U.D.O – Dominator (2009)
U.D.O is back with their twelfth studio album, Dominator. This new disc might just be their best one yet.
While I agree that Udo Dirkschneider’s vocals might be an acquired taste, I have loved his voice ever since his early days with Accept. It is hard for me to believe at 57 years old, Udo can still manage to sing at such a high level. On Dominator, he is on top of his game, and vocals are razor sharp.
There are a couple of songs on Dominator that I didn’t care for. “Heavy Metal Heaven” and “Devil’s Rendezvous” just didn’t do it for me. “Devil’s Rendezvous” is a little more poppy than I would expect from U.D.O. The rest of the disc is pretty damn good.
“The Bogeyman” has a slow intro, that led me to believe that this song would plod along, and be a fairly boring track to start off this CD. That is not the case at all. “The Bogeyman” kicks into gear quickly and instantly got me headbanging and singing “He is the Bogeyman”.
“Dominator” is an absolutely killer title cut. This is one of my favorite metal songs of 2009! The guitars of Kaufmann and Gianola are pretty awesome on this tune.
“Black and White” and “Infected” are two more heavy rocking cuts back to back. I was already familiar with “Infected” from the U.D.O. EP that came out earlier this year. If you didn’t grab that EP, this is your second chance to grab the tune “Infected”. Both “Black and White” and “Infected” are awesome cuts on this disc.
“Doom Ride” is a pretty catchy number that seems to get better with each listen. You will find yourself singing Doooooooooom Ride in no time.
“Stillness of Time” is a mid tempo cut that does a good job breaking up the pace of Dominator. At times, I think this song leans more towards Whitesnake than Accept. This song adds in keyboards with some über cool riffing from Kaufman. About midway through the song has some awesome Spanish guitar, before moving back to the classic style riffing. This song is probably as radio friendly as you will ever hear U.D.O. get, and I am ok with that. This is a great tune!
DO NOT drive while listening to the song “Speed Demon”. You will get a speeding ticket. This high octane rocker will have you putting your foot to the floor. If you foot isn’t slammed down on the accelerator, it will be tapping to keep up with the high speed beats of this tune. This is another great head banger!
“Whispers In The Dark” is one of the slower tunes on this CD, but the music is great. This is a piano based number with a moody feel to it. Udo pulls this one off, and it is a really cool closer for Dominator.
For you U.S. fans, you are going to have to wait until October 6th, to purchase a copy of Dominator, but I think it will be worth the wait! This is a disc will appeal to both Accept and U.D.O. fans. I like it a lot, and I think you will too!
If you can’t wait until October, you can score a copy of the import CD, from CD Inzane at this link.
For more information on U.D.O., check out the band’s myspace page or the U.D.O. website.
Rating: 
Track Listing:
01. The Bogeyman
02. Dominator
03. Black And White
04. Infected
05. Heavy Metal Heaven
06. Doom Ride
07. Stillness Of Time
08. Devil’s Rendezvous
09. Speed Demon
10. Whispers In The Dark
UDO is:
Udo Dirkschneider – Vocals
Stefan Kaufmann – Guitar
Igor Gianola – Guitar
Fitty Wienhold – Bass
Francesco Jovino – Drums
Leave A Comment ↓
Ken,
the new Accept is easily the metal album of the year. You need to check it out!
12 solos…where the hell haave I been? I had Breaker and the Chainsaw cover, Restlass and I’m a Rebel…everything up through Balls to the Wall and Metal Heart, too, but damn, son…i’m gonna have to check this out. Until I know otherwise…U.D.O. rules…but I have it on ‘reliable sources” that the new Accept is “STELLAR.” Go figure.
I have listen to this CD 2 times now and i can’t almost find a song that’s good… Dominator is the best song but its the only one thats good. 😦 i wont give up this album yet but right now its like 3/10
U.D.O. – DOMINATOR is the Heavy Metal CD of the Year!! I’m rating it 10 guitars! A MUST HAVE IN YOUR COLLECTION! The CD gets better with every listen, and may be U.D.O.’s best yet, also sounds like “Dominator World Tour in 2010!)
Best songs : The Bogeyman, Dominator, Heavy Metal Heaven, Infected, Speed Demon
Worst song : Devil’s Rendezvous
Troy (U.S.A.)