Accept – Restless And Wild

Originally released in 1982, Restless and Wild was the fourth full-length album from German heavy metal masters Accept, and is arguably the band’s most powerful and influential album (alongside Balls to the Wall of course).

Restless and Wild may just be the perfect Accept album. Everything that made this band great is captured here – from the ridiculously heavy, headbanging rhythms to the high speed twin lead guitar assault to the sense of power and of course Udo Dirkshneider’s instantly recognizable vocals. Album opener “Fast as a Shark” is an all-time classic Accept song, and was the blueprint for countless speed metal bands to come, the title track is a killer heavy metal anthem, and “Neon Nights” and “Princess of the Dawn” have a great epic NWOBHM-style “power and glory.” There really aren’t any duds here. It’s classic heavy metal from start to finish.

Restless and Wild is a must-have album on a lot of levels. Obviously if you’re an Accept fan you need this album in your collection. Fans of German heavy metal also need it. Honestly, if you’re into the classic ‘80s heavy metal sound at all, this Accept album is a mandatory purchase, especially now that it has been reissued.

Edition Notes: Restless and Wild was reissued by SPV in 2005. The album doesn’t have any bonus tracks, nor has it been remastered, but the booklet has some vintage photos as well as the original European artwork (the US cover art is on the back).