The Grave Digger

A few years ago, my brother tried to introduce me to a new band (for me of course, since Grave exist since the 80's), that band is Grave Digger and with the album Knight Of The Cross, he finally made me like them. In the beginning I was reluctant because I couldn't stand the vocals of Chris Boltendahl, but slowly I accepted them and today I can even say I love his vocals. But I know that most True Metal fans can't digest the way Chris sings. Well, when I hold in my hands jewel like this new album, I'm feeling sorry for them, cause Grave Digger is a hell of a band, and one of a kind ! When I learned than the guitar player (Uwe Lulis) had left the band I was really worried, because Excalibur was the best album from Grave Digger and guitars where definitely a strongpoint to the overall musical atmosphere. But after the first spin of The Grave Digger, I've put my fears to rest. What an album my friends !!! And Grave didn't lose a guitar player, they simply won one !!! The name of this brave soul : Manni Schmidt, yes ... Rage's fist guitar player. And I can tell you this guy is adding a hell of a melodic touch to the band. This new album continues where Excalibur left, an impressive epic & melodic bomb ! This album is absolutely unbelievable, from the first listens I was headbanging all over the place and asking myself where the hell do these riffs come from ? and these choruses... Oh my god ! All songs are excellent, some extremely melodic like the first song Son Of Evil, or the two melodic hymns Spirits Of The Dead and Haunted Palace. Other songs will be more square and very heavy, like Raven, King Pest or Scythe Of Time. I can seem to catch a break throughout this album which ends on the excellent ballad Silence ! The guitars are better than ever, the production is near perfection, the songs are epic, melodic and very powerful The overall being highlighted by Chris' growly and aggressive vocals, which have enormously improved since Excalibur ! We received a faded out promo so I never listened to the end of the songs, I might adjust the quote by one or two points if needed when the album is release depending on how the songs end (cause that's very important !). I was a bit intrigued by the title of the album, after so many years, how come a new album was bearing the title of the band. I get it know, simply because this album is the best album of their discography. So I would like to thank Grave Digger for the demonstration that this album is ! After all these years, the band is evolving with each album since Knights Of The Cross and I can't imagine what the next one will be. Amongst the best release this year without a ghost of hesitation, buy or die !