Published: February 6, 2025
This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also emphasises their timeless impact on the metal genre.
DIRKSCHNEIDER are gearing up for the release of their eagerly anticipated album Balls To The Wall Reloaded, scheduled for release on February 28, 2025 through RPM. Alongside this, they are excited to showcase "Winter Dreams," the second single from their anniversary re-recording of the cult ACCEPT record. This track reveals a softer side of the album while preserving a meaningful lyrical depth, making it an emotional anthem of freedom. The single stands out not only for its significance but also for featuring the legendary 'Metal Queen,' Doro Pesch, alongside Udo Dirkschneider. This collaboration highlights the album's unique approach, underlining the long-running inspiration for the whole scene and renowned metal figureheads and companions alike.
Udo comments: "It was a very special experience for me to re-record "Winter Dreams'" with Doro Pesch. Doro and I have spent so many years together in the scene and there is a deep, almost familial connection between us. Her voice gives this song an incredible magic and emotionality that takes it to a whole new level. It was like a reunion with an old friend for me and together we made 'Winter Dreams' even more intense and personal. It just feels right to share this moment together!"
" 'Balls To The Wall' has always been one of my absolute favourite albums. I was really happy to sing the wonderful 'Winter Dreams' as a duet with Udo Dirkschneider and to shoot a great video for it. We have a long friendship and it is always special to work with him," Doro adds.
Balls To The Wall Reloaded" - Track Listing:
01. Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON]
02. London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON]
03. Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR]
04. Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE]
05. Losing More Than You've Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN]
06. Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL]
07. Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones]
08. Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER]
09. Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim "Ripper" Owens of KK's PRIEST, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST]
10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]
This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also emphasises their timeless impact on the metal genre. More than a revival, this project serves as a celebration of the album's enduring legacy, enriched by the enthusiasm and contributions of some of metal's most influential voices.
"Re-recording 'Balls To The Wall' was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that's why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It's a never-ending personal journey for me - "Balls To The Wall" will always be a part of me," states Udo.
This reimagined Balls To The Wall is a fitting tribute to heavy metal history, proving that its power and influence remain as potent today as they were four decades ago.
aking fans to the vaults of Castle Reifenstein (Freienfeld, Italy), located in a beautifully wintry mountain landscape, the "Winter Dreams" music video, starring both vocalists Udo Dirkschneider and Doro Pesch, can be watched here:
