider on track eight, “Losers and Winners.” The song delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and rejection, with Snider amplifying the intensity and frustration, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of vulnerability, competition, and heartache.

“Guardian Of The Night,” track nine, features Tim “Ripper” Owens, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST. Owens’ vocals reflect the torment of a soul disconnected from the light, embodying the essence of a “man of the dark” in this emotionally charged anthem.

The final track, “Winter Dreams,” features Doro Pesch. Her vocals harmonize beautifully with Dirkschneider’s, creating a haunting and powerful blend that closes the album with emotional depth and a reflective tone.

As fans old and new prepare to experience this genre-defining album in a fresh light, it is clear that the spirit of Balls to the Wall remains as relevant and inspiring as ever, proving that true classics never fade—they only grow stronger with time.

About DIRKSCHNEIDER:
Udo Dirkschneider, born April 6, 1952, in Wuppertal, Germany, first became captivated by music at the age of 12 after receiving a Beatles record as a gift. This marked the beginning of his lifelong obsession with rock, soon followed by the influence of The Rolling Stones. Together with his childhood friend and future world-renowned producer Michael Wagener, Dirkschneider co-founded the band BAND X at the age of 16, which later evolved into ACCEPT in 1971. The band struggled to find the right lineup until their breakthrough in 1978 with their self-titled debut album. ACCEPT’s aggressive and revolutionary sound, exemplified by Breaker (1980) and Restless and Wild, helped define the heavy metal scene in Europe.

By 1983, ACCEPT achieved worldwide fame with Balls to the Wall, which propelled them into the American market. After years of success with ACCEPT, Dirkschneider eventually pursued his solo career, forming DIRKSCHNEIDER. With his unmistakable voice and powerful stage presence, he continues to honor the legacy of ACCEPT while also exploring his own musical identity. Dirkschneider’s influence on the heavy metal world remains strong, and his ongoing work stands as a testament to his dedication to the genre.

DIRKSCHNEIDER live:
“Balls To The Wall” – 40th Anniversary Tour
w/ CROWNSHIFT, ALL FOR METAL
Presented by Contra Promotion & Metal Hammer
25.02.2025 HR Zagreb – Boogaloo * *NEW*
26.02.2025 AT Vienna – SiMM City
27.02.2025 DE Munich – Backstage *LOW TICKETS*
28.02.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee *LOW TICKETS*
01.03.2025 CZ Prague – SaSaZu
02.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra
04.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic Club
06.03.2025 PL Kraków – Klub Studio
07.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja
08.03.2025 LT Vilnius – Kablys
09.03.2025 EE Tallinn – Helitehas *NEW*
10.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo
11.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema
13.03.2025 NO Oslo – Rockefeller
14.03.2025 SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n
16.03.2025 DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt
17.03.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp
18.03.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix
19.03.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo
21.03.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem
22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Mon *MOVED*
23.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2
25.03.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7
26.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn *SOLD OUT*
27.03.2025 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle
28.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36
29.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle *LOW TICKETS*
30.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle *NEW*
08.04.2025 GR Athens – Fuzz Live Music Club * *NEW*
09.04.2025 GR Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater * *NEW*
11.04.2025 TR Istanbul – IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş * *NEW*
12.04.2025 BG Sofia – Hristo Botev Hall * *NEW*
* DIRKSCHNEIDER only

30.07. – 02.08.2025 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air *SOLD OUT* *NEW*

“Hell, Fire And Steel” Tour
w/ SAXON
04.11.2025 UK Belfast – Ulster Hall *NEW*
05.11.2025 IE Dublin – 3Olympia Theatre *NEW*
07.11.2025 UK Manchester – O2 Apollo *NEW*
08.11.2025 UK Sheffield – The Octagon Centre *NEW*
09.11.2025 UK Glasgow – O2 Academy *NEW*
11.11.2025 UK Newcastle – O2 City Hall *NEW*
13.11.2025 UK Bristol – Beacon *NEW*
14.11.2025 UK Wolverhampton – Civic Hall *NEW*
15.11.2025 UK London – Eventim Apollo Hammersmith *NEW*
16.11.2025 UK Cardiff – The Great Hall *NEW*

Info & Tickets: https://udo-online.de/tourdates.html 

DIRKSCHNEIDER are:
Udo Dirkschneider | vocals
Andrey Smirnov | guitar
Fabian “Dee” Dammers | guitar
Peter Baltes | bass
Sven Dirkschneider | drums

About Reigning Phoenix Music

Founded in 2023, Reigning Phoenix Music is truly the 100% independently owned vision of music industry professional Gerardo Martinez and avionics and tech entrepreneur, Sven Bogner. The blueprint is to continue to help heavy metal, extreme and hard music thrive by partnering with an array of well-established acts, new talent, and iconic artists by offering best services and practices in the industry. RPM’s paramount goal is to help the artists amplify their music and talent to a winning formula for success. The label recently opened a new office in London, UK.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Reigning Phoenix Music on YouTube to stay updated and listen to “Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén]” along with other new tracks in the RPM New Releases playlist on Spotify. Subscribe here: https://rpm.link/spotifynewreleasesPR.

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