Thirty six glorious years have past since the formation of the band pioneering in German metal acts in the early 80’s, live Grave Digger. The initial formation of the band changed along, and only Chris Boltendahl stayed from the original formation, in this 18th album he took the keyboarder Marcus Kniep for the first participation in an album since he toke the keyborders of the band in 2014 after the realese of “Return the Reaper”.
Despite the changes in formation, the attitude of the band and the formula used in their compositions stayed close to its roots, it can be said the time hasn’t gone by «The Reapers» and remain very vigorous.
The album begins with the song titling to the album, with a energetic chorus “Healead by Metal” followed by a powerful riff of guitars that describe an energy and intensity that are the motto of the album. The choruses of the songs are melodic and captivating, so we couldn’t fail to mention the acoustic moment after the “Free Forever” guitars solo, or the dark laughter of “Laughing with the death” that although it loses some speed in relation to the album it don’t loses weight.
A very interesting track is “Lawbreaker” that starts with a motorcycle engine sound, suggesting “Breaking the Law” which could be a tribute to Judas Priest for the title like a game and the riffs that encourage the listener to remember “Painkiller”.
Already in “When Nigth Falls” we find it’s a real musical explosion, a fairly fast track without breaks, melodic and fast riffs, and fascinating choruses reminiscent of heroic songs to remember Manowar or Hammerfall. “Call for all” in a same line with a remarkable reminding riff remebers “Wasted Years” of Iron Maiden and this a chorus in the refrain of power metal that contrasts with the voice of Chris that by several you will remember Lemmy’s iconic voice.
The album uses the same Grave Digger success formula and well, without experimental tracks, ballads but quite consistent and mature reminiscent of great rock classics.
8/10
