German heavy metal titans Grave Digger are set to unleash their 22nd studio album, Bone Collector, on January 17th via Roar Records. This release coincides with the band’s monumental 45th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in the metal world. Since their last album, Symbol Of Eternity, the band has introduced guitarist Tobias Kersting (from Orden Ogan) to the lineup and stripped away keyboards from their sound. Drawing inspiration from their early classics like Heavy Metal Breakdown (1984) and The Reaper (1993), Grave Digger aimed to recapture the raw energy of their formative years. The current lineup features iconic vocalist Chris Boltendahl, bassist Jens Becker, guitarist Tobias Kersting, and drummer Marcus Kniep. I’m pleased to report that the band has succeeded in delivering a no-nonsense heavy metal record packed with thunderous riffs and infectious, signature choruses that breathe new life into their sound.

The album kicks off with the title track, ‘Bone Collector,’ a powerhouse of crunching riffs, blistering solos, and a fist pumping sing-along chorus. New guitarist Tobias Kersting played a pivotal role in the songwriting, and his influence is evident throughout this guitar-driven anthem. ‘The Rich, The Poor, The Dying’ delivers straightforward heavy metal, giving vocalist Chris Boltendahl a chance to shine—his gruff, seasoned voice gaining even more character with age. The track is packed with standout vocal hooks that linger long after the song ends. ‘Kingdom Of Skulls’ opens with an impressive bass solo that leads into colossal guitar riffs, embodying the old-school Grave Digger heaviness fans love, complete with a memorable chorus. Meanwhile, ‘The Devil’s Serenade’ takes a slightly less aggressive approach but remains irresistibly catchy, boasting an ear worm chorus and bold, soaring 80s-inspired guitar leads. After forty-five years at the helm, Chris still sounds phenomenal, bringing his signature grit and energy to every track.

The tempo kicks into high gear with ‘Killing Is My Pleasure’, driven by Tobias’ ferocious riffing and stellar lead work. The guitars dominate the mix, delivering a heavier and more aggressive tone compared to recent Grave Digger albums, a shift that feels reinvigorating for the band. ‘Mirror Of Hate’ stands out as one of the album’s most dynamic tracks, seamlessly transitioning between tempos and styles – from ballad like moments to near death metal growls from Chris. The contrasting vocal approaches add significant depth and variety. ‘Riders Of Doom’ leans into thick, doom-laden riffs while staying true to Grave Digger’s traditional sound, complete with a powerful, sing-along chorus.

‘Made Of Madness’ bursts out of the gate with an energetic and aggressive edge, but its chorus feels somewhat generic, making it the album’s weakest track, though Tobias’ impressive solo at the end is a highlight. ‘Graveyard Kings’ opens with riffing reminiscent of early Accept before launching into a quintessential Grave Digger anthem, complete with a rousing, sing-along chorus that’s destined to become a live show favorite. ‘Forever Evil And Buried Alive’ takes the band closest to thrash territory, with relentless guitar work, thunderous drumming, and driving rhythms that perfectly complement Chris’s vocals – a surprising and welcome addition to the album.

The closing track, ‘Whispers Of The Damned,’ is the most ambitious and epic song here. Seamlessly transitioning between melodic and aggressive sections, it’s packed with more hooks than you can count. The extended runtime allows every band member to shine, but it’s Tobias who truly steals the spotlight in this finale.

Chris Boltendahl continues to produce Grave Digger’s albums, so the sound remains consistent with what fans have come to expect: raw, powerful, and unmistakably Grave Digger. That said, the guitars are noticeably more upfront in the mix this time around, giving the album an extra layer of heaviness and aggression. There’s been some online chatter and mild controversy about the possibility of the album artwork being AI-generated. While I can’t confirm whether that’s true or not, it doesn’t bother me much – at the end of the day, it’s the music that truly matters, and Bone Collector delivers where it counts.

Last year saw veteran metal legends like Judas Priest and Saxon delivering outstanding new albums after decades in the game, and now Grave Digger joins their ranks in 2025 with Bone Collector, celebrating over four decades of heavy metal. The addition of guitarist Tobias Kersting has undeniably reinvigorated the band, and their decision to strip away keyboards and return to the raw energy of early classics like Heavy Metal Breakdown and The Reaper has resulted in one of their strongest releases in the past decade. The signature Grave Digger hook-filled choruses remain a highlight, but the elevated intensity of the guitar work sets this album apart. While critics might argue the band rarely strays from their tried-and-true formula, the refreshed four-piece lineup injects a new level of excitement into their sound. If you’re a fan of traditional heavy metal, Bone Collector is a dynamic and fun record that’s sure to make an impact. I can’t wait to hear these new tracks live at Wacken Open Air 2025!