ACCEPT Recruits Producer CHRIS ‘ZEUSS’ HARRIS For Upcoming 50th-Anniversary Album
German heavy metal titans ACCEPT have officially entered the studio to begin work on their highly anticipated 50th-anniversary album, and in a bold shift, they’ve enlisted acclaimed American producer Chris “Zeuss” Harris to helm the project.
Best known for his work with artists like Rob Zombie, Hatebreed, and Overkill, Zeuss steps in as the new guiding force behind the band’s sound, following the temporary departure of long-time producer Andy Sneap, who is currently on a one-year hiatus due to commitments with Judas Priest.
In a recent interview, ACCEPT’s founding guitarist and bandleader Wolf Hoffmann explained the change:
“Andy is a great friend and producer, and we’ve worked incredibly well with him. But this year, he was simply too busy with Judas Priest. We had to move forward, and Zeuss came in with fresh energy, a killer ear, and the metal credentials to back it up.”
🛠️ Work in Progress: What to Expect
The new record, still untitled, is slated for a 2026 release, just in time for the band’s golden anniversary celebrations. While specifics about the track list remain under wraps, sources close to the production have hinted at a hybrid of brand-new tracks, re-recordings of rare gems, and possibly surprise guest appearances from fellow heavy metal icons.
Zeuss, speaking from the studio, said:
“Working with ACCEPT is an honor. These guys are legends, and their riffs are timeless. This album is not just about nostalgia—it’s about reminding people why they’re still one of the most powerful live acts and songwriting machines in metal.”
🥁 Studio Lineup
The band’s current lineup remains strong:
- Wolf Hoffmann – Lead Guitar
- Mark Tornillo – Vocals
- Uwe Lulis – Rhythm Guitar
- Martin Motnik – Bass
- Philip Shouse – Guitar
- Christopher Williams – Drums
Together, this formation has already proven their chemistry across albums like Too Mean to Die (2021) and Humanoid (2024).
🌍 50 Years of Metal: Tour Also Incoming
In addition to the new album, ACCEPT has confirmed plans for an extensive world tour in late 2025 and 2026. Dubbed the “Metal Heart: 50 Years Strong” tour, it will span North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Fans can expect a mix of classic cuts, deep tracks, and new anthems from the upcoming record.
🎸 A Legacy Reinvented
Formed in Solingen, Germany in 1975, ACCEPT was among the pioneers of European heavy metal, gaining international fame with albums like Restless and Wild (1982), Balls to the Wall (1983), and Metal Heart (1985). Their aggressive riffing, anthemic choruses, and genre-defining sound helped shape the global heavy metal movement.
Despite lineup changes over the years, ACCEPT’s ability to evolve while maintaining their signature identity has kept them relevant across generations.
🔊 Final Word
With Chris “Zeuss” Harris now steering the production ship, fans can anticipate a bold, modern, and ferociously heavy chapter in ACCEPT’s storied career. The 50th-anniversary album is not just a tribute to the past—it’s a fierce statement that ACCEPT is far from done.
Stay tuned to Phogammedia.ng for track previews, tour dates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes updates as this monumental project unfolds.
Follow us @Phogammedia for more metal news, album updates, and artist interviews.
