U.D.O. - Navy Metal Night

Hot off the heels, of his stellar release, Decadent, Udo Dirkschneider and Co., are back, with the live release, Navy Metal Night.  This live performance, was captured back in February of last year, prior to the release of Decadent.  This was a unique show for U.D.O., because they performed, with the German Navy Orchestra.  Imagine, U.D.O. songs with an orchestra.  To be honest, it wasn't something I was seeking out, but since I'm such a huge U.D.O. fan, I had to check it out.

The inclusion of orchestra's, with metal bands, is nothing new, but it had died off a bit.  After the success, that The Scorpions and Metallica had, many bands decided to give it a go, some good and some, not so much.  the idea got played out, but came off a bit fresh, in the case of Navy Metal Night.  It's the bands you don't expect to do it, that surprise you the most.  This one comes in Blu-ray, DVD and CD.

Navy Metal Night, does feature an orchestra, but the real stars are U.D.O.  The orchestra just adds a layer of sound, to the music.  I have to say I was amazed by how well Dirkschneider sounds live.  This guy is in his upper 60's, and has not lost anything live.  The band sound great as well.  I'm not a huge live album guy, but I really dug this one.  The only criticism I have, is that there were a few songs, included in the set, to cater to the orchestra, that I immediately reached for the skip button, other than that, this one's a keeper..

Bottom Line: U.D.O. sounding as great live, as they do in the studio.  The orchestra does thicken up the sound, and was interesting to hear in this recording, but I like it raw.  A solid show with a new element, which made, for a special night for the fans, as well as the band.

Standout Tracks: Heart of Gold, Animal House, Man and Machine and Stillness of Time.

-Ragman is looking for a wrecking ball to swing on.