Grave Digger - Rheingold

Rodrigo

Heat in 7
Apr 17, 2001
883
3
18
Southern California
GRAVE DIGGER - RHEINGOLD
Nuclear Blast - 2003

By Rodrigo Escandon

NB_1046.jpg


With certain bands, like Grave Digger, you know what you are going to get with each new release. They stick to a formula, add a few twists here and out the new album comes. Rheingold is no different from past releases but its definitely a step above their last two albums.

Once again the band has created a concept album and this time it's inspired by "The Ring of the Nibelungs" by Richard Wanger. I am not at all familiar with this tale but from understanding the lyrics it sounds like something I would like to explore more.

As usual there will be a debate over Chris's vocals but by this point if you don't like them then you might as well skip this album. The approach of Chris singing the verses alone and then him leading a choir through most of the choruses is once again applied with Rheingold. But some of the choruses needed some more work in the writing department because in the cases of the songs "Valhalla" and "Giants" guess what the chorus is: Yep, the titles repeated a few times and what about the incredibly lame "Kill Kill" repeated during "Dragon"? However, credit needs to be given to "Giants" because of the extremely cool part with the orchestral sample from 2:24 to about 2:48.But when they do work, it is hard to get those lyrics out of your head.

Music wise, this album definitely is what makes this album rival Tunes of War and Knights of the Cross as the best Grave Digger album. There are guitar solos thrown in everywhere, the music is more engaging, more driving, more in your face. Songs like the speedy "Liar" and the awesome title track "Rheingold", check that solo out, do a great job at making you drop down and bang your head away. Plus, there are a couple of songs where things are slowed down and we get to listen to a more melodious Grave Digger such as in "Maidens of War" and "Sword".

Despite the few negatives this is a very solid album that proves that Grave Digger still have plenty left in their tank.

Nuclear Blast Website
Grave Digger Official Website