Description
Accept – Predator – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Predator is the eleventh studio album by German heavy metal band Accept, released in January 1996. This album holds a distinctive place in the band’s discography as it is the last studio album to feature vocalist Udo Dirkschneider until his later return for live performances. Predator also stands out due to its experimental nature, incorporating elements not typically found in Accept’s earlier, more traditional heavy metal sound.
Predator was produced by Michael Wagener, who is known for his work with many other heavy metal bands. The recording sessions for this album were marked by a significant level of experimentation and a willingness to diverge from the band’s established sound. This period in Accept’s history was somewhat tumultuous, with internal dynamics and changes influencing their musical direction.
The album blends the traditional heavy metal style that Accept is known for with some unusual elements for the band, such as elements of industrial music and acoustic pieces. Tracks like ‘Hard Attack’ and ‘Crucified’ show the band’s typical robust and aggressive metal style. In contrast, songs like ‘Lay It Down’ and ‘It Ain’t Over Yet’ incorporate slower, more melodic elements, showcasing a broader range of influences.
One of the unique aspects of Predator is its use of different instruments and sounds, including more prominent bass lines and acoustic guitars, which were not as common in their previous work. The lyrics explore dark and introspective themes, reflecting a mature phase of songwriting and personal reflection from the band members.
Predator received mixed reviews from critics and fans upon its release. Some praised the band for their willingness to innovate and experiment with their sound, while others felt that the changes moved too far from Accept’s core heavy metal identity. Nonetheless, the album has gained a more favorable retrospective appreciation as fans have come to understand its place in the band’s evolution.
Commercially, Predator did not achieve the same level of success as some of the band’s earlier albums, but it is viewed as an essential part of Accept’s catalog because it represents a transition phase and showcases their ability to experiment and evolve as artists.
Legacy
Predator is often looked back on as a unique entry in Accept’s discography. It showcases the band’s attempt to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the mid-1990s and explore new artistic directions. For fans of Accept and scholars of heavy metal music, Predator provides an interesting study in how long-established bands can navigate shifts in their musical approach while staying true to their roots in some ways and branching out in others.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Hard Attack
Crossroads
Making Me Scream
Diggin’ In The Dirt
Lay It Down
It Ain’t Over Yet
Predator
Crucified
Take Out The Crime
Don’t Give A Damn
Run Through The Night
Primitive
