Accept is nothing less than a legend of heavy metal. Since 1976 they’ve been causing fits of headbanging worldwide, and they show no signs of letting up. Since recruiting Mark Tornillo into the fold 14 years ago, Accept has been on a roll of releasing killer metal anthems for the masses. That trend continues with their new release, Humanoid.
Lyrically, the band covers various topics, including AI and technology, dreams, death, and even drinking. The production, provided by the legendary Andy Sneap, fits this band perfectly, as every instrument receives appropriate sonic space and the sound is clear without sounding too sterilized. The band sounds great, with each member firing on all cylinders. In particular, Wolf Hoffmann and Uwe Lulis contribute killer riffs and leads. Special mention must also go to Tornillo who wails like a man half his age. When it comes to the songs, the album is overall strong, with most tracks boasting at least one memorable riff and some strong vocal hooks.
“Diving into Sin” begins with a Middle-Eastern inspired riff that hooks you immediately. The song moves at a good clip and the rhythm section keeps things moving. I particularly like the riff that underlies the verses. The chorus is quite catchy with some appropriate background vocals. The solo is a bit different than I was expecting, and I’m not completely sold on it. Overall, this song is a strong album opener.
Next up is the title track. The song begins with a pounding rhythm and some appealing lead work. The riffs here are quality. The prechorus gives us an unsettling feel that works for the song. The chorus is serviceable and appropriately energetic. Once again, the solo is a bit different than expected, but I think it works fine here. The main draw on this song is the riffing.
“Frankenstein” begins with a classically appealing Accept riff. The verses are strong, with good riffing and melodies. The prechorus slows down a bit before the chorus picks up the speed again. The chorus is decent, but not exceptional, although the background vocals help give it a classic sound. The solos here are excellent—both shredding and tasteful.
“Man Up” slows the pace down from the opening three tracks, being a bit more mid-tempo. The riff is bluesy and then the verses highlight Tornillo’s strong vocals. The chorus has a big hook, with the background vocals and Tornillo both excelling. The lead work in the bridge is a highlight and fits the song well, as does the solo that follows.
Picking up the tempo, we get “The Reckoning.” This song is driven by an irresistible riff. The prechorus sports a strong riff and vocal hook. The chorus is nice and speedy and, while the vocal line here is brief, it works for the song. I particularly enjoy the solo here.
Another compelling riff kicks off “Nobody Gets out Alive.” The vocal melodies in the verse are some of the strongest on the album and will hook you immediately. The chorus is also quite memorable.
“Ravages of Time” is the album’s ballad. Tornillo sings it well and the guitar work is strong. The melodies here are pretty strong, although the song comes just short of catching fire for me. Nevertheless, it’s a classy ballad.
If you were to ask for a song to represent Accept you could certainly do worse than “Unbreakable.” The riffs are strong and the chorus boasts a strong hook.
“Mind Games” sports a great, galloping riff and strong vocal melodies. I like the slightly darker mood of this song and the lead work is also excellent.
Next we get a bluesy drinking song, “Straight up Jack.” The swagger here is unmistakable, and the riff is great. The chorus will no doubt stick with you and the solo rips.
“South Side of Hell” concludes the album and exemplifies the phrase “going out with a bang.” The riff work here is compelling and the intensity is high. The chorus features a strong blend of riff and vocal, and the instrumental section is excellent.
Accept has gifted us with another solid slab of classic metal. The riffs are quality, the vocals are strong, and the songwriting is mostly compelling. The band sounds great and energetic. Make sure you check out Humanoid.
Curtis’ rating: 8.5/10
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Tracklisting Humanoid:
1 Diving Into Sin
2 Humanoid
3 Frankenstein
4 Man Up
5 The Reckoning
6 Nobody Gets Out Alive
7 Ravages Of Time
8 Unbreakable
9 Mind Games
10 Straight Up Jack
11 Southside Of Hell
ACCEPT are:
Wolf Hoffmann – guitar
Mark Tornillo – vocals
Uwe Lulis – guitar
Martin Motnik – bass
Christopher Williams – drums
ACCEPT online:
THE INTERACTIVE HUMANOID EXPERIENCE
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NAPALM RECORDS
Humanoid will be available in the following formats:
– Ltd Box incl. CD Mediabook + Flag, Keytool in Guitar Look, Lighter, Photo Card, Textile Sticker – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl SPLATTERED CRISTALLO, BLACK, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, WHITE Die-Hard Edition + 12 inch Booklet + Slipmat + Patch + Record Butler – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive, (strictly limited to 666 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl SOLID BABY BLUE – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl TRANSLUCENT TURQUOISE – Napalm Records North America exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl CRISTALLO – JPC exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl TRANSLUCENT ORANGE – EMP exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl SILVER – Platekompaniet exclusive (strictly limited to 400 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl SOLID ROYAL BLUE – North American Indies exclusive (strictly limited to 1100 copies worldwide)
– 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK
– 1-CD Mediabook w/ 28 pages booklet + 1 Bonus Tracks – limited edition
– 1-CD 6 pages Digisleeve + 12 pages booklet
– World exclusive 7“ vinyl incl. ”Humanoid” and “The Reckoning”, physically unreleased – only available with the current METAL HAMMER Germany May issue incl ACCEPT cover story
– Digital Album
ACCEPT Live 2024
South American Headline Tour:
01.05.24 BR – Sao Paulo / Carioca Club
03.05.24 AR – Buenos Aires / Teatro Flores
05.05.24 CL – Santiago / Coliseo
07.05.24 PE – Lima / CC Festiva
09.05.24 CO – Bogota / Royal Center
11.05.24 SV – San Salvador / Gimnasio Adolfo Pineda Santa Tecla
13.05.24 MX – Mexico City / Sala Urbana
15.05.24 BR – Belo Horizonte / Mister Rock
17.05.24 BR – Brasília / Toinha
18.05.24 BR – São Paulo / Carioca Club
19.05.24 BR – Santo André / Santo Rock
European Headline Tour:
17.10.24 TR – Istanbul / KCP
28.10.24 FR – Toulouse / Le Bikini – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
29.10.24 FR – Lyon / Transbordeur – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
31.10.24 BE – Antwerp / Trix – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
01.11.24 FR – Paris / Elysee Montmartre – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
02.11.24 CH – Lausanne / Les Docks
03.11.24 CH – Zurich / Komplex – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
05.11.24 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
06.11.24 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
07.11.24 DE – Langen / Stadthalle – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
09.11.24 AT – Vienna / Simm City – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
12.11.24 DE – Munich / Backstage – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
13.11.24 DE – Berlin / Huxleys – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
15.11.24 DE – Neu-Ulm / Ratiopharm Arena – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
16.11.24 DE – Geiselwind / Eventcenter – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
20.11.24 DE – Gera / KUK – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
21.11.24 DE – Bremen / Aladin – Special Guest: Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons
25.11.24 NO – Oslo / Rockefeller – Special Guest: Sister Sin
26.11.24 SE – Gothenburg / Trädgår’n – Special Guest: Sister Sin
28.11.24 SE – Skövde / Valhall – Special Guest: Sister Sin
29.11.24 SE – Karlstad / Nöjesfabriken – Special Guest: Sister Sin
30.11.24 SE – Stockholm / Fryshuset – Special Guest: Sister Sin
Festivals 2024:
05.-08.06.24 PL – Gdansk / Mystic Festival
19.-22.06.24 DK – Copenhagen / Copenhell
20.-22.06.24 ES – Cartagena / Rock Imperium Festival
26.-29.06.24 ES – Viveiro / Resurrection Festival
27.-30.06.24 FR – Clisson / Hellfest
11.-15.07.24 HU – Dunaújváros / Rockmaraton
12.-14.07.24 BG – Mogilovo / Midalidare Rock in the Wine Valley
14.07.24 CZ – Visovice / Masters Of Rock
20.07.24 DE – Pyras / Pyras Open Air
21.07.24 GR – Athens / Release Athens
26.-28.07.24 UK – Ebbw Vale / Steelhouse Festival
31.07.-03.08.24 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air
01.-03.08.24 SE – Rejmyre / Skogsröjet
20.10.24 ES – Mallorca / Full Metal Holidays
22.-23.11.24 DE – Weissenhäuser Strand – Metal Hammer Paradise
Tickets available HERE
