Three numbers define 2027 for Udo Dirkschneider: 75, 40 and 20. He turns 75, U.D.O. celebrate 40 years as a band, and Voodoo Ranger marks the German heavy metal institution’s 20th studio album, out January 8, 2027 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
The band opens this milestone chapter with new single “I’ll Die Trying,” out now with an official video, alongside the launch of the album pre-order.
Rather than launching the album with an all-out metal attack, U.D.O. introduce it with one of its most personal moments. “I’ll Die Trying” is a classic U.D.O. ballad about perseverance, self-belief and staying true to your path, carried by that unmistakable voice.
“‘I’ll Die Trying’ is one of the most personal songs on Voodoo Ranger,” says Dirkschneider. “It’s about never giving up, believing in yourself and always moving forward, no matter what life throws at you. The last verse especially means a lot to me because it reflects what I’ve experienced on stage for so many years. Every concert is a special moment and as long as people want to hear me sing, I’ll keep giving everything I’ve got. I’ve always believed that a great ballad can be just as powerful as the heaviest metal songs.”
The song became the first single through an unexpected turn of events.
“We originally planned to launch Voodoo Ranger with a different song, but after Peter and Alen were injured during one of the recent concerts of the Balls To The Wall 40th Anniversary Tour, we had to postpone the original video production. Rather than rush things, we decided to let ‘I’ll Die Trying’ lead the way. Looking back, it feels like the right choice.”
“At the same time, nobody should think this album is getting softer: Voodoo Ranger is packed with classic U.D.O. power and has plenty of surprises waiting.”
Stream “I’ll Die Trying”: https://udo.rpm.link/dietryingPR
Pre-order Voodoo Ranger: https://udo.rpm.link/voodooPR
About The Album
Powerful riffs, massive hooks and Dirkschneider’s unique voice meet heavier and darker moments. Written by Udo Dirkschneider, Sven Dirkschneider, Peter Baltes and Fabian “Dee” Dammers, with additional contributions from new guitarist Alen Brentini, who joined after the songwriting was complete but still left his fingerprint with the solos on “I’ll Die Trying” and “Movin’ On.”
Recorded at Redhead Studios, ROXX Studios and Unholy Studio. Produced and mixed by Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer, mastered by longtime collaborator Stefan Kaufmann, with artwork painted by Eliran Kantor and layout and photography by Martin Häusler.
Voodoo Ranger Tracklist
- Testify
- The Sky Is The Limit
- Keep Me Alive
- Back Breaker
- I’ll Die Trying
- Reach For The Crown
- Pain & Glory
- Hell Hunt
- Voodoo Ranger
- Magic Life
- Devil’s Mind
- Movin’ On
An Autobiography Too
The album is only one part of what makes 2027 exceptional. Dirkschneider’s official autobiography, created with Dan Dreyer, publishes the very same month as Voodoo Ranger. Album, book and tour meet at a unique point in his career.
Triple Anniversary Tour 2027
- 09.01 Leipzig, Haus Auensee, DE
- 10.01 Hamburg, Große Freiheit 36, DE
- 11.01 Berlin, Huxleys Neue Welt, DE
- 12.01 Frankfurt, Batschkapp, DE
- 13.01 Braunschweig, Westand, DE
- 15.01 Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle, DE
- 16.01 Markneukirchen, Musikhalle, DE
- 17.01 Munich, Backstage Werk, DE
- 18.01 Stuttgart, LKA-Longhorn, DE
- 19.01 Paris, Bataclan, FR
- 21.01 Pratteln, Konzertfabrik Z7, CH
- 23.01 Barcelona, Sala Apolo, ES
- 24.01 Madrid, Revi Live, ES
- 25.01 Villava, Sala TOTEM Aretoa, ES
- 27.01 Seville, Sala Custom, ES
- 28.01 Lisbon, LAV Lisboa ao Vivo, PT
- 29.01 Porto, Hard Club, PT
- 01.02 Milan, Magazzini Generali, IT
- 02.02 Ljubljana, Club Cvetličarna, SI
- 04.02 Sofia, Hristo Botev Hall, BG
- 05.02 Bucharest, Quantic, RO
- 07.02 Budapest, Barba Negra, HU
- 08.02 Ostrava, Club Garage, CZ
- 09.02 Brno, Sono Centrum, CZ
- 11.02 Wroclaw, Concert Center A2, PL
- 12.02 Poznan, B17, PL
- 13.02 Krakow, Studio Kraków, PL
- 14.02 Warsaw, Progresja, PL
- 15.02 Gdańsk, Stary Manez, PL
- 17.02 Gothenburg, Pustervik, SE
- 18.02 Oslo, Vulkan Arena, NO
- 20.02 Tampere, Tavara-asema, FI
Tickets: udo-online.de/tourdates
U.D.O.
- Udo Dirkschneider – vocals
- Sven Dirkschneider – drums
- Fabian “Dee” Dammers – guitar
- Peter Baltes – bass
- Alen Brentini – guitar
Photo credit: Martin Häusler
