RAWHEAD
REXX - Diary in Black (2003)
AFM Records
Rawhead Rexx's final album, Diary in Black, is a
notable entry in the German heavy metal scene. While the band's debut, Rawhead
Rexx, featured a raw, aggressive sound, Diary in Black refined this approach,
resulting in a more polished, ambitious, and conceptually cohesive work.
The most distinctive feature of Diary in Black is its
central theme: a musical exploration of the life of Vlad Tepes, the historical
figure behind the Dracula legend. Unlike their more loosely themed debut, this
album commits fully to its narrative. Songs like "Return of the
Dragon," "Diary in Black," and "Barons Overthrow"
function as chapters in a historical epic, documenting Vlad’s early life as a
hostage in the Ottoman Empire, his brutal rise to power, and his military
campaigns. This thematic consistency provides a strong foundation for the
album.
From a production standpoint, Diary in Black is a
significant departure from the debut. Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind (known for
his work with Helloween and Blind Guardian), the album possesses a more massive
and professional sound. The guitars are heavier and clearer, the
drums—performed by Dani Löble (who would later join Helloween)—are powerful,
and the vocals are commanding. The production gives the music a more
contemporary edge compared to the retro feel of their first record.
The contrast between the two albums is a key point of
discussion. The debut was a raw, aggressive statement that paid homage to
classic heavy metal acts like Accept and Judas Priest. Its unpolished nature is
often seen as part of its charm. Diary in Black, on the other hand, channels
that aggression into a more focused and epic direction. The songwriting is
tighter, and the overall sound is a clear step forward. While it may have
traded some of the debut’s gritty character for a more polished sound, it
gained a thematic and musical depth that makes it a more complete and ambitious
work.
Nick Parastatidis
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