Marking the 40th anniversary of ACCEPT’s iconic album, Balls To The Wall, founding member and former frontman Udo Dirkschneider is reinterpreting this classic with a fresh and star-studded twist. Far from a simple remake, this project was born out of countless conversations with prominent artists across the global rock and metal scene, who frequently asked: “Are you planning anything special for the 40th anniversary of Balls To The Wall?”
These discussions sparked the idea to re-record the album’s legendary tracks alongside a stellar lineup of guest musicians, transforming the project into a heartfelt tribute. For both Dirkschneider and the participating artists, this endeavor is more than a celebration - it’s a homage to one of heavy metal’s most groundbreaking albums.
The reimagined Balls To The Wall features an impressive roster of talent, breathing new life into each track:
- Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON]
- London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON]
- Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR]
- Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE]
- Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN]
- Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL]
- Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones]
- Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER]
- Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST]
- Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]
This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also underscores their timeless impact on the metal genre. More than a revival, this project serves as a celebration of the album’s enduring legacy, enriched by the enthusiasm and contributions of some of metal’s most influential voices.
“Re-recording “Balls To The Wall” was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that’s why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It’s a never-ending personal journey for me - “Balls To The Wall” will always be a part of me,” states Udo.
