Artist: Accept Album: Russian Roulette

Year: 1986
Duration: 43:11

Accept’s Russian Roulette: A

When it comes to heavy metal music, Accept is unequivocally one of the most iconic bands in the world. Formed in Solingen, Germany in 1976, the group has released 16 studio albums so far, with their 1986 opus “Russian Roulette” standing out as one of the most beloved and critically-acclaimed entries in their discography. In this post, we will be reviewing this fantastic album, talking briefly about the band’s history, the music genre of Russian Roulette, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and, of course, providing our honest critique of this masterpiece.
Before we dive into the album itself, let’s take a quick look at Accept's history. The band was formed by the guitarist Wolf Hoffmann and the bassist Peter Baltes, both virtuosos of their respective instruments. Throughout the years, the band has undergone several line-up changes, but their sound has always stayed consistent: powerful riffs, blazing solos, and the unmistakeable vocals of Udo Dirkschneider. Russian Roulette was released in 1986 when the band was at the height of their popularity, and it delivered everything that their fans expected and demanded.
Russian Roulette is a classic heavy metal album that perfectly encapsulates the sound of the mid-1980s. It’s brimming with energy, aggression, and pure adrenaline, with songs clocking in at just under four minutes on average for quick and fast-paced listening experiences. With tracks like TV War, Monsterman, and Aiming High, Accept proves their mastery of creating catchy and intricate songs that still pack a punch to this day. Indeed, the album became their most commercially successful release by far.
Although the whole album is excellent from start to finish, there are some standout tracks that deserve special mention. The opening track and first single, Midnight Mover, is a high-octane masterpiece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Another fan favorite, Russian Roulette, is a thunderous track that features a memorable guitar riff and an unforgettable chorus that gets stuck in your head for days. Also, the band’s cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)” is a highlight, showcasing their unique take on a classic rock tune.
One of the most innovative aspects of the album is the use of synthesizers for the first time in the band's career. They were used to add textures and atmospheres to the songs, such as in the intro to TV War, adding an extra layer of intensity and enhancing the listening experience. While some metal purists may scoff at this addition, it is an undeniable part of the album's appeal, adding a new dimension to the band's sound.
Critically speaking, Russian Roulette is a flawless album, but it's not without some minor flaws. The production is a bit too polished for some listeners, even though it’s still gritty enough to maintain the classic heavy metal sound. Also, some of the songs tend to follow a similar formula, which makes them blend together after a while. However, these are just minor misgivings that don't affect the overall quality of the album.
In conclusion, Russian Roulette is an essential classic heavy metal album that every fan of the genre should listen to. Accept has crafted a collection of songs that are both catchy and intense, delivering a quintessential heavy metal experience that still sounds great over three decades after its release. The album marked a peak of creativity for the band, showcasing the perfect balance between its guitar-driven sound and new synthesizer experimentation. All in all, we give Russian Roulette our highest recommendation, a 10 out of 10, there’s no time to hesitate, hit play and enter the “TV War” yourself.
In conclusion, Russian Roulette is an essential classic heavy metal album that every fan of the genre should listen to. Accept has crafted a collection of songs that are both catchy and intense, delivering a quintessential heavy metal experience that still sounds great over three decades after its release. The album marked a peak of creativity for the band, showcasing the perfect balance between its guitar-driven sound and new synthesizer experimentation. All in all, we give Russian Roulette our highest recommendation, a 10 out of 10, there’s no time to hesitate, hit play and enter the “TV War” yourself.