Grave Digger – Healed By Metal (CD) out 13 Jan 2017 via Napalm)

Formed in 1980, German band Grave Digger were one of the early pioneers of the Speed Metal / Power Metal scenes, and (bar a break and reformation) have continued to produce some fine metal along the way.

This new set, cementing a new line-up, is the band’s 18th studio set and the band remain fronted by original vocalist (and occasional bassist) Christ Boltendahl.

The opening title track is a big loud and brash track with crunchy guitars and in-your-face gruff metal vocals. Although not the fast paced thrasher there is some neat and intricate guitar in amongst the power chords.

‘When Night Falls’ is a out-and-out blistering number, and ‘Free Forever’ nods to mid-90s Saxon.

All the lyrical clichés fit in well with the power and the metal (‘Ten Commandments Of Metal’ for example).

There are some excellent moments in here, definitely an album for the heavier and faster side of Metal Heads. 7/10

Joe Geesin

Chris Boltendahl – Vocals

Axel Ritt – Guitars

Jens Becker – Bass

Stefan Arnold – Drums

Marcus Kniep – Keyboards

1. “Healed by Metal”

2. “When the Night Falls”

3. “Lawbreaker”

4. “Free Forever”

5. “Call for War”

6. “Ten Commandments of Metal”

7. “The Hangman’s Eye”

8. “Kill Ritual”

9. “Hallelujah”

10. “Laughing with the Dead”

11. “Kingdom of the Night” (Limited edition Bonus track)

12. “Bucket List” (Limited edition Bonus track)