GRAVE DIGGER – “Bone collector” (2025)

GRAVE DIGGER still going strong creatively after all those years to the point that we now discuss their 21st Full Length, is quite the impressive feat. They have earned their place as some of the most prominent representatives of Heavy Metal, showcasing dedication and persistence that is matched only by few exceptions, like SAXON. Their punctuallity to a release cadence of every one or two years had to be slightly disrupted due to an important line-up change, as the diggers parted ways with guitarist Axel Ritt. A subsitution was found in Tobias Kersting known from his ten years of service in ORDEN OGAN, before collaborating with Boltendahl in the latter’s side project STEELHAMMER. What does that mean for the direction of “Bone collector”?

Long time fans of the band know that they always stay within the broader borders of their sound, but at the same time the package is different making it hard to predict how their next work will sound like, be it epic or more heavy and direct. With that in mind the new album stays faithfull to the GRAVE DIGGER singanture sound while simultanesouly leaning in the early era of the band, meaning no pompous choruses or melodic segements. Instead the songs are very direct and classic sounding, even more than “Return of the reaper” to give a correlation.

The result allows the album to rest somewhere in the middle compared to the back catalogue of the last fifteen years. It falls short when compared to some high points such as “Fields of blood”, but is also able to escape the clutches of being called a poor or lacking release. I believe this happens because “Bone collector” focuses on creating the old school sound, leading to a strong music backbone but weaker vocal lines that will make them harder to stay in your mind. To give an example, when I think of the record my mind will travel to the riff of ‘The rich, the poor, the dying’ more than anything else. This does not translate to the performance of Chris by the way, his voice still holds up making the leader of the diggers a force to be reckoned with even after all that time.

The production values are high and what I love most is how all instruments are highlighted equally, especially the bass. Jens Becker is a legendary figure within the band so I find it a great occurence. Wish I could say the same about the cover. Historically what adorns those albums ranges from good to masterpiece, boasting a great level of detail. While the concept of “Bone collector” with the throne, castle, crows and skeletons is superb, the AI implementation leaves something to be desired. For instance, the hand of the skeleton left of the reaper blends with the wings in a funny way. It is not a deal breaker, but the result is a step back compared to what we are used to from past albums so I had to leave that comment, especially when it comes right after the beauty that was “Symbol of eternity”.

Ultimately this new album is another addition that expands the legacy of GRAVE DIGGER in an honorable way. I do not expect innovation from them, I want them to do what they know best and they do exactly that. Personally I prefer their more bombastic and epic side (“Excalibur” and “Rheingold” are my favorite) so in that regard “Bone collector” did not end up right into my alley. However it is only fair to admit that the reaper’s scythe stays sharp till the end, If you like this new direction you will find that the quality met in the opening songs persists till the end. It all rests on how high you will find that quality to be. I believe the band has given us better results recently and expect them to do so in the furute as well without a doubt, but even a mid (for my tastes only) GRAVE DIGGER album is reason enough to blast your speakers and celebrate classic Heavy Metal.

65/100

Pavlos Pavlakis 

100: Godsent

90s: Excellent

80s: Very good

70s: Good

60s: Enjoyable

50s: Uninspired

40s: Bad

0s -30s: Unlistenable