GRAVE DIGGER

Grave Digger are a 6-piece German power metal band who have been releasing albums since 1984 but this EP is my introduction to this band. The 4 tracks featured here show the band playing straight ahead metal with consummate ease, whilst the production is both clear and powerful. After hearing this disc, I find myself being appalled by my ignorance to this band's existence. If other metal fans are in the same position as me, then they should seek out their back catalogue. I know I will. The opening track ‘Pray’ is quite excellent as are the other 2 originals ‘Thy Blood Will Live Forever’ and ‘When The Sun Goes Down’. Each track combines melody with muscle and impresses with their simplicity, a quality lacking in many metal bands. The version of Motorhead's ‘Overkill’ on the other hand does not add anything new to the original but is still enjoyable nonetheless. Chris Boltendahl may remind listeners of Lordi with his slightly gruff but melodic vocals (although he was probably an influence on the Finnish giant's style and not vice-versa). From these 4 tracks, only an extended version of ‘Pray’ will appear on their forthcoming full album ‘Ballads Of A Hangman’ and based on the title track, which I have already heard, I await its release with eager anticipation. In the meantime, buy this EP, settle down and enjoy this cracking little taster.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Napalm Records

EP

PRAY

Review by Dave Crewe

RUNNING TIME:

16:27

RELEASE DATE:

28th Nov 2008

TRACK LISTING

1) Pray (Extended Version)
2) Overkill (Non-album track)
3) My Blood Will Live Forever (Non-album track)
4) When The Sun Goes Down (Non-album track)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Germany

"Each track combines melody with muscle and impresses with their simplicity..."