Album Review: Grave Digger - The Forgotten Years
Reviewed by Carl Black
You know when legendary metal bands play the fast one? When the classic NWOBHM band up the tempo, break out the double bass drumming, let go the crazy vocalist and basically go full tilt... for one song. Then it’s back to the sensible pace for the rest of the album/concert. Grave Digger play the fast, classic heavy metal songs... all the time. They play at breakneck speed (which is fairly pedestrian compared to most deathcore bands these days) through most, if not all of their albums.
This collection of three EP’s from the late 80s and early 90s follows the double bass tempo for most of its 19 songs or hour long running time. They deviate somewhat in a few songs but the formula is upheld in the vast majority of cases.
With Christmas coming up, this album could serve as a perfect stocking filler. However, ensure that the recipient of this potential secret Santa gift is a diehard Grave Digger fan or you may have to produce the receipt so they can take it back.
'Spy of Mason', 'Ride On' and 'Shout it out' are classic, dependable, if not a little predictable Grave Digger songs. Lots of fun, loud and fast, but not ground breaking. 'And the Devil Plays Piano' has a more stomping and slower feel to it. 'Wedding Day' ventures into classic rock done with a hint of menace. Think Hellraiser by Motorhead. You know they can go faster, and they are itching to put the gas down, but they have promised themselves that for one song at least, they are going to hold back and obey the speed limit. 'Shadow of a Moonless Night' comes on like a faster 80’s Judas Priest.
The hardcore diggers of Graves will already have the material from 'Forgotten Years'. For the casual fan, it has to be warned that some songs are repeated, just recorded at different times. The songs that are repeated are not drastically different enough to warrant a listen in one go.
A fun as ever trip down memory lane with your pirate metal buddies singing along. One for the pure of Grave Digger heart.
