Heart of Darkness (Heart Of Darkness - Grave Digger)

Member Name: Frankingsteins

Product:	Heart Of Darkness - Grave Digger
Date:	14/07/08 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Developed and distinctive direction.

Disadvantages: Some songs still sound average.

'Heart of Darkness' introduces a new, more intelligent side of Grave Digger, abandoning their focus on speed and shrieking vocals in favour of a darker, lower and more drawn-out sound. This isn't an epic album by any means, even in the longer songs, but it's still highly distinctive German metal.

Chris Boltendahl's vocals are noticeably calmer here, which may disappoint those who are so fond of his usual high shrieking, but this helps the songs to convey a darker atmosphere. Uwe Lulis' guitar riffs are powerful and memorable, experimenting with unusual staccato rhythms in 'The Grave Dancer' and 'Demon's Day,' the latter of which is perhaps a little long but makes up for it with a great guitar solo. The title song is twelve minutes long and follows the tradition of most long metal songs by moving between gloomy balladesque sections and harder riffs, and it's certainly the best song here, remaining interesting throughout.

1. Tears of Madness
2. Shadowmaker
3. The Grave Dancer
4. Demon's Day
5. Warchild
6. Heart of Darkness
7. Hate
8. Circle of Witches
9. Black Death
10. My Life
11. Dolphin's Cry

Summary: Grave Digger's sixth album (1995).