Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Grave Digger
Title
Rheingold
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2003
Style
Power
6/27/2003 - Review by: Eric Compton
Grave Digger - Rheingold - reviewed by EC

Track Listing
1. Ring, The
2. Rheingold
3. Valhalla
4. Giants
5. Maidens Of War
6. Sword
7. Dragon
8. Liar
9. Murderer
10. Twilight Of The Gods
The kings of German power metal are triumphant once again! These Grade-A metal moshers never dissapoint, showcasing yet another solid studio output with their newest release "Rheingold", based on the heavy opera "Ring Of The Nibelungs" by composer Richard Wagner.

This is the second record featuring ex-Rage grinder Manni Schmidt, with "Rheingold" showing off Schmidt's amazing madman guitar overload, mixing the "Restless & Wild" strings with the polished medival swagger we've come to expect from THE DIGGER.

Songs on this album seem to span different eras for Grave Digger. Tracks like "Rheingold" and "Maidens Of War" seem to be lifted from the "Knights Of The Cross" era, while "Valhalla" and "Giants" could have been taken right off of "The Reaper". "Sword" plays like monsterous Sabbath, with "Dragon" just killing, ala "Tunes Of War".

"Liar" drifts into the "Excalibur" camp, with an enchanting use of atmospheric choirs. Creepy as hell. "Twilight Of The Gods" seems to stem from the band's last effort, "The Grave Digger".

Awesome cover artwork once again packages this album, with Grave Digger never laxing in the packaging originality department. After 20+ years in the business, this band just never lets up. There isn't any bands left that can consistently put out great records. Maiden has drifted, Priest has failed, Accept and Halen are ashes. Grave Digger just keeps on moving along, creating metal masterpieces for a lifetime. You can always count on them for good quality modern classics.

Never wavering, no compromising, just straight to the point thunder metal, which is good enough for this Headbangin' Man. God bless The Reaper!

Collectors Note-Japan Pressing will get you extra tracks "Goodbye" and "Hero".

--EC 6.27.03
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: GRAVE DIGGER
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Ballads Of A Hangman
2009
Napalm
Eric Compton1/13/2009
2
Clash Of The Gods
2012
Napalm
Eric Compton9/26/2012
2.5
Healed by Metal
2016
Napalm
Eric Compton12/21/2016
4
Liberty or Death
2006
Locomotive Music
Vinaya Saksena7/6/2007
-
Return of the Reaper
2014
Napalm
Eric Compton7/9/2014
4
Rheingold
2003
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton6/27/2003
-
The Clans Will Rise Again
2010
Napalm
Eric Compton3/10/2011
2
The Last Supper
2005
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton3/4/2005
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: GRAVE DIGGER
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE
Jens BeckerEric Compton2/7/2003


<< back >>