Can a band still make innovative and great music when they’ve been around for over 28 years? Well, if that’s the case it won’t be just any band. Fact is that German power metal legends Grave Digger have finished recording their latest studio album, Ballads Of A Hangman. Let’s have a listen, you know you want to!

After an atmospheric prelude, the title track of the album resonates through the air. Classic power metal riffs are featured in this song, as well as a gregorian choir-like sing-along part. Even though ‘Ballad Of A Hangman’ was chosen to be the first video of the album, it did not sound all that great to me. The chord progression just didn’t get me that Grave Digger feeling like the albums from the early ‘80s. At least, not as much as ‘Grave Of The Addicted’ did.

Chris Boltendahl, the charismatic vocalist and the only remaining founding member of the band has not lost his touch when it comes to the characteristic, raw-cleanish vocals that have made Grave Digger a band to remember throughout the years. He still shouts and sings like a guy in his 20’s (well, maybe 30’s) and utilizes melodic vocals (yes, he does!) in ‘Sorrow Of The Dead’, ‘Lonely The Innocence Dies’ and ‘Pray’, while maintaining the raw vocal power from his youth in tracks like ‘Into The War’.

Granted, the band may not make music that’s innovative, but nevertheless I still love Grave Digger. Because bands who’ve been around for 28 years, don’t rely on their oldest material to get by, have a MySpace page that a 12-year old kid could beat in looks (next to their new one) and still rock hard with their music, deserve the respect of any music fan. Check this album out, you won’t regret it.