DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Featuring Former ACCEPT Members Release Official Video For New Single “Strangers In Paradise”…

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Featuring Former ACCEPT Members Release Official Video For New Single “Strangers In Paradise”

 

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG, the band led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, has released the official video for their brand-new single, “Strangers In Paradise.” The track, released on July 6, 2025, marks the fourth in a series of monthly singles leading up to the group’s highly anticipated debut full-length album, Babylon, due out on October 3 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Featuring a lineup of seasoned heavy metal veterans—including bassist/vocalist Peter Baltes and guitarist Stefan Kaufmann (both ex-ACCEPT), along with Mathias “Don” Dieth (guitar), Sven Dirkschneider (drums), and Manuela “Ella” Bibert (vocals)—the band showcases a powerful blend of experience and fresh creativity.

“Strangers In Paradise” is a melodic, emotionally charged ballad that highlights the group’s dynamic three-vocalist setup. Udo’s unmistakable gritty voice is balanced by Bibert’s soaring harmonies and Baltes’ melodic support, creating a rich and textured vocal landscape rarely heard in traditional heavy metal. The track’s lyrical themes of longing and disillusionment are underscored by soulful guitar work and layered production, offering a more reflective tone than the band’s previous high-energy singles.

The video, shot in a moody, atmospheric studio setting, places the focus squarely on the band’s chemistry and performance. Without flashy effects or over-the-top visuals, the video emphasizes authenticity, musicianship, and the emotional weight of the song.

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG began as a one-off project in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, originally intended to support fellow musicians impacted by the global shutdown. However, the overwhelming fan response to early singles like “Where The Angels Fly” and “Face Of A Stranger” led to the formation of a permanent group. Their 2021 EP, Arising, laid the foundation for what has become a long-term collaboration between these legendary musicians.

Since April 2025, the band has been releasing one new single each month as part of a carefully curated campaign leading to Babylon. Previous singles include “It Takes Two To Tango” (April), “Time To Listen” (May), and “Hellbreaker” (June). The band plans to release the album’s title track in September, just ahead of the full album launch.

According to the band, Babylon will offer a diverse mix of heavy metal anthems, ballads, and mid-tempo rockers—all unified by the band’s signature dual- and triple-vocal approach and commitment to high-quality songwriting.

“Strangers In Paradise” serves as a turning point in the album’s narrative, offering a moment of introspection amid the heavier and more aggressive tracks. It is a clear statement that DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG are more than a nostalgia act—they are a creative force still evolving, with something meaningful to say.

The single is now available on all major streaming platforms, and the official video can be viewed on the band’s YouTube channel. As anticipation builds for the full release of Babylon, fans can expect more surprises, powerful performances, and heartfelt music from one of metal’s most enduring lineups