The Dark of the Sun (Dark Of Sun - Grave Digger)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	Dark Of Sun - Grave Digger
Date:	14/07/08 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Strong title track.

Disadvantages: Average re-workings of weaker old material.

Effectively an expanded single for the song from 'Tunes of War,' 'The Dark of the Sun' is a very average and non-essential release for anyone who owns the previous album, the three additional songs merely being re-recordings of lesser tracks from Grave Digger's early career. Preceded by an unusual take from a live show where the band audibly knows all the words as they chant over an acoustic guitar, 'The Dark of the Sun' erupts as a damn fine heavy metal anthem, but one that's a little less effective when removed from its album context. Chris Boltendahl's chorus is enhanced by over-dubbing, and Uwe Lulis' guitar riffs are strong.

Sadly, the E.P. falters after this, as the remaining songs aren't quite up to the same standard, though listeners whose taste for speed metal lies more in the eighties with bands such as Accept should appreciate them all the more. 'Heavy Metal Breakdown' is dominated by cheesy lyrics, but it's still pretty fun, while the other two are more generic.

1. Rebellion (Live in Athens) / The Dark of the Sun
2. Heavy Metal Breakdown
3. Witch Hunter
4. Headbanging Man

Summary: Grave Digger's third E.P. (1997).