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GRAVE DIGGER
Symbol Of Eternity

ROAR! Rock Of Angels (2022)
Rating: 7/10

If ever there was a band that could be used as an example of being a symbol of eternity then it has to be German act Grave Digger. It may have been two years since their last album (Fields Of Blood), but such is the prolific nature of this beast it never feels like they’ve ever been away. Even though I know what’s coming with every release I attempt to stay loyal to Grave Digger because of my love for those 80s album releases even though as they’ve marched on through the decades my love for them has gradually deteriorated.

Symbol Of Eternity is the work of a band that has been in the business for over 40 years and I have to admire them for their focus and determination, but I was quite surprised when the scorching ‘Battle Cry’ came fizzing out of the blocks, more so due to its steely guitar attack, although less shocked was I by the Teutonic chorus. However, it remains a nice way for Grave Digger to return and that metallic fury is strong throughout this record.

‘Hell Is My Purgatory’ feels edgy, well-oiled and supercharged, and even though the chorus again resorts to that slightly cringe-worthy aesthetic of anthemic booming I’m falling for the charms of Grave Digger’s 21st album. However, like, say, fellow countrymen U.D.O. and even thrash stalwarts Destruction and Sodom, the topics do become a tad generic, and whilst this time round Chris Boltendahl and company take on the Crusades, it’s still very much an unflinching Grave Digger energy whereby some tracks (‘Nights Of Jerusalem’ and ‘Holy Warfare’) start to fray the attention span. And yet for all the predictable strains there’s still a hammering execution entwined with subtle nuances, such as on the opening rally of ‘King Of The Kings’ and the riff heavy steel of the title track.

As with the likes of U.D.O. etc., I do start to have issues with the grisly vocal traits of Boltendahl who, bless him, marches on with trusty shield, battle-scarred, a tad weary, but a true rock warrior. But the band won’t want me to pity them though as they remain steadfast in their metal quest, and hearing the grandiose Gothic chimes of ‘The Last Crusade’ and the orgasmic axe work on ‘Sky Of Swords’ always brings a wry smile. So hats off to guitarist Axel Ritt for supplying more bludgeoning alongside Jens Becker’s hefty bass and Marcus Kniep’s percussion which hits like a mallet to the forehead.

After much deliberation I’ve come to the conclusion that Grave Digger only really grates on me when the choruses emerge, and outside of those soaring yet cheese-ridden bellows I cannot help but become absorbed by their propensity for subjects which speak of armour-clad knights and pillaging.

I see Grave Digger as true pillars of the German metal scene and I admire anyone who can remain unwavering in their worship for such battle-worn tales, which even through their repetitive streaks, act as immortal, beer-swilling psalms for generations young and old.

Neil Arnold

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