Artist: Grave Digger
Title: The Clans Will Rise Again
Type: Album
Label: Napalm Records

These German legends have a pretty impressive recording output since their debut classic in 1984, having formed four years earlier. Whilst many, including myself, mourn the loss of the speed metal explosion of yesteryear (their first three albums), Grave Digger since developed into a consistent power metal band, featuring strong concepts and an ever enduring battle to release fresh albums to keep ahead of the rest of the crowd.

‘The Clans Will Rise Again’ is roughly a sequel to 1996’s ‘Tunes of War’ album, but it does not go down the concept album approach, Grave Digger have made this album about Scotland in general and it’s acclaimed folklore and culture. ‘Paid in Blood’ and ‘Hammer of the Scots’ are anthem driven numbers to start this album off proper, upbeat and powerful as always. This is the thing that strikes me about German power metal bands, there is always much more energy, you don’t get much of the watered down wimpy stuff some folks produce. Chris Boltendahl is on top form again vocally; the albums title track slows things down but still retains its intensity. Then you come to ‘Valley of Tears’. I find this a remarkable track, and the guitar tone of the mystical swirl like atmosphere of the guitar solo really does hold your attention and takes you inside the track and be a part of the lyrics and this also has a strong Accept-like chugging groove guitar influence, this will certainly be a great track to hear live, many fists will be raised. Previous live guitarist and now full band member Axel "Ironfinger" Ritt really takes the guitar work to another level. ‘Rebels’ is a perfect example, fast paced, all the arrangements in the expected places, but there exists a clever use of light and shade, restraint where needed and the full release when also needed, leading to another masterful solo.

This album really hits the spot and in my mind has much more energy than their previous offering ‘Ballads of a Hangman’. This is true fist raising German heavy metal.

http://www.grave-digger.de
http://www.napalmrecords.com