(RPM ROAR)
Rating: 6.5
45 years of Teutonic heavy metal. Grave Digger shows no signs of slowing down on their 22nd full-length album and second under the RPM ROAR banner. The most notable change is this the first foray for guitarist Tobias Kersting, who entered the band in 2023 in place of longtime axman Axel Ritt.
He acquaints himself well on Bone Collector showcasing varied lead styles fitting within the context of the music. And the music is what we’ve come to love from Grave Digger, no frills heavy metal dealing with death and earthly horrors led by the ever charismatic and distinctive Chris Boltendahl.
The best of the bunch are is the Accept/Priest like fist pump of “The Devils Serenade”, the doomy rumble in “Riders Of Doom”, the ear worm vocals in speedster “Made Of Madness” and closer “Whispers Of The Damned”. The closing 6-minute tune recalls their older longer songs building a gray, humbling atmosphere before a powerful riff takes control.
Some trimming could be used – the flow and texture of the album would have best served if weaker cuts like “Kingdom Of Skulls”, “The Rich The Poor The Dying”, and “Forever Evil & Buried Alive” were tinkered and saved for an EP.
Bone Collector is a solid outing from the vets. Take note of a more prominent bass presence from longtime tumbler Jens Becker and Marcus Kniep is crisp behind the kit. I know these guys have at least one more outstanding album in them, but for now this will do.
Source: bravewords.com
