U.D.O. AND THE CONCERT BAND OF THE GERMAN ARMED FORCES – We Are One

Some of you are probably thinking, didn’t U.D.O. just do the orchestra thing not too long ago? Yes, U.D.O. did release a live album of greatest hits backed by the German Navy Orchestra in 2015 entitled Navy Metal Night. However, the band’s latest album is not a compilation of existing songs mixed with an orchestra. We Are One is a joint venture of all new original material from U.D.O. and the 60 piece Concert Band of the German Armed Forces.

Lyrically, Udo Dirkshneider and company take a critical stance on how we as a society treat the environment and the World around us. As the former Accept vocalist says himself, “We all live on this planet. No matter who we are or what we do, we all just have this one planet. There is no Planet B.” [For more, listen to our interview with Udo & Sven Dirkschneider]

“Pandemonium” makes a strong opening statement and could easily be the theme song for the year 2020. The orchestra is just as commanding, but never takes away from the fact this is a Heavy Metal album. The album’s title track “We Are One” brings hope in the face of the track that preceded it. There’s a dominating bass line mixed with a bombastic brass section. Unity is solidified with by the group vocals in the chorus.

“Love and Sin” could possibly be the deepest song that Udo Dirkschneider has written. Is an act of war an action to seek love and aspiration? Soothing flutes and angelic “ahhhhs” build to driving guitars and pounding drums. Climate change and our responsibilities as contributors is the theme behind “Future is the Reason.” Regal horns and a marching beat are backed up by a female choir to keep emotions high.

Manjula Margarets takes over on vocals for “Blindfold (The Last Defender).” She is a member of the orchestra band and her angelic voice is perfect for this ballad that asks who is left to stand for what is right. Margarets returns to duet with Dirkschneider on “Neon Diamond.” The track has an 80s Hard Rock feel complete with synths and saxophone. Manjula’s soft tones and Udo’s rugged tones are a match made in heaven.

“Here We Go Again” has a foot-tapping Aerosmith style swagger to it. Is Udo giving a speech or is he rapping here? Did I mention the association with Aerosmith? It’s all guns blazing on “We Strike Back.” Frantic riffs and rapid-fire kicks dominate the track. The orchestra manages to keep up and hit at the right power points. There are three instrumentals throughout the album in which the orchestra flex their skills. The most notable being the bagpipe heavy track “Beyond Gravity.”

Some of the best music is created when all the players are having good time. There is no doubt that the members of U.D.O. and the members of the Concert Band of the German Armed Forces are having a blast on We Are One. Even the listening experience fun! Don’t let the addition of an orchestra deter you from the fact that this is still a Metal affair. We Are One is a unique experience that U.D.O. fans won’t want to miss.

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Tracklist

1. Pandemonium
2. We Are One
3. Love and Sin
4. Future is the Reason
5. Children of the World
6. Blindfold (The Last Defender)
7. Blackout
8. Mother Earth
9. Rebel Town
10. Natural Forces
11. Neon Diamond
12. Beyond Gravity
13. Here We Go Again
14. We Strike Back
15. Beyond Good and Evil