U.D.O. — the German metal band led by former Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider — will release its new album, "Steelhammer", on May 24 via Afm Records. The Cd was produced by Dirkschneider and Fitty Wienhold.

Guitarist Igor Gianola recenetly left U.D.O. and was replaced by Finnish axeman Kasperi Heikkinen.

U.D.O. last year announced the addition of guitarist Andrey Smirnov (pictured below) to the group's ranks. He replaced Stefan Kaufmann, who left the group for health reasons.

Stefan will continue to work with U.D.O. behind the scenes and produce other bands at his Roxx studio.

Kaufmann was the drummer for Accept on nine albums but was forced to give up drumming towards the end of the band's initial run due to health problems.

Stefan joined U.D.O. as a guitar player in 1996, following Accept's second breakup, and has recorded nine albums with them.

"Live In Sofia", the new Dvd+Cd and Blu-ray+Cd from U.D.O., entered the Music Dvd chart in Finland at position No. 1 and in Germany at No. 4.

"Live In Sofia" contains footage of U.D.O.'s November 16, 2011 concert at Hristo Botev Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria.

U.D.O. 's latest album, "Rev-Raptor", was released on May 20, 2011 via Afm Records.