'Tunes of War' marks the first of three history related concept albums (generally referred to as the 'Middle Ages Trilogy') and this instalment sees 'Grave Digger' exploring the turbulence of Scotland's past. A strange choice of concept for a German band, but credit given, they really get into the theme and notch up some pretty memorable tracks. 'Tunes of War' also marks the first outing for drummer 'Stefan Arnold', after the departure of 'Frank Ullrich' to 'X-Wild'.

Borrowing heavily from the traditional song 'Scotland the Brave', is a short introduction simply titled 'The Brave', which is basically a bagpipes and drum laden piece. This soon gives way to the 'Grave Digger' we all know and love, the first proper cut 'Scotland United' is a thumping dose of riff driven Power Metal, which highlights 'Uwe Lulis' blazing away in the fashion you would expect from such a refined guitarist and 'Chris Boltendahl' delivering with his usual vivaciousness. Not quite as brisk but just as powerful is the pulsating 'Dark of the Sun' a catchy rhythm fuelled rocker, which embraces a crisp yet powerful fist-raising chorus. 'William Wallace' ensues with a subtle melodic intro, before rapidly developing into a blazing ripper interposing harmonious vocal sections, personally I wouldn't say it totally comes-off but still impressive in parts. In stark contrast is the doomy, sluggish tempo of 'The Bruce' a fairly listless affair that lyrically is none too impressive either. Improvements are quickly made with the slashing 'Battle of Flodden', a more typical 'Grave Digger' Power Metal number, while 'The Ballad of Mary' is a surprising well executed tender ballad, which witnesses 'Chris Boltendahl' singing in a much softer tone- works well. 'The Truth' follows with a more grooving approach, regrettably it doesn't flow particularly well with the rest of the album and while far from a poor track, doesn't compliment the concept. More impressive is the straightforward Power Metal of 'Cry For Freedom' a simplistic but punishing ripper that highlights cutting 'Uwe Lulis' fret work and a powerful catchy chorus. Continuing is a similar vein is the lively pulsating 'Killing Time', which incorporates a fine instrumental break and good melodic chorus, while 'Rebellion' follows with a more epic feel and highlights fine work from 'Boltendahl' and 'Lulis'. The songwriting is stepped up a notch further for the intense rocker 'Culloden Muir', a quality rhythm driven number that interestingly includes a respectable 'Stefan Arnold' drum solo, while the concept concludes with 'The Fall of the Brave' a short sombre instrumental piece, that gradually builds to an eerie finale.

A very consistent and well crafted concept album and although surprising subject matter for a German band to cover, they make a very respectable job of it!