Grave Digger is one of the most iconic and enduring bands in the German heavy metal scene. Formed in 1980, the band, led by the charismatic vocalist Chris Boltendahl, quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, with its characteristic sound that blends the heaviness of traditional heavy metal with the speed of speed metal and the epic melodies of power metal. Throughout more than four decades of career, Grave Digger has released iconic albums that have become true classics of the genre, such as " Heavy Metal Breakdown " (1984), Witch Hunter" (1985), and the acclaimed "Middle Ages Trilogy," composed of " Tunes of War (1996), " Knights of the Cross " (1998), and "Excalibur" (1999).
This year the band released Bone Collector on January 17th, marking the celebration of the band's 45-year career. Bone Collector is Grave Digger's twenty-second studio album, and represents a return to their roots, with a more direct sound faithful to traditional heavy metal, as described by Chris Boltendahl himself as an "Old School Grave Digger" work. It is also the first album with the new guitarist, Tobias "Tobi" Kersting , who joined the band at the end of 2023.
Grave Digger's relationship with Brazil is long and marked by an extremely loyal and passionate fanbase. Since their first visit to the country in 1997, the band has toured Brazil thirteen times, solidifying a special connection with the local audience. These constant visits demonstrate the affection and importance that Brazil holds for the band, which is always received with enthusiasm and packed venues. With each new tour, the legion of Brazilian fans has the opportunity to relive timeless classics and check out the band's new compositions, further strengthening the ties between Grave Digger and the land of metal.
To the delight of fans, the wait for a new reunion is almost over. Next month, in November 2025, Grave Digger will land in Brazil for a series of four shows that promise to be unforgettable. Wikimetal had a conversation with Chris Boltendahl about the shows in Brazil, and also about the band's current album, Bone Collector . Check it out:
Wikimetal: Grave Digger is celebrating 45 years of a remarkable career. Looking back, how does it feel to bring a commemorative tour back to Brazil, a country you've been visiting since 1997 and where you've built such a solid fanbase?
Chris Boltendah: Very happy. Brazil is practically my second home and it's the first time our new guitarist will be going to South America. So it's really cool, I can't wait to play there.
WM: The artwork for Bone Collector was created by Brazilian illustrator Wanderley Perna. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the importance of having a Brazilian artist visually capturing the essence of the new work?
CB: I've been friends with Wanderley for a long time, and we had a sketch done in AI, so I asked him to refine it. He's a great artist, and I want to work with him again in the future. Since we're already friends, everything was easier. We had this sketch, and he did a really good job; it turned out really well.
WM: After 13 visits to Brazil, is there any specific memory or show in the country that has particularly stood out to you over these decades?
CB: The Clans Are Still Marching tour , it was crazy, there were so many people at the venue, we couldn't believe it, there were really so many people.
WM: Grave Digger is one of the most consistent bands in terms of releases. Are you already thinking about the next album, or is your total focus right now on celebrating your 45th anniversary and the Bone Collector ?
CB: We're already composing. In a few months we'll start recording, maybe next year we'll have a new Grave Digger album. The band members already have a lot of material to record and it's going to be truly "handmade," there won't be any AI involved [laughs].
WM: Reaching 45 years in the music industry is a feat achieved by few. Looking at today's music scene, which band or artist do you believe will have the longevity and relevance to achieve this milestone and become a future classic?
CB: I'm very proud of this, you know? Being able to see bands like Ozzy, Black Sabbath, UFO, being a part of this is really cool. I'm not too attached to the past either, we still have a lot to do, and I can't tell you who can carry that torch, but it's great to know that I'm a part of all this.
WM: Across more than 20 studio albums, Grave Digger has maintained a very strong sonic identity. What do you believe is the secret to remaining relevant and authentic for 45 years in a scene that has changed so much?
CB: Well, like I said, we're a heavy metal band, there's not much of a secret, it's about showing up and doing the best we know how, which is heavy metal.
WM: For the fans who will be attending the show in São Paulo on November 14th, what message would you leave? What can they expect from this celebration of 45 years of pure German heavy metal?
CB: Go to the show, it's going to be excellent, go, have fun, because I'm sure we'll have fun too.
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