Album proves old school heavy metal is still alive

German heavy metal band Accept have been creating music for a while now, and Too Mean To Die is their 16th studio album. This record has all the elements of classic heavy metal; the guitar playing from Wolf Hoffmann, Uwe Lulis, Philip Shouse and Martin Motnik shreds each track with vein-rattling riffs, Christopher Williams’s drum playing shakes the background with hard hitting beats and Mark Tornillo’s vocals set each composition alight with a strong and powerful sound. Too Mean To Die is an example of what old school heavy metal sounds like–the instrumentation and vocals impact each tune with a solid sound that can will people to head bang while listening.

Opening song “Zombie Apocalypse” is a tune that has amazing vocals by Tornillo. What catches people’s attention while listening to the song is that Tornillo sounds like Brian Johnson of AC/DC, but with a heavier voice, and the way Tornillo wails out the lyrics is pretty sweet because he brings his own style of old school metal through his powerful voice. “Zombie Apocalypse” is a great way to kick off the album. Tornillo uses his voice to create chaos with the rest of the band.

Blazing “No One’s Master” is a deep composition that has amazing guitar playing. Throughout the entire piece, the guitar playing steals the whole show because each riff jolts the atmosphere with the kind of ear-bleeding noise metal fans want to hear, and towards the end of the song, Hoffmann’s guitar solo is wicked. Each note Hoffmann plays provides more energy on this track. “No One’s Master” is a great track performed by four gifted guitarists who are not afraid to show off their talents to millions of people.

Plainly truthful “Sucks to Be You” is a song that has a strong statement behind it. While listening to Tornillo singing the lyrics, it feels like the band is stating how they do not care for those who have done wrong within our society, and throughout the song, Accept is not afraid to say what is on their mind. They want the world to know exactly how they feel when there is continuous mayhem all over the globe. “Sucks Tto Be You” may have a bold statement, but it is fun to sing along to the chorus while the band continues to cause havoc.

Melodic “The Best Is Yet to Come” is a bittersweet composition because it offers hope for those who are going through a rough time. What is noticeably enjoyable is how Tornillo’s voice sounds hopeful every time he sings the chorus, and the sound of his voice can convince people to keep holding on because there is hope through the darkness.  “The Best Is Yet To Come” is one of the best songs on the album because of its relatability.

Instrumental “Samson and Delilah” is a classic piece because of how well the band plays together. The guitar playing from Hoffmann, Lulis, Motnik and Shouse is righteous due to how each vibrating riff shreds the background with beautiful, high pitched sounds that can cause listeners to air guitar to the music. Williams’s drum beats are being played on a rhythmic scale, and the noise is wonderful because the sound of clashing cymbals contributes to the madness on this track. “Samson and Delilah” is the last song on Too Mean To Die, and the sound from the guitars and drums gives the ending a swift kick of metal music. 

Too Mean To Die has bold instrumentation and vocals that can show people how old school metal is still alive in today’s music world.