I chose to review this album as a way to broaden my metal horizons. I'd obviously heard of Germany's legendary Grave Digger before, but had never chanced to listen to them. As power metal tends not to be my forte, even many longstanding acts tend to fly "under my radar". So in preparation, I rocked out to classics like Excalibur, Fight the Fight, and Heavy Metal Breakdown. Though not strictly "my thing", I cannot deny the exhilaration and ball-out approach that comes along with Grave Digger's classic NWOBHM-esque sound. I especially like their very early and raw-sounding material. So, with my mind open to the possibilities their 2012 album could bring- what did I think of Clash of the Gods?
As seems customary today, the band begins with the pointless intro Charon, before riffing its way into God of Terror. A well constructed slice of classic metal, the guitars ride along the tempo like chariots storming into the night, and the solo is simply fantastic. However, one immediate turn-off came in the form of Chris Boltendahl's voice. Yes, I realize his raspy delivery is part of Grave Digger's signature sound, but at times he almost sounds too tired to be delivering these types of goods. And it pains me to say that after such a strong start, the album seems to drag on and on. There were also a couple moments were I felt teased- like at the beginning of Walls of Sorrow, were an awesome Thrash fest suddenly disintegrates into another mid-range crawl. Thankfully there are a few more shining moments at the end of the album, like the barn-burning Warriors Revenge and the crushing power and fury of Home at Last.
It's unlikely that Grave Digger will make many new converts out of Clash of the Gods, and from some of the reviews and comments I've seen- their fans doesn't seem too jumpy about it either. However, for loyalists of the band and the genre, Clash should certainly be given a few spins. And for what its worth, I did enjoy checking out Grave Digger, as their classic riffs and thrashy-edge certainly puts them a cut above their more laughable power-metal brethren.
6 out of 10
Favorite Songs: God of Terror, Warriors Revenge, Home at Last
