Review by JD on November 9, 2014.

I had picked up a Grave Digger’s Witch Hunter on cassette in the summer of 85’, and it blew my mind. Punk inspired speed metal was rampant across the album, this one played in my stereo for weeks afterwards. Then my buddy who worked at a local music store turned me on to Slayer’s Hell Awaits and I sort of forgot about Grave Digger. From time to time, I would still brought out that same cassette and loved it and listened to them over the years off and on as other releases by the crazed Germans.

After many line-up changes, brief name change and style retooling – Grave Digger is now one band that should be getting a lot more attention over here in North America. Playing what I describe as power metal with some hints of traditional/speed/thrash of old bolstering the sound, these Germans are underrated even across in Europe... even though they kick out some amazing music on Return Of The Reaper.

As a whole, the album is a very good one with many points of brilliance packed into just forty three minutes. I love the pounding attack of 'Hell Funeral' that starts off the album with the intro, and the nastiness of the speed metal of 'Satan’s Host'. The one tune that made me smile was the Judas Priest ('Turbo Love') inspired 'Tattooed Rider'… cheesiness meets metal, love it.

I am a fan that has grown and still loved this act. Sure wish the band had been better received here in Canada back in the day, but that never diminishes the fact that they are so damned good then and now. Grave Digger are cheesy as all fucking hell, but more importantly they are fun. This is one album that never takes itself serious, except in the fact it is enjoyable for all bangers out there.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10