"Metal Heart" is the 1985 release by German heavy metal band Accept. Although the group had recorded before at Dierks-Studios, this was the first album produced by Dieter Dierks himself. This album was a cautious attempt to crack the lucrative American market with more accessible songcraft and emphasis on hooks and melodies. Although critically panned at the time, today Metal Heart is often considered by fans as one of the band's best records.
In the heart of the 1980s, amidst a burgeoning heavy metal scene, the German titans ACCEPT unleashed their sonic masterpiece, "Metal Heart." This iconic album, released on 12" vinyl LP, not only solidified their place in metal history but also pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Historical Context
"Metal Heart" emerged during a transformative period for heavy metal. The raw energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal had given way to a more refined, melodic sound. ACCEPT, with their distinctive blend of Teutonic aggression and melodic sensibility, found themselves at the forefront of this evolution.
Musical Exploration
"Metal Heart" was a bold exploration of musical themes and textures. The album's title track, a thunderous anthem with its iconic synthesized riff, became an instant classic. Songs like "Midnight Mover" and "Up to the Limit" showcased the band's ability to craft infectious melodies while maintaining their heavy metal edge.
Lyrically, "Metal Heart" delved into a range of subjects, from social commentary to personal struggles. The song "Screaming for a Love-Bite" tackled the complexities of relationships, while "Living for Tonite" embraced a carpe diem philosophy.
Genre Fusion
ACCEPT's musical prowess transcended genre boundaries. While firmly rooted in heavy metal, "Metal Heart" incorporated elements of hard rock, classical music, and even hints of industrial sounds. This eclectic mix broadened their appeal and attracted a diverse audience.
Controversies
"Metal Heart" was not without its controversies. The album's cover art, depicting a robotic heart, sparked debate among fans and critics. Some saw it as a powerful visual representation of the album's themes, while others criticized it as gimmicky. Additionally, the band's use of synthesizers on certain tracks drew mixed reactions from purists who preferred a more traditional heavy metal sound.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by Dieter Dierks, a renowned German producer known for his work with Scorpions. Dierks's expertise helped shape the album's polished sound and brought out the best in the band's performances. "Metal Heart" was recorded at Dierks Studios in Stommeln, Germany, a state-of-the-art facility that allowed ACCEPT to experiment with different sonic textures.
Heavy Metal ( Germany )
RCA PL 70638
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1985 Made in Germany
This album includes a light-blue custom inner sleeve with lyrics of all the songs of this album
Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music GMBH
Gerd Rautenbach - Sound Engineer
Mike Kashnitz - Assistent Sound Engineer
Peter Brandt - Assistent Sound Engineer
Bob Ludwig - Mastering Engineer
My quick tell for a record that’s about to sound expensive: “Mastered by Bob Ludwig” quietly lurking in the credits. Read more...
Bob Ludwig, for me, is the final boss of “make it hit”: cutting lacquers at A&R in the late ’60s, shaping the 1970s at Sterling Sound, the 1976–1992 Masterdisk era, then building Gateway Mastering in Maine (founded 1992) before retiring in 2023. His mastering fingerprints run from classic rock to metal to modern pop—Led Zeppelin and Lou Reed through Metallica, Nirvana, Tool, and Daft Punk.
Recorded at Dierks Studios
Deaffy - Album Cover Idea and Concept
Deaffy's real-name is Gaby Hoffman
Deaffy (real name: Gaby Hoffmann-Hauke, married to "Wolf Hoffmann") worked with Accept during the 1980s on several albums as producer, cover designer, and lyricist. Deaffy is the pen name of Gaby Hoffmann-Hauke, wife of Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann. Throughout the 1980s she was a vital creative force behind Accept, writing most of their lyrics, shaping album cover concepts, and even taking part in production. Her words gave the band its sharp social edge -
BRAIN 0060.188 , 1979 , Germany
"ACCEPT" is the self-titled debut album released by the German heavy metal band Accept. It was recorded in 1978 and released in early 1979 on the German label Brain Records. Drums on the record are played by Frank Friedrich, but he chose not to pursue a professional music career
Accept ( self-titled ) 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL 70186 / LC 0316 , 1983 , Germany
ACCEPT's iconic "Balls to the Wall" 12" LP, a cornerstone of heavy metal, delivers relentless energy and anthemic tracks. Released in 1983, the album's raw power, Udo Dirkschneider's distinct vocals, and socially conscious lyrics solidified its place in music history.
Balls to the Wall 12" Vinyl LP
Brain 811 994 , 1983 , Germany
"Best of Accept" is a compilation album by German heavy metal band Accept, released in 1983. The songs on the album were pulled from Accept's earliest four solo albums, namely Accept, I'm a Rebel, Breaker, and Restless and Wild
Best of Accept Orig Brain 12" Vinyl LP
Brain Records 0060.390 , 1981 , Germany
Released in 1981 on Brain Records, "Breaker" is Accept's third studio album and a definitive heavy metal classic. It features raw energy, powerful vocals by Udo Dirkschneider, and iconic tracks like "Starlight" and the title track "Breaker." This 12" vinyl LP captures the band's early sound
Breaker 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL74083 , 1989 , Made in Germany
"Eat the Heat" is the 1989 release by German Heavy metal band Accept. It was recorded at Dierks-Studios, in Cologne, from September 1988 to January 1989. Although Jim Stacey is presented as guitar player in the band on the album cover, the cover text also states that all guitars are by Wolf Hoffmann.
Eat the Heat 12" Vinyl LP
Metronome Music GmbH 831 077-1 , 1987 , Made in Uk ( United Kingdom )
Accept's "Hungry Years Digital Remix" is a compilation album that offers a fresh take on the band's early catalog. Released in 1987, the album features digitally remastered versions of songs from their second, third, and fourth albums, including "Fast as a Shark," "Restless and Wild," and "Balls to the Wall."
Hungry Years 12" Vinyl LP
BRAIN 0060.389 , 1980 , Made in Germany
Accept's 2nd album, "I'm a Rebel" (title-less), is a raw, high-energy heavy metal record. Though not as polished as their later work, it showcases Udo Dirkschneider's distinct vocals, Wolf Hoffmann's powerful guitar riffs, and the band's signature sound in its early stages.
I'm a Rebel 12" Vinyl LP
RCA NG70941 , 1985 , Made in Germany
Accept's 'Kaizoku-Ban' is a live mini album that unleashes a sonic storm of heavy metal energy. Recorded in Nagoya, Japan in 1985, this genuine 1st issue vinyl LP captures the raw power of a legendary performance. Udo Dirkschneider's commanding vocals, Wolf Hoffmann's scorching guitars
Kaizoku-Ban / Live in Japan 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL 70638 , 1985 , Made in Germany
Accept's "Metal Heart" (1985) is a landmark heavy metal album showcasing the band's signature sound of powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and anthemic choruses. Tracks like "Metal Heart," "Midnight Mover," and "Screaming for a Love-Bite" explore themes of technology, rebellion, and love with a hard-hitting edge.
Metal Heart 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL 70638 , 1985 , Made in Germany
Accept's "Metal Masters" is a double LP compilation album showcasing the band's early raw energy and signature heavy metal sound. Featuring tracks from their first two albums, "I'm a Rebel" and "Breaker," this collection highlights Udo Dirkschneider's powerful vocals and the band's driving riffs.
Metal Masters 12" Vinyl LP
Venus Records / Polydor 810 987 , 1983 , Made in France
This is the French release of "Restless and Wild" by the German Heavy Metal band "ACCEPT" and has been released on the Venus records. The album front cover shows the Accept band live on stage and this front cover is different from other European releases (which show two white "Gibson Flying V" guitars
Restless and Wild 12" Vinyl LP
BRAIN 0060.513 , 1982 , Germany
Accept's "Restless and Wild" (1982) is a seminal heavy metal album that marked a turning point in the band's career. With its faster tempos, aggressive riffs, and anthemic choruses, the album solidified Accept's signature sound and launched them into the international spotlight.
Restless and Wild 12" Vinyl LP
RCA PL 70972 / LC 0316 , 1986 , Made in Germany
"Russian Roulette" is the 1986 release by German heavy metal band Accept. It was again recorded at Dierks-Studios, but the band chose to self-produce rather than bring back Dieter Dierks as producer. It would be the last Accept album to feature Udo Dirkschneider as lead vocalist
Russian Roulette 12" Vinyl LP
RCA NL74720, BMG Ariola Hamburg , 1990 , Germany
Accept's "Staying a Life" (1990) is a double live album capturing the band's electrifying performance in Osaka, Japan during their "Breaker" world tour. This iconic recording showcases their signature heavy metal sound, powerful vocals, and energetic stage presence.
Staying A Life 12" Vinyl LP