Breaker

Breaker is the third album on which Accept unifies sharp riffs, rugged rhythm and Udo Dirkschneider’s distinctive voice. The songs push straight ahead, yet a precise, calculated sense leading toward later German metal surely breathes in the guitar phrases and dynamics. After the previous two albums, it is a record on which the band’s direction begins to settle. From the speed of the title track “Breaker” and the lift of “Starlight” to the weight of “Burning” and the drive of “Midnight Highway” and “Run If You Can,” the songs build the album’s strong outline, while a cut like “Son of a Bitch” fully conveys the band’s aggression. Its skill in converting roughness directly into appeal stands out. Though still developing, it is important that the band’s own metallic, hard-edged sound clearly begins to be established. Plain, clear drive and memorable hooks coexist at a high level. Consolidating the foundation of Accept that leads to the later masterpieces, it is a powerful, fulfilling heavy-metal record.