Heavy Metal Titans Reunite: Joe Belladonna, Udo Dirkschneider, and Mikkey Dee Prepare for Explosive New Single

In a thunderous announcement that has electrified the metal community, three legendary figures—Joe Belladonna (Anthrax), Udo Dirkschneider (Accept, U.D.O.), and Mikkey Dee (Motörhead, Scorpions)—have reunited for a blistering new project, promising a high-voltage single set to drop later this year. For fans of classic heavy metal, this unexpected alliance represents a collision of iconic legacies, each bringing decades of raw power, precision, and unmistakable presence to the table.

The reunion stems from a backstage conversation at a European metal festival in late 2024, where the trio reportedly discussed the state of modern metal and the timeless appeal of the genre’s roots. What started as a casual exchange evolved into something far more ambitious: a studio collaboration that merges the aggressive energy of thrash, the power of classic German metal, and the thunderous groove of speed rock.

Joe Belladonna, known for his soaring vocals and dynamic performances with Anthrax, brings a melodic yet ferocious vocal style that helped define the thrash metal movement in the 1980s. Joining him is Udo Dirkschneider, the gravel-voiced powerhouse who fronted Accept through their most iconic era, delivering anthems like “Balls to the Wall” and “Metal Heart.” Rounding out the group is Mikkey Dee, the percussive juggernaut who spent decades behind the drum kit for both King Diamond and the late Lemmy Kilmister’s Motörhead, now carrying that legacy with Scorpions.

The new single, tentatively titled “Forged in Steel,” is said to be a throwback to the roots of traditional metal, combining galloping riffs, pounding drums, and a dual vocal attack that pays homage to the golden era of the genre while injecting fresh fire. Producers close to the project hint at a larger EP or even a full-length album depending on the reception.

Though no official band name has been revealed, the project is being billed as a “celebration of legacy and unity in metal.” A short teaser video released on social media shows the three veterans in the studio, trading ideas, laughing, and tracking vocals—proof that their chemistry is as explosive as ever.

With “Forged in Steel” expected to drop by late summer 2025, the metal world is bracing for a seismic return of three of its most enduring icons. This is more than a collaboration—it’s a battle cry.