About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

This old school power/speed metal troupe inspires at certain moments but generally drags their feet on Ballads Of A Hangman.



Pros

• Chris Boltendahl’s extremely unique gruff yet melodic vocals.
• Unquestionably authentic “true metal” feel permeates the release.

Cons

• Many songs start out strong before running out of steam in terms of creativity and energy.

Description

• Released January 9, 2009 on Napalm Records.

• This is Grave Digger’s thirteenth studio album.
• Aside from four years of inactivity, the band has existed for nearly 30 years.

Guide Review - Grave Digger - 'Ballads Of A Hangman'

One of the initial bands to emerge from the metal-obsessed nation of Germany, Grave Digger initially turned its sod way back in 1980 with a sound straddling the borders of heavy metal, speed metal and power metal. However in 1987 not only did they take a left turn, but they stumbled into a roadside bush as they abbreviated their name to Digger and released the radio rock album Stronger Than Ever, a failure in the eyes of the masses and their existing fan base, resulting in the band’s four year breakup.

In 1991, they reformed and went back to their original sound. Since then they’ve successfully taken some bold and ambitious steps conceptually. Yet, invariably, efforts to create grandiose, epic “true” metal albums are risky endeavors. With the right balance, the results can be mind-boggling; but if it isn’t pulled off, the output can be embarrassing and laughable.

Unfortunately, Ballads Of A Hangman typically leans toward the latter.

Opening song “Ballad Of A Hangman” kicks off with plenty of Oh-Whoa-Oh’s that are rolled off with a pitiful amount of passion and vitality. And as though you’re witnessing a seemingly never-ending karaoke performance lacking energy and drive, songs like “Funeral For A Fallen Angel” render a similar impact.

Triumphant and powerful moments do exist because of the impressive guitar playing and soloing, though the release’s strongest point is the gruff yet melodic vocals of Chris Boltendahl that possess a slow vibrato that’s surreal and just plain creepy. And for whatever it’s worth, at least they're not trying to sound like Bon Jovi anymore.