Formed back in 1980, this German true metal band appeared at various small festivals, trying to create a buzz. The band, comprising Chris Boltendahl, Peter Masson, Willi Lackmann and Albert Eckardt, recorded a song for the compilation album 'Rock from Hell' in 1983. A year later, Grave Digger released their debut album, 'Heavy Metal Breakdown'. They released their second album, 'Witch Hunter', in 1985. After this album was completed, Eckardt left the band; he was replaced by C.F. Brank. Further festival appearances, a tour as the warm-up act for Helloween and, finally, a triple headline tour with Celtic Frost and Helloween followed, and all before the release of the third album, 'War Games', in January 1986. Thereafter, Peter Masson gave way to Uwe Lulis; in 1987 the band's name was changed to Digger, the name under which they released the album 'Stronger than Ever'. This album hardly had anything in common with the earlier music of Grave Digger. It was more an attempt to reach the masses with mainstream rock like that of Bon Jovi or Van Halen. The album flopped, as it wasn't accepted by fans or the masses. As a result, Chris Boltendahl declared, at the end of 1987, the break up of the band. however, the band partially reformed in 1991. Christ Boltendahl and Uwe Lulis, along with two valuable newcomers, Tomi Göttlich and Jörg Michael, who had been the drummer for Rage and Running Wild, released a comeback record, entitled 'The Reaper'. This song returned to the true roots of Grave Digger. In the same year, the album 'Best of the Eighties' was released. The album 'Symphony of Death' followed in 1994. In the interim, Grave Digger, now with a new drummer, Frank Ullrich, toured Germany, playing as the warm-up act for Manowar. In 1995 the album 'Heart of Darkness appeared'; it was a very dark album with many influences from the early works of Annihilator. In 1996, Stefan Arnold became the band's new drummer. This year also marked the release of the concept album 'Tunes of War', which dealt with the early history of Scotland. This album was the first part of the Middle Ages Trilogy, completed in 1999. The second album, 'Knights of the Cross', with Jens Becker as bass guitarist, was completed in 1997 and was about the rise and fall of the Knights Templar. The final part of the trilogy, 'Excalibur', finished in 1999, and explored the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Shortly after this followed a world tour with the keyboardist Hans-Peter Katzenburg, who later became a permanent band member. In 2000, Grave Digger celebrated their 20th anniversary; to mark the occasion they performed at a sell-out concert at the Zeche in Bochum. This concert also marked a defining chapter in the band's history, as Uwe Lulis left a short while before the concert because of personal and business reasons. He formed a new band which he attempted to call Grave Digger, but Boltendahl instigated litigation to prevent this. Lulis finally called his new band Rebellion. A replacement, in the form of the ex-Rage guitarist, Manni Schmidt, was found. Along with him and the new record label Nuclear Blast, the album 'The Grave Digger' appeared in 2001. The works of Edgar Allan Poe served as an inspiration for the lyrics of the new album. Their first live album, 'Tunes of Wacken', appeared in 2002. This was coupled with the release of their first DVD, 'Wacken Open Air'. About a year later, a further concept album, 'Rheingold', appeared, which centered on the opera 'Der Ring des Nibelungen' by Richard Wagner. After the successful Rheingold-Tour, the band recorded another album, 'The Last Supper'. However, unlike previous albums, 'The Last Supper' was not a concept album, despite several songs being about the last days of Jesus. October 2005 saw the release of another live DVD. The title, '25 to Live', commemorated the band's 25th anniversary. In 2007 Grave Digger released their 12th studio album, 'Liberty or Death'. In 2009 the studio album was called 'Ballads of a Hangman', another concept album. Following this album, long time guitar-player, Manni Schmidt, left.

HEAVY METAL BREAKDOWN (1984, 1994) NOISE

Headbanging Man Heavy Metal Breakdown Back From War Yesterday We Wanna Rock You Legion Of The Lost Tyrant 2000 Lightyears From Home Heart Attack

Line-up: Chris Boltendahl - Vocals Peter Masson - Guitar Willi Lackmann - Bass Albert Eckardt - Drums Additional musician: Dietmar Dillhardt - Keyboards on 4

After releasing 2 demo tapes, in 1982 and 1983, 'Heavy Metal Breakdown' became the title of Grave Digger's debut album, released through Noise Records, in 1984. The same year Avenger (pre-Rage) released their 'Prayers Of Steel' album, and Running Wild released 'Gates To Purgatory'. So in many ways, 1984 became the year the German speed metal scene started life, outside the garages.

'Heavy Metal Breakdown' sounds like a German version of Anvil. Like their influential Canadian "brothers", Grave Digger was in the business of trying to "out-metal" the already "elderly" NWOBHM bands. As a result the bands were playing faster, the singers sang in more vicious manners and the lyrics were dark and sinister...... when they weren't about being metal, that is! The music on 'Heavy Metal Breakdown' is actually quite good. Given this is fairly simple metal plodding by today's standards, it is still very effective in all it's naive glory. Chris' vocal delivery sounds more like he is burping in a trashcan than anything else, but I've grown accustom to his gritty "charm". There is even a ballad present on this album.

Maybe I'm picky, but I prefer Grave Digger's post-reunion offerings. That doesn't mean that I can't enjoy these early albums too. After all, this is heavy metal history in the making!

Grave Digger re-recorded the ballad, "Yesterday", for the bands first release on Nuclear Blast Records, an EP released in 2006. I own the 1994 re-release of 'Heavy Metal Breakdown'. The vinyl versions had a separate US pressing on Megaforce Records, with slightly different cover art. The Megaforce pressing omits "2000 Lightyears From Home" (a Rolling Stones cover) and adds "Stormin' The Brain" and "Shoot Her Down". These tracks, together with a single edit of "We Wanna Rock You", were also released on the "Shoot Her Down" 12" single.

Killer songs: Heavy Metal Breakdown, Back From War, Yesterday, We Wanna Rock You, Legion Of The Lost

WITCH HUNTER (1985, 1994) NOISE

Grave Digger released their sophomore album only 7 months after the debut. 'Witch Hunter' came out in May, 1985, with Simon Adam replacing Elbert Eckardt on drums.

Musically 'With Hunter' is threading no new grounds for Grave Digger. It's the same speed-tinged heavy metal found on the bands debut. Grave Digger is almost the epitome of German metal here, sounding like a true blend of other familiar bands, such as Accept, Warlock (representing the classic heavy metal) and Running Wild and Rage (representing the speed metal). The result is not as unique as one would have hoped for, but rather makes the band sound a bit schizophrenic, not really knowing where to land. Case in point: the song "Get Ready For Power". I also find that 'Witch Hunter' lacks a memorable song or 3. And the cover of Alice Cooper's immortal "School's Out" is not good at all!

Still, if you like any of the other early albums from Chris and company I doubt you'll dislike this one entirely. And if early speed metal, with gruff vocals, is your thing, then Grave Digger certainly delivers for you!

Killer tracks: Witch Hunter, Night Drifter, Fight For Freedom, Friends Of Mine

WAR GAMES (1986, 1993) NOISE

Remember when speed metal was a distinct sub-genre? Bands like Agent Steel, early Helloween and Grave Digger were pioneers in this style of music. And while 'War Games', the bands 3rd record in as many years, might not have been the highlight of that era, it is still held high by many fans of this band.

This is blistering heavy metal, mostly fast paced in delivery. The guitar-tone is sharp and lethal, and Chris' acquired taste vocals are high-pitched and groveling at the same time! He actually manage to pull off a decent ballad in "Love Is Breaking My Heart" here! Every song is driven by the riffing. What makes them all memorable is the songwriting. While pretty simplistic by today's standards, this is music with charm. And the catchy, anthem-like choruses will stick to your memory like crazy-glue. 'War Games' was Grave Digger's 3rd album, and sadly the last one before they turned into Digger (more on that if I can ever find a copy of their 'Stronger Than Ever' album, released the same year as 'War Games'). Some claim this was an attempt at a more commercial and accessible sound, but I find the album to be much too raw for that to be entirely true. Personally I prefer the post-reunion version of this band. But I have no problem acknowledging the bands place in German metal history, and I quite enjoy this album too. It is my favorite from the early stages of Grave Digger.

Apparently the second half of the album tells the story about the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the atomic bomb over the Japanese town of Hiroshima.

Killer tracks: Heaven Can Wait, Fire In Your Eyes, Paradise, Fallout

HEART OF DARKNESS (1995) GUN RECORDS

'Heart Of Darkness' is another very strong heavy metal platter, that with ANY other singer, this would have been huge. I'm beginning to get used to Chris, but he is still the weakest link in Grave Digger. The songs are excellent, and you know what you get when you buy a Grave Digger album. 

Killer tracks: The Grave Dancer

TUNES OF WAR (1996) GUN RECORDS

This a great CD. Grave Digger takes on a more epic approach, and that suits them well. This is still pummeling heavy metal though. The closest I can think of is Rage, but a cross between Blind Guardian and Running Wild will also spell it out. It's a concept album about Braveheart, the Scottish freedom fighter. The sound of bagpipes mixed with power metal riffs is awesome, and worth the disc alone. The only bad thing about it is Chris' voice. He has still a long way to become a good singer.

Killer tracks: Brave, Scotland United, The Truth, The Fall Of The Brave

THE DARK OF THE SUN (EP) (1997) GUN RECORDS

'The Dark Of The Sun' is a 4 track EP, released in support of the German leg of the 'Tunes Of War' tour. The title track is from the 'Tunes Of War' album, but the reason for owning this are the remaining 3 tracks. These are re-recorded versions of older Grave Digger songs that originally appeared on the bands first two albums. The new versions tone down the original raw speed metal tempo, and now all 3 songs could have fit on any of the current Grave Digger albums. I can't really say that any of the songs have been improved much, but it is still cool to hear them every once in a while.

The track list on on the trey card and in the booklet lists "Rebellion - Live in Athens" as a separate intro. But on the CD it is tacked together with "The Dark Of The Sun" as one track.

KNIGHTS OF THE CROSS (Limited Edition digi-pack) (1998) GUN RECORDS

The first time I heard Grave Digger was on a promo-sampler for this album. Only about a minute of every song was included. My first thought was; "Why on earth haven't I heard this band before? This sounds GREAT!!"! Then I obtained the digi-pak version, and it struck me; The songs really were better when I just heard the better parts of them. That said, this truly is a great heavy metal disc, and this time Chris is fully bearable. It's just that the songs seems to repeat themselves, and sound very similar. So listening to the entire CD in one go, is something I seldom do. But the tracks that stand out, really stand out!! The concept this time is about the Knights Of The Templar, and the medieval dark age. This limited edition also contains a cover of Black Sabbath's "Children Of The Grave" as a bonus track.

Killer tracks: Knight Of The Cross, Monks Of War, Fanatic Assassins, Baphomet

EXCALIBUR (Limited Edition) (1999) GUN RECORDS

Excalibur - "The story of King Arthur and the Round table", A metal opus in twelve chapters. This is what the booklet states. And let me tell you; this is absolutely one GREAT album!! It's just as good as 'The Grave Digger', and maybe even better! For the first time, Chris' voice isn't bothering me at all. "Emerald Eyes" is a ballad, sung in a more straight manner (I thought the first Grave Digger ballad was on their next album. I was wrong.). Every song on this album is excellent, and I have a hard time picking favorites! If you are wondering were to start your Grave Digger collection, begin here! The album is another concept. This time it's about, you guessed it; The knights of the round table. Guest appearances include Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian, Demons & Wizards), Piet Sielck (Iron Savior), Eric Fish and Bodenski (both Subway To Sally). This limited edition comes with a bonus track.

Killer tracks: Excalibur, Morgane Le Fay, Mordred's Song, Emerald Eyes

THE GRAVE DIGGER (Digi-pack)( 2001) NUCLEAR BLAST

Grave Digger has really began to grow on me, and this is their best work so far. The negative thing is of course still Chris' monotone voice, but here it doesn't bother me much. He even sings in a more straight matter on the album's ballad. Yes folks, Grave Digger have gone and recorded a ballad! I must really begin to make an effort to get hold of the rest of their catalogue now. Grave Digger is Heavy Metal! My version is a limited edition digi-pack, with a cool embossed cover, and a bonus track.

Killer tracks: Son Of Evil, Raven, The House, Haunted Palace

RHEINGOLD (2003) NUCLEAR BLAST

Another great release from our favorite German true metalers!  As usual, this is a concept story. 'Rheingold' is inspired by 'The Ring Of The Nibelungs' opera, by Richard Wagner. What can one say that haven't already been said regarding this band? They have for the last decade delivered some splendid heavy metal, and they show no signs of weary yet. Most of the songs presented here are superior to most of what is released in this musical category nowadays. The songs are super-infectious, and will stick to your brain like glue. Manni Schimdt provides a fuel injection to their sound, as he is one solid guitar-player. Also look out for vocal appearance from Michi Rhein from In Extremo. Any fan of the band can not be disappointed. This is another safe buy. 

Killer tracks: Rheingold, Valhalla, Giants, Maidens Of War, Murderer, Twilight Of The Gods

THE LAST SUPPER (Limited Digipack edition) (2005) NUCLEAR BLAST

Grave Digger have released an impressing string of great albums in the last decade. And nothing makes me think that this string will be severed anytime soon. 'The Last Supper' hits yet another bull's-eye, as Chris & Co. continue down the path they are helping create. The title track might be their best tunes to date, and that is saying a lot. 'The Last Supper', as you might have figured out due to the title, ad the cover art, is inspired by The Bible, Jesus and the movie 'The Passion Of The Christ'. Many of the songs, not all of the though, are Chris' own take on those topics, and it is refreshing to listen to someone singing about Jesus in a positive manner, even though I don't think Chris sees Jesus as the Messiah. Musically I'm left in awe from this release. Manni is once again showing that he is more than willing to take on great guitarists, such as Victor Smolski (Rage) and Jeff Loomis (Nevermore). Chris also sings better then ever, and in "Crucify" he might have delivered his song performance of a lifetime. I'm already looking forward to the next album! This cool digipack version comes with 2 bonus tracks.

Killer tracks: The Last Supper, Grave In The No Man's Land, Soul Savior, Crucified, Hundred Days

YESTERDAY (EP/DVD) (2006) LOCOMOTIVE

Grave Digger left Nuclear Blast, and the first release on their new label is this EP/DVD. The EP contains 2 newly recorded versions of "Yesterday", a song originally from their debut album. None of these new versions are any better, or worse, then the original, so I'm not sure I see the point in this. "The Reapers Dance" is an exclusive track for this release, and this is a solid Grave Digger song, albeit with some goofy lyrics. "No Quarter" is a Led Zeppelin cover, of all things, but the boys have made it sound like their own song. The DVD is a raw sounding (absolutely NO overdubs on this one!!) recording from 2001, when the band visited the Rock Machina Festival in Spain. The DVD is probably the only reason to keep this release.

BALLADS OF A HANGMAN (Limited Edition Digipack) (2009) NAPALM RECORDS

As Grave Digger releases their 13th studio album in 2009, it would seem as though their brand of European power metal is once again frowned upon. Therefore, the band has gone from being one of the smaller bands on Nuclear Blast Records, to being the odd-band-out on Napalm Records (mostly known as a folk metal stable) instead. And while I understand that the scene in general was getting flooded with mediocre bands, and thusly it has somewhat outplayed its relevance in today's market, I still find it sad that one of the originators of the genre, and one of the longest running bands in the scene can't get more recognition then they actually do.

This is especially true since they keep on delivering quality material on each new release. 'Ballads of a Hangman' is no exception. 11 brand new tracks are presented on the CD. And if you buy the limited digipack edition, you get treated to a bonus track, in form of a cover of Thin Lizzy's classic, "Jailbreak". 'Ballads Of A Hangman' is another concept story from these Germans. But as usual I don't care much about the lyrics, and concentrate on the music instead. So I am here to tell you that 'Ballads Of A Hangman' is a natural follow up to the last 2 or 3 CD's from Grave Digger. The band has undergone few changes, musically, since the reformation in 1995. You might detect that the band is writing songs that sounds a bit more streamlined these days. But no one can accuse them of trying to flirt with radio hits, or anything remotely commercial. This is still 100% galloping heavy metal. All the trademark elements are here, with the machine gun riffing, blazing solos, thunderous rhythm, chanting choruses and Chris' graveling vocals. Yup, Grave Digger has a sound of their own, and they are sticking with it, thank goodness!

On this album they have added a second guitar-player. He is no stranger though, as people will recognize the name Thilo Hermann from bands like Running Wild, Holy Moses or Risk. His contribution to the band means, of course, more guitars! Yes, the twin lead attack suits the band perfectly, and rounds of their sound sonically. Another "new" feature on this album is the addition of a female guest vocalist. Benedictum's Veronica Freeman appears on the terrific semi-ballad, "Lonely The Innocence Dies". Her unique, "manly" voice matches Chris' gritty style perfectly.

There are no filler whatsoever on this CD. OK, the bonus track is for the die-hard fans only. But the album itself is without flaws. Songs like the catchy single, "Pray", "Funeral For A Fallen Angel", "Hell Of Disillusion" and the title track, are all future classics. Therefore I will not hesitate to dub this one of the strongest effort in the bands long career. Thusly, Grave Digger remains a heavy metal stronghold, true to their fans, and the music. Look for this album on my top 20 of 2009 releases.

Killer track: All of them.

Grave Digger also appear on:

V/A - 'A Tribute To Accept'

Chris Boltendahl guest appearances:

Edguy - 'Kingdom Of Madness'

Manni Schmidt guest appearances:

Powergod - 'Bleed For The Godz - That's Metal Lesson 1'

Related artists:

Running Wild, Stratovarius, Axel Rudi Pell, Rage, Saxon, Unleashed Power/U.P., Roland Grapow, X-Wild, Zillion, Risk