Grave Digger – Pray

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impulse buy

Napalm Records
Produced by Grave Digger

As a metal band, releasing a single as an attempt at chart success, unless you’re Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses or Metallica, is rather pointless. That’s why most metal bands don’t bother. But an EP done correctly can be very popular.

Ahead of their forthcoming album Ballads of A Hangman, due in January, comes this EP with its title track being an extended version of the album track, plus three non-LP tracks. Priced correctly, this is the best way for a metal band to release something prior to a new album. Fans will get a taste of the new disc, plus exclusive tracks that actually make this product worth buying in addition to the album itself.

The lead track itself is reasonably average. A bright riff and catchy chorus are the main features, clearly aimed at rock radio play, but it does have the requisite anthemic elements and a great solo. It should be a hit with Grave Digger fans, who have come to expect songs that will get the fists pumping at shows, and this is no different.

The rest of the EP is made up of exclusive tracks which won’t be present on the album. Chris Boltendahl does his best Lemmy impression on a fairly faithful rendition of Motörhead‘s Overkill, where perhaps it would have been nicer if he’d interpreted it to suit his own style a little more.

But the best comes last. Two non-LP originals, both of which are more anthemic than Pray, and possibly more ‘metal’ as well. When The Sun Goes Down is the slightly more immediate of the two, but the strength of both of them bodes well for the new album, given that these are the songs left off of the final running order.

Grave Digger fans should be very pleased with this release. It represents both value for money with three exclusive tracks, and promises much for the new album.

“ fists pumping ”

Tracklist: Pray (Extended Version) / Overkill / My Blood Will Live Forever / When The Sun Goes Down

Written by Andy Lye
More: EPs, Power Metal, Grave Digger