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I've never heard what I would call a masterpiece from U.D.O., nor have I ever heard a stinker either. I haven't heard all the albums, mind you. To me U.D.O. is about straightforward, catchy heavy metal influenced by his former band (Accept, in case you've been living in a cave for the past 20 years). I was right when I reviewed the "24/7" EP: "Mission No.X" is a good album and is without surprises. It is however the best U.D.O. album I've heard in a while. While the last couple of albums were good but had their share of fillers, "Mission No.X" is devoid of such useless tracks and is good from beginning to end. Not "awesome" good, mind you, but this is the kind of album that you'll put on repeat and not really get tired of hearing over and over. Some of the highlights are the title track, 24/7, Eye of the Eagle, Shell Shock Fever, Breaking Down the Borders, and Cry Soldier Cry. I was the first surprised when I realised that a couple of my favourite tracks were in fact power ballads, not exactly U.D.O.'s forte but these are among the best songs I've heard from this band - very emotional and with enough punch to avoid the "sissy factor".

I've said it before and I'll say it again: There's usually no surprise with a U.D.O. album: If you liked the band before, you'll like this one, and if you couldn't stand it then this most likely won't bring you on board. There are bands out there who play it safe but sound stale after a couple of albums. U.D.O. manages to still sound fresh without straying far away from its roots. Good stuff, but then again that's what I expected.