(TheBRHM.com) In 1981, German metal legends Accept released their third studio album Breaker. The album came four years after the band’s debut self-titled release. After reforming in 1976 as Accept, the band’s early sound was more along the lines of that late 1970s hard rock that often flirted with the heavier, harder sound of heavy metal and it was the direction of the first two albums.
Then Breaker dropped and the band was off to the races. Sure, it’s not as well-known or highly lauded as Restless and Wild or the landmark 1983 release Balls to the Wall but it was really the fuel in the rock for Accept’s rocket in the 1980s. As a matter of fact, I’d say that Breaker was the blueprint for the band’s 80s offerings.
This is Accept with Udo Dirkschneider on vocals, so we’re definitely in vintage/classic lineup with this release. We have ten tracks here, so it should be a breezy dive. As always one “*” is a must-listen track while “**” is a must-fave.
A-Side of Acceot’s ‘Breaker’
The A-side had several strong from the opener of “Starlight” to “Son of a Bitch”. I don’t want to say it’s rare to hear a clean sweep on the A-side but it doesn’t happen often. Now, the B-side? I find myself asking “Who placed these songs like this?” and “Why didn’t they just leave this and that off?” You know, statements you probably uttered in these 15+ songs in a track listing era.
While still a strong song, the weakest track on the A-side is “Son of a Bitch”. I’m just saying: after “Starlight” and “Breaker” it was like “It’s a good song but it sandwiched between ‘Can’t Stand the Night’ and ‘Burning’.” With that said, I wouldn’t say that it’s a skip. Speaking of ‘Can’t Stand the Night’, most of the A-side is made up of fast, hard rocking tunes then you get this ballad.
It doesn’t have the speed and aggression to slam but it’s such a great song and serves to break up the speed metal fest a bit. Personally, I would’ve loved a speed metal fest but a break from it is nice. The song itself: worth a listen .
Standout Tracks: Starlight*, Breaker**, Can’t Stand the Night*
B-Side
Now we’re getting into the B-side and it’s much of the same. We have another ballad-type deal in “Breaking Up Again” but it’s a ballad, slower tune with some bite. That’s Accept’s whole game: have some bite regardless of the tempo but speed some stuff up regularly. Like many German bands formed or established in the later 1970s-early 1980s, speed was the name of the game.
Surrounding the ballad is four rockers which is an interesting album makeup. It’s pretty much split into a speedy A-side and a rockin’ B-side—and it works. Closing out with “Down and Out” and honestly, I’m glad it didn’t close out with the ballad because it’s probably the weakest track on the album. It’s serviceable but not a replay for me.
What did get a replay: “Midnight Highway”. For some reason, this song hits harder at night with some brews or a bit of The Devil’s lettuce. Honestly, Breaker hits harder as an album with both.
Standout Tracks: Burning*, Feelings, Midnight Highway*
Strength of the Opener: Starlight
I feel “Breaker” or “Starlight” would’ve worked as an opening track. These two are among the strongest if not the strongest tracks on the album. It was the right speed and had the right amount of punch to it. Depending on the band and album direction, you want an opener that reflects the band and the project well and “Starlight” achieved that 100-percent.
However, this probably would’ve been a very different project with “Breaker” as the opener. I mean, just think of Restless and Wild’s opener with “Fast as a Shark”. “Breaker” is a very similar song tempo-wise and really showcased Accept’s speedy chops. Those are the tunes that added some slammage to those 80s releases for the band!
Let us know your favorite Accept album and if you’ve been digging the current lead singer Mark Tornillo.
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.