Grave Digger - The Last Supper
Nuclear Blast - NB 1343-2 - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Grave Digger are pretty much an institution in the heavy metal scene - led by gravel-throated frontman Chris Boltendahl, the group have been churning out conceptually-oriented, thrash-inflected epic heavy metal for many years now. Their previous two releases, Rheingold and The Grave Digger have been particularly well-received, and now comes this - another concept record revolving lyrically around the last days of Christ. This could well be a smart move, considering the renewed interest in the subject created by Saint Mel's movie adaption of the same story.
So, we begin with the almost obligatory symphonic/atmospheric intro, before we're led into first track proper, 'The Last Supper'. Immediately, you're hit with the notion that Grave Digger seem to have slowed down somewhat - the thrash influences are pared down, to be replaced with a seemingly more 80s hard rock mentality. The production is still heavy as lead, the guitars slash and growl with all their previous flair and ability, and Boltendahl still sounds like a man gargling with gravel, but there's something a tad hair-metallish about it all... That is, until stormers like 'Black Widows' and 'Hell To Pay' come along, complete with galloping double-kick rhythms, frantic riffage and harmonic squeals, topped off with excellent lead work.
For perhaps the first time in Grave Digger's recent history though, consistency issues rear their ugly head. For every 'Grave In The No Man's Land', there's a stodgy power-ballad-like number such as 'Crucified' - an over-long (seven minutes!), over-blown track that loses all momentum under the weight of it's synthesisers and self-importance around the three minute mark. This makes for a patchy listen. However, when these guys are on form, it's a delight to behold. Newcomers to Grave Digger would perhaps be better off with Rheingold, but established fans will find as much to love as they will to ponder over.
7.5/10
Grave Digger Official Website
Nuclear Blast Records Website
Nuclear Blast - NB 1343-2 - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Grave Digger are pretty much an institution in the heavy metal scene - led by gravel-throated frontman Chris Boltendahl, the group have been churning out conceptually-oriented, thrash-inflected epic heavy metal for many years now. Their previous two releases, Rheingold and The Grave Digger have been particularly well-received, and now comes this - another concept record revolving lyrically around the last days of Christ. This could well be a smart move, considering the renewed interest in the subject created by Saint Mel's movie adaption of the same story.
So, we begin with the almost obligatory symphonic/atmospheric intro, before we're led into first track proper, 'The Last Supper'. Immediately, you're hit with the notion that Grave Digger seem to have slowed down somewhat - the thrash influences are pared down, to be replaced with a seemingly more 80s hard rock mentality. The production is still heavy as lead, the guitars slash and growl with all their previous flair and ability, and Boltendahl still sounds like a man gargling with gravel, but there's something a tad hair-metallish about it all... That is, until stormers like 'Black Widows' and 'Hell To Pay' come along, complete with galloping double-kick rhythms, frantic riffage and harmonic squeals, topped off with excellent lead work.
For perhaps the first time in Grave Digger's recent history though, consistency issues rear their ugly head. For every 'Grave In The No Man's Land', there's a stodgy power-ballad-like number such as 'Crucified' - an over-long (seven minutes!), over-blown track that loses all momentum under the weight of it's synthesisers and self-importance around the three minute mark. This makes for a patchy listen. However, when these guys are on form, it's a delight to behold. Newcomers to Grave Digger would perhaps be better off with Rheingold, but established fans will find as much to love as they will to ponder over.
7.5/10
Grave Digger Official Website
Nuclear Blast Records Website
