'Excalibur' marks the last in 'Grave Digger's' “Middle Ages Trilogy” and sees the band exploring Arthurian legend. Historically they may have taken a few liberties, but musically it's what we have come to expect from this band, at times a little more accessible than some of their other releases, which in truth is no bad thing and all told is probably my favourite from the “Middle Ages Trilogy”. The line-up has thankfully remained unchanged since 'Knights of the Cross' and in my view is possibly the finest, with the excellent 'Uwe Lulis' and 'Jens Becker' on song.

'Excalibur' opens strongly with the 'Running Wild' style introduction titled 'The Secrets of Merlin', before the trademark thundering rhythm announces 'Pendragon' a brisk ripper which sees 'Chris Boltendahl' at his gravelling best, whilst the rhythm section and 'Uwe Lulis' don't hold back. The fine run continues with the title track 'Excalibur', another no holds barred blazer, 'Chris's' vocals undergo some distortion which adds a nice touch, while the gang chanted chorus is nothing new but ultimately effective. A melodic orchestral intro opens 'The Round Table,' before progressing more expectedly, not quite as impressive as the first two cuts, but the chorus is solid and 'Uwe Lulis' gets in some more fine work. A subtle spoken introduction is used to good effect before the pace is picked up for the slashing 'Morgane Le Fay', whilst 'The Spell' sees a drop in tempo for this powerful yet darker mid tempo plodder. The momentum is lifted once again with the brisk but melodic 'Tristan's Fate' which is driven by a thundering rhythm, but the highlight for me is the instrumental break with 'Uwe Lulis's' stunning solo supported by bagpipes- great stuff. Less frantic is the more controlled 'Lancelot' which ebbs and flows to a fine pulsating rhythm, while 'Mordred's Song' takes things up a notch and displays more glorious guitaring from 'Lulis'. The concept starts to windup with the galloping rocker 'The Final War' a good solid affair typical of 'Grave Digger', however the mid track slowdown with the gothic style “whistle” is a nice and unexpected touch. The tempo falls for the album's only ballad 'Emerald Eyes' a surprisingly tender piece for the band, despite this they make a pretty good job of it, I've never been convinced 'Chris Boltendahl's' vocals really suit this style, but instrumentally impressive. The concept bows out appropriately with the rocker come ballad 'Avalon', a more adventurous piece which opens with a heavy melodic plod but develops more balladsy- a fitting finale. A bonus track 'Parcival' is included with the copy I own and a very strong number it is too, 'Chris Boltendahl' gives it plenty while the chorus is simplistic but effective and all told could quite happily have been included with the album proper.

As previously stated probably my pick from the “Middle Ages Trilogy” and a worthy purchase for any 'Grave Digger' fan.