Artist: Accept Album: Breaker

Year: 1981
Duration: 42:09

Accept’s Album “Breaker” – A Critic’s Review

Sometimes, you stumble upon an album that changes the way you perceive music and creates a lasting impression that stays with you forever. One such album that managed to do that for me is Accept’s “Breaker.” Considered a hallmark of German heavy metal, this album is not just another addition to the heavy metal genre, but a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Through this blog, I will be giving a of the album, along with a brief history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and an overall critique of the album.
The history of Accept dates back to the late ’60s. The band rose to fame during the early ’80s and gained worldwide recognition. They set themselves apart by presenting heavy metal with a distinctive sound that was much different from what was prevalent in their era. “Breaker” was the band’s third album and was released in 1981. It was received with high acclaim from critics and listeners alike and marked a significant milestone in their journey.
The album belongs to the traditional heavy metal genre with a modern touch. However, instead of relying solely on power chords, the band ventured into using intricate riffs and guitar solos, fused with a strong and powerful vocal performance by Udo Dirkschneider. The album carries the typical elements of heavy metal – fast and aggressive rhythms, thumping bass and drums, and guitar solos. But what sets it apart is its dynamic range, with some songs having an upbeat tempo, while others carry a heavier vibe.
Talking about the best songs of the album, the first one that comes to mind is “Starlight,” the opening track of the album. It is a classic heavy metal song with everything you could ask for in a metal song – an intro that hooks you right from the beginning, outstanding guitar riffs and solos, and vocals that will make you want to headbang. “Run If You Can” and “Son of a Bitch” also rank as some of the best songs from the album, with their harmonies, breaks, and changes in tempo making them stand out songs.
If I had to pick the most innovative part of the album, I would say it was the guitar work. Wolf Hoffmann and Jörg Fischer crafted beautiful guitar solos that were more melodic and embedded within the song’s structure than what was common during that time. The guitar solos felt like a part of the song rather than a separate piece, elevating the listening experience of the album. It paved the way for future heavy metal albums, where the guitar solos would be an integral part of the song rather than just a filler.
But even though the album embodies some of the best qualities of heavy metal music, there are some aspects that could be better. The lyrics feel generic at times, and the album lacks diversity in terms of sound. It seems as if the band is sticking to their comfort zone instead of pushing their boundaries.
After listening to the album multiple times, I can safely say that “Breaker” is a testament to Accept’s artistry and musicianship. With its awe-inspiring guitar work, killer vocals, and masterful use of traditional heavy metal, it’s an album that should not be overlooked. However, there are some aspects that could be improved upon, such as the lack of diversity in sound and generic lyrics. But overall, I highly recommend giving this album a listen, especially if you love the traditional heavy metal sound. It’s an album that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so.
After listening to the album multiple times, I can safely say that “Breaker” is a testament to Accept’s artistry and musicianship. With its awe-inspiring guitar work, killer vocals, and masterful use of traditional heavy metal, it’s an album that should not be overlooked. However, there are some aspects that could be improved upon, such as the lack of diversity in sound and generic lyrics. But overall, I highly recommend giving this album a listen, especially if you love the traditional heavy metal sound. It’s an album that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so.