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Rating: Formed in 1980 by the "rocky" singer Chris Boltendahl, Grave Digger represent in the heavy metal scene one of the bands that over the years has been able to respect the word consistency. This at least, from 1993 onward. In 1984, the Diggers released "Heavy Metal Breakdown," which garnered them good success, followed a year later by the equally excellent "Witch Hunter," which gradually consolidated the typical sound of Grave Digger. "War Games," the third LP of the group, will enjoy good success but will be widely criticized for its militaristic themes, leading their music label, Noise Records, to have them completely redirect their sound, attempting a more commercial approach but failing miserably with the release of the, in my opinion, terrible "Stronger Than Ever." It's 1987, and Grave Digger decide to split up. It would take 6 years for the Diggers to reform and release one of the best albums in their discography, "The Reaper," released in November of 1993. Changed label, GUN Records specifically, and self-produced by the band members, Chris Boltendahl, Uwe Lulis, "The Reaper" definitively marks the new course of the Diggers. Aggressive, direct, raw songs, no clean and well-crafted sounds, no stupid sugary ballads. Reborn beasts, this was Grave Digger in 1993.
Impossible to remain calm and composed in tracks like "The Reaper," "Ride On," or "Fight The Fight." In these cases, Boltendahl's voice is the true strong point of the album. Dirty, powerful, launched into spine-chilling high notes. This power is fully expressed in more cadenced tracks like "Wedding Day" and "Under My Flag." There are also tracks that stand out in melody, like "Shadow Of A Moonless Night" and "Ruler Mr. H." Notably, the beautiful "Legion Of The Lost (Part II)," which is objectively one of Grave Digger's best tracks, and from the first listen captivates the listener. Also very suggestive are the brief introductions "Tribute To Death" and "The Madness Continues." No track is out of place, every song lays the groundwork for the next, no short guitar riff serving as an introduction between one track and another. This album, gentlemen, is pure power.
In 1993, in the full grunge era, when bands from the '80s desperately tried to stay on top of the charts, even if it meant radically changing their sound, Grave Digger released "The Reaper," an album that alone summarizes the term power. So, if what you're looking for is an album with a nice cover, with catchy songs to whistle to in the car, and to relax to in the evening, stay away from it. But if you're looking for a violent, dirty album that is absolutely unique in its genre, take "The Reaper" with your eyes closed. You won't regret it.
"Look behind you
He stands behind you
The reaper shall return!"
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 The Reaper (04:16)
Welcome to the Evil's nightmare
See the demons dancing round
waiting for the reaper's rising
Looking out for Satan's crowd
The grave is open, a digger's smile
please welcome the dead
Look Behind You; He Stands Behind You
The Reaper Shall Return
Look Reside You; Walks beside You
The Reaper has Returned
Tonight the Reaper's party is open
Get entrance, get the trance
Forget about the words of warning
Forget about the smell of death
The raft of death now leaves the landing
Waters wipe out space and time
Black man gives a skinless smile
Cold greetings reach your mind
09 Fight the Fight (02:46)
Raging on a warpath, storming through the town
Blowing it to pieces, killing all around
Fighting for existance, looking for a way
Now it's getting harder, it's the price you pay
Black or White - it's no different kind
Black or White - the leader are so lind
Fight The Fight
Fight for Your Right
Fight The Fight
And See The Light
Crossing bloody streets, waiting for attack
Living for a moment, never turning back
Striking down the white, killing all in sight
It's a state of hate, where fires burning bright
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Other reviews
By fenni
An incredible and frantic raw and adrenaline-pumping speed metal storm, a dizzying spiral of tight and badass riffs.
The Reaper is a milestone of metal, a sort of nascent concept that tells of the skeletal and relentless reaper of souls.
By metalheart
If you want to start listening to real metal, it is almost a must to go through Grave Digger.
This is pure and hard Heavy Metal!
