2025 will see German metal institution, Grave Digger, celebrate its 45th anniversary. Founded in 1980 in Gladbeck, they set out to conquer the world; who would have thought that 45 years later Grave Digger would be one of the most important, consistent and influential metal bands from Germany.
With the release of their ground-breaking debut Heavy Metal Breakdown in 1984, an unprecedented career began that will find its logical continuation with their forthcoming, 23rd studio album, Bone Collector, slated for a release on January 17 via ROAR!
Following the previously-released, first album appetizer "Kingdom Of Skulls", today, the heavy metal titans are premiering a video clip for their brand new single, "Killing Is My Pleasure".
Band leader Chris Boltendahl reveals: “There it is – the new Grave Digger single, 'Killing is My Pleasure'… It’s based on a riff created by bassist Jens Becker in collaboration with guitarist Tobi Kersting. The song's lyrics are inspired by the infamous mafia contract killer Richard Kuklinski, who was believed to have committed over 200 murders before his death in 2006. Known as the “Iceman” due to his cold-blooded nature, Kuklinski had a family with three children and would leave his home every day like any ordinary “nine-to-five” worker. Musically, the new single is a piece of pure heavy metal - no frills, just direct and uncompromising. The chorus drills into your head and it's hard to get the song out of your mind!"
Stream the song on all digital services here, and watch the visualizer below:
Produced, mixed and mastered by Chris Boltendahl, optically set in scene by Brazilian artist Wanderley Perna, this is a work of art that heralds a new era.
“Here it is at last, our new studio album, true to the motto: #gravediggeroldschool. With Tobi Kersting in the band, we have focused on the essentials of our sound again after many years with numerous concept albums: Concise straightforward metal songs that burn themselves into your brain stems after the first listen. Bone Collector doesn't sound like off-the-shelf stuff, but highly energetic, fresh and you'll notice that we had a lot of fun with the songs. We're looking forward to your reaction, the release of the album in January and 45 years of Grave Digger live with you,” states Chris Boltendahl.
Bone Collector will be released as a CD digipak, picture vinyl, colored marbled vinyl, RPM exclusive splatter vinyl and digitally. At the RPM & ROAR Mailorder Shop, the limited splatter vinyl and the digipak are also available as a bundle with the exclusive “Old School” shirt. Pre-order here.
Bone Collector tracklisting:
"Bone Collector"
"The Rich The Poor The Dying"
"Kingdom Of Skulls"
"The Devil’s Serenade"
"Killing Is My Pleasure"
"Mirror Of Hate"
"Riders Of Doom"
"Made Of Madness"
"Graveyard Kings"
"Forever Evil & Buried Alive"
"Whispers Of The Damned"
"Kingdom Of Skulls" video:
For Grave Digger concert tickets, head here.
Grave Digger is:
Chris Boltendahl (Vocals)
Jens Becker (Bass)
Tobias Kersting (Guitar)
Marcus Kniep (Drums)
(Photo - Jens Howorka)
