Grave Digger

Grave Digger is a German heavy metal band formed by Chris Boltendahl (vocals), Peter Masson (guitar), Willi Lackmann (bass guitar), and Albert Eckardt (drums) in 1980 in Gladbeck, a small town in Germany. Their songs often display a power metal and speed metal ethos, with lyrics reflecting battle, destruction, and sorcery. The group's debut album, 1984's Heavy Metal Breakdown, produced some undying classics for them such as the Grave Digger anthem "Heavy Metal Breakdown" and the powerful ballad "Yesterday".

After their second studio album, 1985's Witch Hunter, was completed, Eckardt left the band and was replaced by musician C.F. Brank. Though not quite breaking through commercially as had been hoped, the group's first two albums achieved critical acclaim and were warmly received by legions of fans. Allmusic's Pemberton Roach spoke for many when he remarked that the band "doesn't disappoint" since the guys can hammer "home one huge speed metal riff after another", meaning that Grave Digger "have enough chops and energy to silence any naysayers".