Old Metalheads always have to deal with the decadence of our idols. Yes, because as long as a band exists and releases new albums, we all know that someday a weak release will come, and on these days that digital medias and illegal downloads weakened the musical industry, the bands took long times to release a new album, because they have to play as many times as they can to survive. But the German pioneer on Power Metal GRAVE DIGGER is here strong as ever with a new album, "The Living Dead".

The way they play and their main style is nothing unexpected: the same old and good Power Metal with simple and charming melodies that are easy to catch, with powerful choruses and those particular snarls on vocals, but with a sinister and darkened insight. Yes, nothing new at all on GRAVE DIGGER's musical work, and besides it's far of being a new classic on their long discography, "The Living Dead" is really a very good album. Jörg Umbreit produced the album along Chris and Axel, but did the mixing and mastering alone. And his work is really very good, balancing the sound clarity and that very good dose of melodic weight that we are used to hear on the band's album. But the instrumental seems to be a bit cleaner than before, especially the guitars. And be prepared, because their musical impact is really great!

On "The Living Dead", we have 11 very good songs, and we can say that you can start to hear the album by the following set (we can say that it's the best moments of it): the heavy and melodic "Fear of the Living Dead" (a very good song with an excellent chorus and charming melodies created by the keyboards), the slower approach of "Blade of the Immortal" (where drums and bass guitar are truly amazing), the weaving melodies and charming chorus of "Shadow of the Warrior" and of "The Power of Metal", the fast tempos and impacting weight impressed by the guitars on "What War Left Behind" and on "Zombie Dance" (prepare for some accessible Folk melodies on the chorus). If you're already a fan of the band, this album is for you.

The old GRAVE DIGGER with "The Living Dead" seems to have some years left to lay many to rest on their graves before they can retire in glory...