U.D.O. have announced their 20th studio album, Voodoo Ranger, set for release on January 8, 2027 via Reigning Phoenix Music. The German heavy metal veterans are introducing the record with its first single, “I’ll Die Trying,” accompanied by an official music video.
The album arrives during a milestone year for Udo Dirkschneider and U.D.O. In 2027, Dirkschneider will celebrate his 75th birthday, U.D.O. will mark their 40th anniversary, and Voodoo Ranger will become the band’s 20th studio album.
Rather than opening the new era with one of the record’s heavier tracks, U.D.O. selected the deeply personal “I’ll Die Trying,” a ballad centered on perseverance, self-belief and continuing forward despite adversity.
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Udo Dirkschneider on “I’ll Die Trying”
For Dirkschneider, the song reflects both his personal outlook and his decades-long relationship with performing.
“‘I’ll Die Trying’ is one of the most personal songs on Voodoo Ranger. It’s about never giving up, believing in yourself and always moving forward, no matter what life throws at you.”
Dirkschneider says the song’s final verse carries particular significance because of its connection to his life onstage.
“Every concert is a special moment and as long as people want to hear me sing, I’ll keep giving everything I’ve got. I’ve always believed that a great ballad can be just as powerful as the heaviest metal songs, and throughout my career these songs have become some of the most memorable ones.”
Interestingly, “I’ll Die Trying” wasn’t originally scheduled to become the first taste of Voodoo Ranger. Those plans changed after Peter Baltes and Alen Brentini were injured during a recent performance on the Balls To The Wall – 40th Anniversary Tour, forcing the band to postpone production of the video originally planned for the album launch.
Instead of rushing the production, U.D.O. decided to move forward with “I’ll Die Trying.”
“Looking back, it feels like the right choice,” Dirkschneider explains. “The song captures a side of U.D.O. that has always been important to me. Ballads have been part of my career from the very beginning, and our fans have always embraced them.”
He also made clear that the choice of a ballad as the first single shouldn’t be interpreted as a change in direction.
“Nobody should think this album is getting softer: Voodoo Ranger is packed with classic U.D.O. power and has plenty of surprises waiting.”
U.D.O. Prepare Voodoo Ranger
Voodoo Ranger brings together U.D.O.‘s established heavy metal sound with darker and heavier moments, built around powerful riffs, large hooks and Dirkschneider’s unmistakable vocal delivery.
The album was written by Udo Dirkschneider, Sven Dirkschneider, Peter Baltes and Fabian “Dee” Dammers, with additional contributions from guitarist Alen Brentini.
Martin “Mattes” Pfeiffer produced and mixed the record, while former ACCEPT and U.D.O. guitarist Stefan Kaufmann handled mastering. The album artwork was painted by artist Eliran Kantor.
Voodoo Ranger Track Listing
- Testify
- The Sky Is The Limit
- Keep Me Alive
- Back Breaker
- I’ll Die Trying
- Reach For The Crown
- Pain & Glory
- Hell Hunt
- Voodoo Ranger
- Magic Life
- Devil’s Mind
- Movin’ On
Triple Anniversary Tour 2027
The album will be only one part of U.D.O.’s anniversary celebrations. The band will also embark on the extensive Triple Anniversary Tour 2027, bringing material spanning four decades of U.D.O. to stages throughout Europe.
Dirkschneider will additionally release his official autobiography, created together with Dan Dreyer, during the same month as Voodoo Ranger.
The combination of Dirkschneider’s 75th birthday, U.D.O.‘s 40th anniversary and the arrival of the band’s 20th album makes 2027 one of the most significant milestone years in the group’s history.
Tickets and additional information: udo-online.de
U.D.O. lineup
Udo Dirkschneider — Vocals
Sven Dirkschneider — Drums
Fabian “Dee” Dammers — Guitar
Peter Baltes — Bass
Alen Brentini — Guitar
With four decades of U.D.O. behind them and more than five decades of heavy metal history attached to Dirkschneider’s unmistakable voice, Voodoo Ranger arrives at a fitting intersection between the band’s past and what comes next.