is the by German heavy metal band . Released on March, 4 1985. Although the group had recorded before at Dierks-Studios, this was the first album produced by Dieter Dierks himself. It marked the return of guitarist Jörg Fischer after a two year absence, with Herman Frank having been his replacement. This album was a cautious attempt to crack the lucrative American market with more accessible songcraft and emphasis on hooks and melodies. Although critically panned at the time, today Metal Heart is often considered by fans as one of the band’s best records. It contains several of their classic songs such as “Metal Heart” and “Living for Tonite”. The band also makes a detour into jazz metal territory with the unusual song “Teach Us to Survive”.
is the sixth studio album by German heavy metal pioneers Accept, released on March 4, 1985. A landmark moment in the band’s career, this album was notable for several reasons—chief among them being the involvement of renowned producer Dieter Dierks, best known for his work with the Scorpions. Although Accept had previously recorded at Dierks Studios, Metal Heart marked the first time Dierks personally took the helm as producer. His influence brought a slicker, more polished sound to the band’s music, aimed squarely at breaking into the lucrative American market.
Musically, Metal Heart represents a deliberate shift toward accessibility. The band retained their signature heavy metal grit but paired it with catchy hooks, melodic choruses, and a more refined production style. This strategic pivot was reflected in tracks like “Living for Tonite” and the title song “Metal Heart”, both of which became fan favorites and concert staples. The latter, in particular, is known for its distinctive incorporation of classical music—specifically Tchaikovsky’s “Slavonic March” and Beethoven’s “Für Elise”—a testament to the band’s musical ambition and technical proficiency.
The album also marked the return of guitarist Jörg Fischer, who had left the band in 1982. During his absence, Herman Frank had filled in, contributing to Restless and Wild and Balls to the Wall. Fischer’s return helped reestablish the band’s classic twin-guitar attack alongside Wolf Hoffmann, a core part of Accept’s sound. Meanwhile, the rest of the lineup remained solid, with Udo Dirkschneider delivering his trademark snarling vocals, Peter Baltes holding down the low end on bass, and Stefan Kaufmann powering the rhythm section on drums.
Though Metal Heart was initially met with mixed to negative critical reception, particularly from the European press and purist metal critics, it has since undergone significant reevaluation. Today, it is widely considered one of Accept’s most iconic and influential albums, often ranked alongside Balls to the Wall and Restless and Wild as the band’s best work. Its blend of Teutonic precision, anthemic songwriting, and accessible production has won it lasting respect among metal fans worldwide.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Metal Heart is the experimental track “Teach Us to Survive”, which stands out for its jazz-inflected rhythms and unorthodox structure. It represents an unusual detour from the album’s otherwise straight-ahead heavy metal approach, hinting at the band’s willingness to push creative boundaries—even while chasing mainstream success.
In hindsight, Metal Heart can be seen as a pivotal album in Accept’s discography. It captured a moment when the band stood on the brink of global recognition, balancing their European heavy metal roots with the commercial appeal required for broader exposure. While it may not have catapulted them to superstardom in the U.S. as intended, it laid the foundation for their enduring legacy and remains a cornerstone of 1980s heavy metal.
