When I think of classic Teutonic Heavy Metal, the first band that always come to mind is Accept - quite understandably so, seeing as Wolf Hoffman has been one of the most inspiring riffmen in the history of Heavy Metal. With the Accept project being permanently put on ice, though, German Heavy Metal was in great need of a band whose music would similarly be based on simple cut edge riffs and chorusy/sing-along refrains, and in my opinion the most appropriate band to successfully fill this great gap is Grave Digger.

There are many reasons why Chris Boltendahl's outfit remains popular and recognised by the majority of metalheads throughout the world, but the most important of which is their collaboration with Nuclear Blast, which brought to life some really good efforts such as 2005's "The Last Supper" and the very impressive DVD release "25 To Live".

With that collaboration being officially terminated almost a year ago, I was really worried about the band's future - that until I received the promo of the band's latest album "Liberty of Death" by the Spanish label Locomotive Records.

Jens Becker (bass) and Manni Schmidt (guitars) have been members of Grave Digger for quite a long time now, and "Liberty of Death" is another result of this amazing musical collaboration. The album kicks off with the same titled composition, based on a heavy mid-tempo riff and a typical sing-along chorusy refrain - both typical of the band's style, followed by the much faster "Ocean of Blood", which contains riffs of an Accept flair and solos that are influenced by the almighty Iron Maiden.

What I really enjoyed about this album is its impressive dynamics that finds mid tempo compositions like "The Terrible One" and "Shadowland" sharing the same space with up tempo dynamites like the brilliantly performed "Forcecourt to Hell", which is by far the best composition on the album.

As a devoted Judas Priest fan, I immediately realised that the main riff of "Highland Tears" was terribly similar to that of "Hard As Iron" (from the Judas Priest album "Ram it down"), but that didn't bother me at all, and same applies with the AC/CD sounding "Silent Revolution".

The only real objection that I have is with regards "Massada" - a song based on an oriental theme, which unfortunately sounds out of place and doesn't mingle well with the remaining compositions.

Fans of Grave Digger know damn well that things were never easy for the German outfit, but Chris Boltendahl's love for Heavy Metal seems to be strong enough to overcome any obstacle. I am not that naive to believe that "Liberty of Death" is the album that will re-invent classic Heavy Metal, but by following strictly all the rules that made this genre so great and by displaying moments of advanced musicianship, this album becomes a very attractive purchase.

***½

Review by John Stefanis

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly