Veteran hard rock band Grave Digger premiered the visualizer for its latest single this week.
The band debuted the visualizer for its new single, ‘Symbol of Eternity‘ Wednesday. The single is the title track from the band’s most recent album, which was released in 2022. The visualizer is relatively simple. It is a promotional picture of the band and a smaller picture of the album’s cover art that is static as the song plays over the presentation.
The musical arrangement featured in the band’s latest single is everything audiences have come to expect from the group. The heaviness is there as is the depth in the sound and style. Listeners familiar with the band’s work (and those less familiar) can easily make comparisons to works from the likes of Judas Priest and even to Rainbow, to a slightly lesser degree.
The song’s lyrical theme is just as straight forward as its musical arrangement and visualizer. it is a song about Jesus’ crucifixion, the Holy Grail, and the location of the holy item.
In other news, Grave Digger has a series of tour dates scheduled next month across Latin America in support of its new album. The brief run is scheduled to launch April 19 in Bogota, Columbia and to run through April 30 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The tour’s schedule is noted below. Tickets are available here.
“Symbol Of Eternity” South America Tour ’23 19/04/23 · (CO) Bogota // Bogota Metal Fest 21/04/23 · (EC) Quito // The Metal Fest Ecuador 23/04/23 · (PE) Lima // C.C. Festiva 25/04/23 · (AR) Buenos Aires // Teatro Vorterix 27/04/23 · (BR) Curitiba // Tork n’ Roll 28/04/23 · (BR) Recife // Club International do Recife 30/04/23 · (BR) São Paulo // Summer Breeze Brasil
More information on Grave Digger’s new single, tour and album is available along with all of Grave Digger’s latest news at:
The hard rock and metal community had another strong year in 2022, with dozens of acts releasing new studio recordings. From established acts to some up-and-comers to even some fledgling acts, bands across the hard rock and metal community offered audiences something to appreciate. That included new power metal, death metal, nu-metal and general hard rock records. In other words, 2022 was a very good year for the hard rock and metal community, and Phil’s Picks’ 2022 Top 10 New Hard Rock and Metal Albums list illustrates that clearly.
This year’s list of top new hard rock and metal albums runs across the community with new albums from the likes of Slipknot, Megadeth, Ozzy Osbourne, Sabaton, and even Amon Amarth. Topping this year’s list is the debut album from fledgling nu-metal band Bloodywood. The band has, in the past few years, made a heck of a name for itself through its music and uplifting lyrical themes. The band’s star has continued to rise ever since it released its debut album, Rakshak early this year, too. Joining Bloodywood and the other noted bands on this year’s list are also the likes of Machine Head, Master Boot Record, and Lamb of God, too.
As with each list from Phil’s Picks, this list features Phil’s Picks’ top 10 new albums in the given category and five honorable mention titles. Those honorable mention titles are no less impactful than the top 10 albums. It is just that hard to really find just 10 records worth noting. There are that many that are so good. So, without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks’ 2022 Top 10 New Hard Rock and Metal Albums.
PHILS PICKS 2022 TOP 10 NEW HARD ROCK/METAL ALBUMS
Bloodywood – Rakshak
Sabaton – The War to End All Wars
Sabaton – The Symphony to End All Wars
Machine Head – Of Kingdom and Crown
Slipknot – The End, So Far
Lamb of God – Omens
Amon Amarth – The Great Heathen Army
Megadeth – The Sick, The Dying & The Dead
Arch Enemy – Deceivers
Ozzy Osbourne – Patient #9
Grave Digger – Symbol of Eternity
Master Boot Record – Personal Computer
Stratovarius – Survive
Artifas – Reflections
Stone Broken – Revelation
That’s it for this year’s list, but there is still plenty more to come between today and tomorrow with lists for top new Family Music, World Music, Top New Independent Albums and Top New Overall Albums. Somehow Phil’s Picks also has to get in lists for new TV and movie releases, too by midnight Saturday. Stay tuned!
Veteran hard rock band Grave Digger is set to return Friday with its latest album, Symbol of Eternity. The band’s 21st (yes, 21st) album, it is an impressive new offering from the band. The record’s appeal comes in part through its general approach, which will be discussed shortly. The album’s musical content makes for its own appeal and will be discussed a little later. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be addressed later. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the overall presentation of Symbol of Eternity. All things considered they make the album one more of this year’s top new hard rock and metal albums.
Symbol of Eternity, the latest album from Grave Digger, is another successful studio offering from the veteran hard rock outfit. Coming more than two years after the release of its then latest album, Fields of Blood, the band’s latest album succeeds in part through its general presentation (IE its overarching lyrical theme). In this case, the album’s presentation focuses on the famous (and infamous) Knights Templar and their journeys in the Crusades in the Middle East. ‘Saladin’ for instance, focuses on the legendary Muslim leader who led Muslim forces against the Knights Templar in the Third Crusade. The crusade in question saw European leaders send their forces to the Middle East to try to conquer Jerusalem. While Jerusalem was not conquered, European forces did take the cities of Acre and Jaffa.
‘Symbol of Eternity’ takes on another topic, this time that of the legendary Holy Grail. This is inferred by the mention of Christ’s crucifixion and the item in question allegedly being hidden somewhere in a cave. There is even a seeming veiled reference to Judas what with the mention of someone selling their soul and becoming the symbol of eternity. Everyone knows the story of how Judas allegedly betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. That would seem to be the reference here, so again, this is a story tied directly into the overarching theme of the Crusades, since the Knights Templar’s crusades were in fact all based in European religious fervor.
‘The Last Crusade,’ which comes late in the album’s run, continues the overarching lyrical theme as it seems to focus on Lord Edward’s Crusade, which was the last of the crusades. Led by Edward, Duke of Gascony, the crusade saw European forces fight the Baibars. The battles were, essentially a stalemate, with neither side ever actually gaining an upper hand. It led the European forces to eventually withdraw and return to Europe. This is just one more example of how the album’s overarching approach (its lyrical theme) makes the album so engaging and entertaining. When these songs and the album’s other entries are considered together, the whole of that content forms a solid foundation for the album and gives listeners reason enough to hear the album.
Symbol of Eternity is hardly the first time that Grave Digger has ever taken the approach of using one central theme for its records. Fields of Blood and many of its predecessors focus on the history of the Scots and their military. What’s more, this is hardly the first time the band has ever focused on the matter of the Knight’s Templar, too. The band also focused on that topic on its 1998 album, Knights of the Cross. Even knowing all of this, the album’s overarching lyrical content (its general approach) still makes for appeal in its own right. That foundation is strengthened by the album’s musical content.
The musical content that accompanies the album’s lyrical content is important to the record’s presentation because of how it once again blends heavy influences alongside more power metal influences. Throughout the course of the record, audiences can make comparisons to works from Judas Priest and even to Rainbow within some of the songs. At other points, some of the songs exhibit one or the other influence in themselves, while still establishing identities in and of themselves. The result therein is an overall musical approach that is just as engaging and entertaining as the album’s lyrical approach.
As much as the album’s overall content is to its presentation, it is just part of what makes the album worth hearing. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements. The record’s production is important to note because of its role in the album’s general effect. The instrumentation in each song creates so much richness. That richness is the result of the production, which balances each instrument expertly overall. Each instrument compliments the others in its own way. The result is a presentation that from start to finish, shines just as much for its production as for its content. When all of this is considered together, the album overall makes itself one more of the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums.
Symbol of Eternity, the latest album from Grave Digger, is another strong new offering from the veteran hard rock outfit. The album succeeds in part through its general lyrical approach. The album’s overall lyrical content once more focuses on the matter of the Knights Templar and the Crusades. The songs are each their own works, so it is not a concept record, but close enough. That in itself is a win. The musical content that accompanies the album’s lyrical content is of note because it is so familiar while still being original in its own right in comparison to the works that the band has crafted throughout its catalog. The production of those arrangements puts the finishing touch to the album’s presentation, ensuring the best is brought out in each work. Each item examined is important in its own right to the whole of the album’s presentation. All things considered they make Symbol of Eternity more proof of why Grave Digger remains today, one of the hard rock community’s most respected acts. What’s more, they show why the band’s new album is among the best of this year’s new hard rock and metal albums.
Symbol of Eternity is scheduled for release Friday through Rock of Angels Records (ROAR). More information on the album is available along with all of Grave Digger’s latest news at:
Grave Digger gave audiences their first taste of its new album this weekend.
The band debuted its new single, ‘Hell Is My Purgatory,’ and its companion video. The pair is the first from the band’s forthcoming album, Symbol of Eternity, which is scheduled for release Aug. 26 through Rock of Angels Records.
The musical arrangement featured in Grave Digger’s new single is everything that audiences have come to expect from the band throughout its career. Front man Chris Boltendahl’s vocals are just as powerful as ever throughout. The rich bass line that serves as the foundation for the song’s intro pairs just as well with the guitar line before it takes the lead. The time keeping is just as solid in its own right, adding just enough flourish with the occasional cymbal flourishes and drum fills. The whole of the quartet’s work fully succeeds, sounding so bombastic, like something that one might expect to hear from a much larger group.
The lyrical theme featured in the song is apparently a story about Knight’s Templar Grand Master Hugo De Payens, who died in 1136 A.D. The details of his death are unknown. He is most well-known for establishing what is known as the Latin Rule, which is the order’s code of conduct.
The video for the song imagines the circumstances of De Payens’ death. As is noted in its opening moments, it was rumored that De Payens worshipped the devil despite being part of a group that was said to be of such strong Christian beliefs. The devil, in this case, is a woman, and De Payens’ fate, according to the video, was not good.
Pre-orders and pre-saves for Grave Digger’s new album are open. The album will release separately on a variety of platforms, all of which are noted below.
Digipack CD Limited 2CD Mediabook (CD 2: Live at Metal Hammer Paradise)
Red transparent / Gold Splatter Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Purple / Golden / White Splatter Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Sun Yellow / Golden / White / Red Splatter Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Picture Disc (LTD. 300)
Gold Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Black Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Super limited to 500 copies collector’s hardcover boxset that includes: the limited 2CD mediabook, Flag 115 x 75 cm, armband with metallic 3D emblem, A3 poster, signed autograph card and certificate of authenticity!
In addition, the new album will release through three exclusive, limited vinyl pressings, which are also noted below.
Ocean Blue Vinyl (LTD. 100) — musicmegastore.com exclusive
Orange Vinyl (LTD. 300) — EMP exclusive
Violet Vinyl (LTD. 100) – Napalm Records exclusive
Symbol of Eternity‘s track listing is noted below.
TRACK LIST (CD 1 –Digipack Version-): 1. The Siege of Akkon 2. Battle Cry 3. Hell is my Purgatory 4. King of the Kings 5. Symbol of Eternity 6. Saladin 7. Nights of Jerusalem 8. Heart of a Warrior 9. Grace of God 10. Sky of Swords 11. Holy Warfare 12. The Last Crusade 13. Hellas Hellas
TRACKLIST (CD 2 -Live at Metal Hammer Paradise / Mediabook version-): 1. The Clansman`s Journey 2. Healed by Metal 3. The clans will rise again 4. Lawbreaker 5. The Roundtable 6. The Curse of Jacques 7. Season of the Witch 8. Excalibur 9. Rebellion 10. Witch Hunter 11. Heavy Metal Breakdown
Symbol of Eternity was produced by Chris Boltendahl and Axel Ritt. Boltendahl also mixed and mastered the record. More information on the album is available along with all of Grave Digger’s latest news at:
Grave Digger will release its latest album this summer.
The band announced Friday, it is scheduled to release its new album, Symbol of Eternity Aug. 26 through Rock of Angels Records. It will come more than two years after the release of the band’s then latest album, Fields of Blood.
The album will release separately on a variety of platforms, all of which are noted below.
Digipack CD Limited 2CD Mediabook (CD 2: Live at Metal Hammer Paradise)
Red transparent / Gold Splatter Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Purple / Golden / White Splatter Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Sun Yellow / Golden / White / Red Splatter Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Picture Disc (LTD. 300)
Gold Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Black Vinyl (LTD. 300)
Super limited to 500 copies collector’s hardcover boxset that includes: the limited 2CD mediabook, Flag 115 x 75 cm, armband with metallic 3D emblem, A3 poster, signed autograph card and certificate of authenticity!
In addition, the new album will release through three exclusive, limited vinyl pressings, which are also noted below.
Ocean Blue Vinyl (LTD. 100) — musicmegastore.com exclusive
Orange Vinyl (LTD. 300) — EMP exclusive
Violet Vinyl (LTD. 100) – Napalm Records exclusive
Symbol of Eternity‘s track listing is noted below.
TRACK LIST (CD 1 –Digipack Version-): 1. The Siege of Akkon 2. Battle Cry 3. Hell is my Purgatory 4. King of the Kings 5. Symbol of Eternity 6. Saladin 7. Nights of Jerusalem 8. Heart of a Warrior 9. Grace of God 10. Sky of Swords 11. Holy Warfare 12. The Last Crusade 13. Hellas Hellas
TRACKLIST (CD 2 -Live at Metal Hammer Paradise / Mediabook version-): 1. The Clansman`s Journey 2. Healed by Metal 3. The clans will rise again 4. Lawbreaker 5. The Roundtable 6. The Curse of Jacques 7. Season of the Witch 8. Excalibur 9. Rebellion 10. Witch Hunter 11. Heavy Metal Breakdown
Symbol of Eternity was produced by Chris Boltendahl and Axel Ritt. Boltendahl also mixed and mastered the record. More information on the album is available along with all of Grave Digger’s latest news at:
Power metal band Grave Digger hit two important milestone this year. The band released its 20th new album — Fields of Blood — May 29. The 12-song record was released through Napalm Records as the band marks its 40th anniversary. The album’s overarching lyrical themes form its foundation. They will be discussed shortly. The musical arrangements that make up the body of the 51-minute record strengthen that foundation, giving audiences even more reason to take in the album. They will be discussed a little later. The record’s production and mixing round out its most important elements and will be discussed later, too. Each noted item is important in its own way to the whole of Fields of Blood. All things considered, they make Fields of Blood a great way for Grave Digger to celebrate its 40th anniversary and an equal enjoyable gift to its fans as it celebrates both milestones.
Grave Digger’s latest album Fields of Blood is a positive new addition to this year’s field of new power metal offerings. It is a fitting way for the band to celebrate its 40th anniversary with its fans, too. That is proven in part through the record’s lyrical themes. The band returns to Scotland once more in this album, continuing a trend that it started with 1996’s Tunes of War and 2010’s The Clans Will Rise Again. Much as with those albums, this record’s lyrical themes delve into the military history of Scotland. From the nation’s battles with the Vikings in ‘Lions of the Sea’ to the Jacobite rising of 1745 in ‘My Final Fight’ and ‘Barbarian’ to the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the album gives audiences another deep dive into the history of Scotland’s military history. There are also works that pay tribute to Scottish hero William Wallace in the album’s closer/title track and ‘The Heart of Scotland’ to make the experience even more engaging and entertaining for audiences. Between these songs and the album’s other works, the whole of the album’s lyrical themes continue a long tradition for the band in terms of producing concept albums. From creating an album about Jesus’ last supper in The Last Supper to an album about the Knight’s Templar in Knights of the Cross to the other noted albums and more, the band’s approach here is nothing new, but is still an approach that longtime fans will appreciate just as much as those who are less familiar with the band’s catalog. It’s just one way in which the album proves appealing for listeners. The record’s collective musical arrangements play into its appeal, too.
The musical arrangements featured throughout this album are everything that longtime fans have come to expect from Grave Digger. The driving power metal guitar riffs and the powerhouse vocals from Axel Ritt and Chris Boltendahl respectively give the album its own punch. One could argue, as a matter of fact, that Boltendahl’s vocal delivery style and sound is comparable to that of the late great Motorhead front man Lemmy Kilmister. Given, Motorhead is and was not a power metal band, but the similarity is there, regardless. Drummer Marcus Kniep’s time keeping adds to that impact along with bassist Jens Becker. The group’s collective work from one song to the next makes the album’s works appealing to fans of Judas Priest, Firewind, and especially Sabaton. The inclusion of the bagpipes in ‘The Clansman’s Journey’ and the brief cover of Bach’s Tocatta and Fugue in D. Minor in ‘All For The Kingdom’ will also appeal to fans of Trans Siberian Orchestra and to a lesser extent, Exmortus. The heavy, plodding drums, bass and guitar in ‘The Heart of Scotland’ is another notable addition to the album in examining the record’s musical arrangements. The whole of those elements along with the choral element and bagpipes makes it even more engaging and entertaining. When all of this is taken into consideration along with the rest of the album’s musical arrangements, the whole of the album’s musical content does just as much as the album’s overall lyrical content to keep listeners engaged and entertained. It is not the last of the album’s most important elements, either. The album’s production and mixing round out its most important elements.
The production and mixing that went into the final presentation that is Fields of Blood is important to note because it was the work put into balancing each song’s multiple elements both during and post that led to the album that is available now. A lot of attention to detail had to take place in production and post (mixing) with this record, too. As noted, bagpipes are balanced multiples times with guitars, bass, drums and vocals. At other times, the quartet’s own parts sans bagpipes were combined, each being powerful in its own right throughout. That means a lot of time and painstaking effort had to be taken to make sure not one part of each song’s instrumentation overpowered the others. As a result of that painstaking effort, each song is expertly balanced and produces an effect on listeners that will resonate long after the album reaches its end. Keeping this in mind along with the importance of the album’s musical and lyrical content, all three elements combine to make Fields of Blood an applause-worthy new offering from Grave Digger that audiences will celebrate while celebrating Grave Digger’s 40th anniversary.
Grave Digger’s 20th album Fields of Blood is another positive offering from the veteran power metal band that audiences will applaud just as much as the band’s past albums. That is due in part to the album’s lyrical content, which makes the album another concept album of sorts from the band. They make the album another work that is immediately comparable to works from Sabaton in that avenue. The album’s musical arrangements are once again pure power metal, which is something that fans have come to expect from the band. The same can be said of the band’s stylistic approach to each arrangement throughout the album. Each composition is everything in itself that fans have come to expect from the band, too. The work put into the record’s production and mixing put the final touch to the album, ensuring once more, audiences’ engagement and entertainment. Each noted item is important in its own way to the whole of Fields of Blood. All things considered, they make the album a solid way for Grave Digger and its fans to celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary. Fields of Blood is available now through Napalm Records. More information on the album is available along with all of Grave Digger’s latest news at:
philspicks 