Accept, the German heavy metal pioneers, have kicked off their 50th-anniversary celebration by releasing a revamped version of their iconic track "Fast As A Shark." Originally featured on their 1982 album "Restless and Wild," the song now includes guest appearances by renowned musicians like Phil Anselmo, Kirk Hammett, Mikkey Dee, and Billy Sheehan, alongside Accept members Wolf Hoffmann and Mark Tornillo.
This latest rendition of "Fast As A Shark" serves as a teaser for the upcoming album "Teutonic Titans 1976Β2026," set to be launched on September 4, 2026, under Napalm Records. The album will revisit pivotal moments from Accept's discography through fresh recordings featuring a diverse array of guest artists from the global heavy metal scene.
Described as a seminal work in early speed metal, "Fast As A Shark" gained fame for its blistering pace, aggressive riffs, and unique incorporation of the traditional German folk tune "Ein Heller und ein Batzen." The new version retains the essence of the original while infusing a fresh interpretation of the folk melody using Bavarian instrumentation before transitioning into the familiar intense sound of the song.
The expanded lineup for the updated track includes Phil Anselmo on vocals, Kirk Hammett on guitar, Mikkey Dee on drums, and Billy Sheehan on bass, alongside Wolf Hoffmann and Mark Tornillo. Hammett expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pay homage to Accept, a band that significantly influenced his musical journey.
The album "Teutonic Titans 1976Β2026" spans the era between "I'm A Rebel" (1980) and "Eat The Heat" (1989), featuring nineteen tracks revisited with a mix of guest musicians on each song. The project aims to honor Accept's legacy and the enduring impact the band has had on musicians over the past five decades, celebrating their rich history and ongoing influence.
Accept, founded in the 1970s in Germany, played a pivotal role in shaping traditional heavy metal and speed metal genres. Albums like "Restless and Wild," "Balls To The Wall," "Metal Heart," and "Russian Roulette" solidified the band's global reputation, with tracks such as "Fast As A Shark" becoming iconic references for future generations of metal artists.
Through collaborations with musicians spanning different generations, Accept's "Teutonic Titans 1976Β2026" offers a retrospective journey through the band's discography while showcasing the enduring impact of their music on the global metal community. The project not only celebrates the band's history but also underscores the ongoing resonance of their music across diverse metal audiences.