Grave Digger Members, Gear & Sound
Trance
Members
Select a Grave Digger band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Grave Digger is a formidable force in the realm of German heavy metal, renowned for their blend of speed, power, and melodic metal. Originating from Gladbeck, Germany, in 1980, the band has undergone various lineup changes but remains anchored by founding member Chris Boltendahl (vocals). The current lineup features Axel Ritt (guitar), Jens Becker (bass), and Marcus Kniep (drums). Known for their thunderous riffs and epic storytelling, Grave Digger has carved out a niche in the heavy metal world with albums that are both raw and anthemic, drawing on themes of mythology and history.
How to Sound Like Grave Digger
Grave Digger's sound is a powerful blend of aggressive rhythms and melodic interludes, characterized by crunchy guitar riffs and soaring solos. The band achieves a gritty yet polished tone, often utilizing equipment like the DV Mark Triple 6 40W All-Tube Guitar Head for its rich, tube-driven distortion, paired with effects such as the DigiTech HardWire TL-2 Metal Distortion to accentuate their darker, heavier sound. Bass lines, anchored by the Warwick RockBass Streamer Standard 5-String Bass Guitar, add depth, while the drumming provides a relentless, driving force. Grave Digger's music thrives on its dynamic interplay between melody and intensity, making for a sound that's both classic and invigorating.
Discography
Heavy Metal Breakdown (Bonus Tracks Edition - Remastered)
1984
Witch Hunter (Bonus Tracks Edition - Remastered)
1985
WAR GAMES
1986
The Reaper
1993
Symphony Of Death
1994
Excalibur
1999
The Grave Digger
2001
Tunes Of Wacken - Live
2002
Rheingold
2003
The Last Supper
2005
25 to Live
2005
Ballads of a Hangman
2009
The Clans Will Rise Again
2010
The Clans Are Still Marching
2011
Clash of the Gods
2013
Return of the Reaper (Deluxe Edition)
2014
Exhumation – the Early Years
2015
The Living Dead
2018
Fields of Blood
2020
Symbol of Eternity
2022
The Forgotten Years
2023
Bone Collector
2025
Get the Grave Digger Sound
Want to sound like Grave Digger? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
