CONGRATULATIONS: ACCEPT Announces Release of New Album – Track List and Release Date Revealed
Heavy metal veterans ACCEPT are back with a thunderous return, officially announcing the release of their highly anticipated new album titled “Blood and Steel,” set to drop on August 30, 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. The German legends, known for their blistering riffs, anthemic choruses, and unwavering commitment to classic heavy metal, have also unveiled the album’s full tracklist, sparking a wave of excitement among fans around the globe.
This marks ACCEPT’s 17th studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2021 record “Too Mean to Die.” With “Blood and Steel,” the band promises to push the boundaries of their signature sound while staying true to the roots that have defined them for more than four decades.
A Thunderous Comeback
Frontman Mark Tornillo, who has led the charge as vocalist since 2009, expressed uncontainable enthusiasm during the announcement:
> “This record is everything ACCEPT stands for—raw power, meaningful lyrics, and the kind of metal that punches you in the gut. We’ve poured our hearts into Blood and Steel, and we can’t wait for the world to hear it.”
The album was produced once again by Andy Sneap, a longtime collaborator and respected figure in the metal community. Sneap, known for his work with Judas Priest, Megadeth, and Testament, praised the group’s energy and songwriting throughout the recording sessions, calling this “the most focused and explosive ACCEPT album in years.”
The Official Track List
ACCEPT’s “Blood and Steel” will feature 12 tracks, blending traditional heavy metal with modern flourishes that highlight the band’s evolving dynamics. Here’s the official track list:
1. Crimson Reign
2. Blood and Steel
3. Die Standing
4. Hammer of Vengeance
5. Beneath the Banner
6. Night Raiders
7. Shadowlands
8. No Surrender
9. March of the Damned
10. Hellbound Glory
11. Final Judgement
12. Victory or Death
The title track “Blood and Steel” will be released as the lead single on June 15, accompanied by an official music video shot in Berlin. According to the band, the song is a fiery anthem celebrating resilience, brotherhood, and the eternal spirit of metal.
Themes of Strength, War, and Redemption
Longtime fans of ACCEPT will find familiar themes throughout Blood and Steel: war, perseverance, rebellion, and personal redemption. The band has always drawn from historical imagery and epic storytelling to fuel their lyrics, and this album continues in that grand tradition.
Guitarist and founding member Wolf Hoffmann shared insight into the album’s writing process:
> “We were inspired by the idea of warriors, not just in battle but in everyday life—people who refuse to break under pressure. There’s a lot of heart in these songs.”
Tracks like “Die Standing” and “Hellbound Glory” are described as fast-paced juggernauts with searing guitar solos and galloping rhythms, while songs like “Shadowlands” and “Beneath the Banner” offer a more melodic, introspective side of the band.
Studio Mastery and a New Sonic Layer
ACCEPT recorded the album at Sneap Sound Studios in Derbyshire, UK, combining analog warmth with high-end digital precision. Wolf Hoffmann and Uwe Lulis’s twin-guitar attack remains front and center, while Tornillo’s ferocious vocal range continues to serve as the band’s driving force.
Also making waves is the addition of new bassist Martin Motnik, who joined in 2019, and drummer Christopher Williams, whose thunderous presence gives the album an extra layer of intensity. Their contributions have been pivotal in making Blood and Steel one of the most sonically dense albums in ACCEPT’s storied history.
Tour Plans and Special Editions
In tandem with the album release, ACCEPT announced plans for a global headlining tour kicking off in September 2025. The “Blood and Steel World Tour” will begin in Hamburg, Germany, and span 30 cities across Europe before heading to North America, South America, and Asia.
Special edition versions of the album will also be available for collectors and superfans, including:
Deluxe Vinyl Box Set – Featuring a gatefold red vinyl, exclusive band poster, lyric booklet, and a signed photo.
Limited Steelbook Edition – Includes a bonus track, “Iron and Fire,” and a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the album.
Digital Deluxe Version – Offers an extended digital booklet, live bonus track recordings, and early access to music videos.
Pre-orders for all editions are open now on the band’s official website and through Nuclear Blast’s online store.
Metal Community Reacts
As soon as the announcement hit social media, metalheads around the world erupted with excitement. Hashtags like #BloodAndSteel and #ACCEPT2025 trended across platforms within hours. Fellow musicians, journalists, and longtime fans praised the band’s unwavering dedication to the genre.
Blabbermouth.net’s early preview called the album “a sonic blitzkrieg that proves ACCEPT’s legacy is far from finished,” while Metal Hammer noted that Blood and Steel “captures the primal rage of classic metal while charging forward with modern fire.”
A Legacy Reforged
Since their formation in 1976, ACCEPT has stood tall as one of the pillars of European heavy metal. Albums like “Balls to the Wall” (1983), “Restless and Wild” (1982), and “Metal Heart” (1985) helped define the sound of an era. With Blood and Steel, the band enters a new chapter while retaining the explosive spirit that first put them on the map.
Wolf Hoffmann summed it up best:
> “We’re not here to relive the past. We’re here to forge new steel.”
As August 30 draws closer, one thing is clear—ACCEPT is not s
lowing down. They’re louder, heavier, and more determined than ever to carry the torch of true heavy metal.