GRAVE ROBBER - INNER SANCTUM
RETROACTIVE RECORDS
Metal To Infinity
Retroactive
is an American record label unleashed numerous efforts so far, mostly the bands
have a Christian background. Concerning White Metal, I can mention a lot of
unforgettable bands played and still playing this type of Metal music– don’t judge a band on their
religious background, pay full attention on the music first of all before
breaking down real good outfits! You should check out the label’s homepage
instead: http://www.myspace.com/retroactivewreckage
Grave Robber is a new
release from this label – it’s the band’s second release after their debut
‘’Be Afraid’’ (2008)… if you’re looking for some groups playing
Metal by wearing striking costumes / masks, Grave Robber will caught your
attention for sure. Speaking for myself, I really don’t give a damn about
musicians walk on stage dressed in blood dripping suites, based on some kinda
horror themes. I'm not saying that these bands’ style of music isn’t
attractive – just give me some
good old denim / leather / favourite T shirt instead. We’re half past October
2009 at the moment so Halloween is nearby – watch out for Grave Robber’s
“Inner Sanctum”… this product will haunts your sleep!
What to expect is a six
panel digipack, on the front two skulls chained / hooked, open it up and let the
horror show begin. First things first, the sound quality of “Inner Sanctum”
is outstanding – regarding the songs, there is a whole lotta going on the
album. Besides their striking ‘horror’ looks, Grave Robber also take the
listener by surprise each and every song. Singer Wretched for example, can I
describe home a pure Metal singer? I’d like to say – I have my doubts. I
like to place his vocal style more in the direction of Rock–A–Billy with a
Punk character. To explain myself even better, a blend of Brian Setzer (Stray
Cats: Les Gray (Mud) and Glenn Danzig (Danzig), Steve Zodia (Vardis). I hope
you’ll get the picture by now! By the way, does the name Misfits ring a bell?
Actually it’s kinda fun
hearing the entire album ranges from Classic Rock to Metal and Punk music. The
title tracks definitely will brings on the creeps, almost two minutes, horror
minded intro! Next ‘Detonation’ and there we go – Metal riffs played
pretty fast – reminds me a bit of an eighties track from Vardis entitled ‘If
I Were King’. Street Punk wise character with ‘Shadows’, fast one ‘I'm
Possessed’ is a song to have a real blast or let yourself following the
present speed
rhythms wile stamping boots!.’Tell Tale Heart’ is a True Rock-A-Billy
inspired one… what did I previously said about Mud / Stray cats influences?
‘Valley Of Dry Bones’ is the most Metal minded track and immediately the
evidence Grave Robber means more than just a band wearing blood-covered horror costumes.
Dark and sinister atmospheres with Classic Metal riffage…good job! As
mentioned on the flipside of the digipack, there should be 11 songs to enjoy but
there is actually another ‘hidden track’ to detect. I'm not disappointed at
all because it’s a cover from good old Black Sabbath entitled ‘Children Of
The Grave’ and guess what… besides the most Metal loaded song on the CD
‘Valley Of Dry Bones’, Grave Robber surprised me for the second time. Wanna
hear the horror version of an old Black Sabbath, legendary masterpiece – check
the ultimate last song from Grave Robber’s new album “Inner Sanctum”.
More Metal parts to detect as on their debut album and I'm glad with that! A blend of Metal, Classic Rock, Street Punk Rock, Rock-A-Billy, 70s Glam Rock,… actually a band versatile through and through. For fans of Danzig, Type O’ Negative, Vardis, Misfits, …; Check them out at: www.myspace.com/graverobberpunk ...and don't be scared!
My Points: 72 / 100 (Review by Stefan)