Many years ago, 1980 to be exact, a band was to rise up and would be known by the macabre name of Grave Digger, and this band from the country of Germany would go forth spreading their mighty Power Metal through the years. Not to be thwarted by changing line-ups, brushing adversity aside many albums were unleashed much to the delight of their loyal metal loving followers.
Now in the present year of 2009, once again the veterans have delivered, Ballads of a Hangman is upon us and a fun metal CD it is. Interesting album title, I suppose it took a certain kind of person to carry out such a morbid task, so what sort of ballads would a Hangman write? Well given the title I assume this album is Grave Digger's take on the matter.
Getting into this CD and "The Gallows Pole" is quite the peaceful opener, but title song "Ballad Of The Hangman" shatters this tranquility once the guitars kick in, Grave Digger pushes the accelerator with the traditional twin guitar and pummeling kick pedal attack. "Hell Or Disillusion" has the pace dialed back coupled with some rocking metal guitars Priest style, and "Lonely The Innocent Dies"" sees Benedictum's Veronica Freeman sharing the vocals. "Funeral For A Fallen Angel" commences with a nice Spanish guitar intro before the metal hooks its fangs in.
Annoying voice overs throughout this promo CD aside, Grave Digger's Ballads of a Hangman has some wonderful energetic metal to discover, not to mention attention grabbing ghoulish cover art. It will be many a year before Grave Digger is put to rest.
Track Listing
1. The Gallows Pole
2. Ballad of a Hangman
3. Hell of Disillusion
4. Sorrow Of The Dead
5. Grave of the Addicted
6. Lonely the Innocent Dies
7. Into the War
8. The Shadow of Your Soul
9. Funeral for a Fallen Angel
10. Stormrider
11. Pray
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
