**Metal Heart** is the sixth studio album by German heavy metal band **Accept**, released on **March 4, 1985**. It marked a significant turning point in the band’s career, not just musically but also in terms of ambition. While Accept had already established themselves as a dominant force in the European metal scene, *Metal Heart* was a calculated step toward capturing the **American market**—a goal reflected in its more polished production, catchier choruses, and melodic hooks. The album was produced by **Dieter Dierks**, known for his work with Scorpions, making this the first Accept album he directly produced, even though the band had recorded at his studio previously.
Another major change was the **return of guitarist Jörg Fischer**, who had left the band two years earlier and was replaced by Herman Frank. Fischer’s comeback added renewed energy to the band’s twin-guitar attack and contributed to the tighter sound throughout the album. While *Metal Heart* was **criticized upon release** for what some perceived as a commercial shift, it has aged well and is now widely regarded by fans as one of Accept’s strongest efforts.
The title track, **“Metal Heart,”** is a standout, famous for incorporating classical elements such as Tchaikovsky’s *Slavonic March* and Beethoven’s *Für Elise* into its guitar solos—a signature move of guitarist Wolf Hoffmann. Another fan favorite, **“Living for Tonite,”** delivers straightforward heavy metal punch and became a staple of the band’s live shows.
A notable experiment is **“Teach Us to Survive,”** where the band veers into *jazz-metal* territory, showcasing a rare level of musical curiosity. While initially divisive, the track has since gained appreciation for its daring nature.
Overall, *Metal Heart* blends heavy metal grit with a more accessible sound, paving the way for the band’s international success.