Dirkschneider & The Old Gang - Babylon (Full Album)

Babylon is the long-awaited debut full-length album from Dirkschneider & The Old Gang (DATOG), released on October 3, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). Initially conceived as a one-off benefit project in 2020, the group evolved into a solid lineup following the success of their 2021 EP Arising, bringing together veterans of German heavy metal in a nostalgic and energetic celebration of their musical roots.

The band is led by iconic vocalist Udo Dirkschneider (formerly of Accept and U.D.O.), who shares lead vocals with the talented Manuela "Ella" Bibert, bringing a fresh, feminine dynamic to metal's traditionally masculine sound. The instrumentation is anchored by former Accept members Peter Baltes (bass and backing vocals) and Stefan Kaufmann (guitar and backing vocals), alongside Mathias Dieth (guitar and backing vocals, formerly of U.D.O. and Sinner), Sven Dirkschneider (drums and backing vocals, Udo's son), and Bibert, also on keyboards. This "old gang" (The Old Gang) evokes the golden era of hard rock and heavy metal from the 70s and 80s, but with modern and collaborative touches.

With 12 tracks and a running time of approximately 1 hour and 1 minute, Babylon delves into melodic and accessible hard rock, straying slightly from Udo's signature straight-ahead heavy metal to explore more subtle and emotional textures. The album balances powerful riffs and heavy beats with introspective ballads, Eastern influences, and an infectious energy that reflects the collective joy of songwriting. It's a prolific album for Udo, releasing it just months after the re-release of Balls to the Wall Reloaded (celebrating the 40th anniversary of Accept's classic).

Singles like "It Takes Two to Tango" (released in September 2025, with a dynamic music video), "Time to Listen," "Hellbreaker" (a fast-paced, furious anthem), "Dead Man's Hand," and the title track "Babylon" (featuring exotic guitar riffs and Bibert's hypnotic vocals) served as teasers, highlighting the vocal versatility and polished production. The opening track delivers Dirkschneider's husky, confident voice over a wall of riffs, while Bibert adds powerful layers toward the end. Ballads like "Blindfold" and "Strangers in Paradise" bring emotional and sensual moments, and the nearly eight-minute epic "Beyond the End of Time" closes the album with a slow-to-midtempo progression, giving each vocalist room to shine.

Reviews praise Babylon as a "fantastic album" that captures the collaborative essence and vitality of the musicians, blending Accept's legacy with a modern twist thanks to Bibert. However, some question whether the album could have focused more on a "pure U.D.O." sound, given its stylistic diversity. In short, it's a nostalgic and invigorating musical journey, perfect for classic hard rock fans seeking emotion, power, and a touch of innovation. Available on streaming, CD, and vinyl, Babylon reinforces why Udo Dirkschneider, at 73, remains an unstoppable force in metal.

MEMBERS
Peter Baltes - Bass, Vocals, Vocals (backing)
Sven Dirkschneider - Drums, Vocals (backing)
Stefan Kaufmann - Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Mathias Dieth - Guitars, Vocals (backing)
Manuela Bibert - Vocals, Vocals (backing)
Udo Dirkschneider - Vocals

TRACKLIST
1. It Takes Two to Tango | 00:00
2. Babylon | 04:40
3. Hellbreaker | 10:50
4. Time to Listen | 15:57
5. Strangers in Paradise | 19:39
6. Dead Man's Hand | 24:25
7. The Law of a Madman | 28:30
8. Metal Sons | 32:51
9. Propaganda | 37:40
10. Blindfold | 42:29
11. Batter the Power | 47:56
12. Beyond the End of Time | 53:18

COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Dirkschneider & the Old Gang. All rights reserved to Reigning Phoenix Music.

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