Roadrunner
2010
1. I, the Jury
2. Hammer of the North
3. Black Sails
4. Mountains Be My Throne
5. Northern Star
6. The Lord of Lies
7. At Midnight They'll Get Wise
8. Bond of Blood
9. Savage Tales
10. Ravens Guide Our Way
Grand Magus are a band I've been digging for a little while now so this was one album I was anticipating. Although I didn't like the last album, Iron Will, as much as some of their others (namely the colossal Wolf's Return) that last one was still a good one. Wolf's Return just took their sort of stoner/doom sound and amped it up big time with a nice traditional sort of metal punch. At this point I'd really call Grand Magus just a straight up heavy metal sort band.
On Hammer Of The North, Grand Magus do once again capture that heavy and powerful sound I loved about Wolf's Return as they once again fire out some damn headbangable and catchy songs. Really this album is exactly what I was hoping for from the band. Frankly, I don't know how anyone could like heavy metal and not dig this. It's that sort of metal that's not power metal, not thrash metal, etc... just Metal. Totally enjoyable heavy riffs and a voice that screams metal. Seriously, I think Janne Christoffrsson is about as metal as metal can be with a heavy, resonant tone that lifts itself up into some awesome chorus power.
In conclusion, I just think this is the sort of metal album that's capable of fairly universal appeal. Actually, I think in the way this band presents its sound without any real cheese factor, catchy songs, and plenty of heaviness this band could actually have some mainstream appeal ala a band like Pantera if marketed right. As it stands, I'm fine with keeping them to our metalhead selves. Give them a listen and I doubt you'll regret the choice.
Highlights: I The Jury, Hammer Of The North, The Lord Of Lies, Black Sails
Rating - 4.0/5
2. Hammer of the North
3. Black Sails
4. Mountains Be My Throne
5. Northern Star
6. The Lord of Lies
7. At Midnight They'll Get Wise
8. Bond of Blood
9. Savage Tales
10. Ravens Guide Our Way
Grand Magus are a band I've been digging for a little while now so this was one album I was anticipating. Although I didn't like the last album, Iron Will, as much as some of their others (namely the colossal Wolf's Return) that last one was still a good one. Wolf's Return just took their sort of stoner/doom sound and amped it up big time with a nice traditional sort of metal punch. At this point I'd really call Grand Magus just a straight up heavy metal sort band.
On Hammer Of The North, Grand Magus do once again capture that heavy and powerful sound I loved about Wolf's Return as they once again fire out some damn headbangable and catchy songs. Really this album is exactly what I was hoping for from the band. Frankly, I don't know how anyone could like heavy metal and not dig this. It's that sort of metal that's not power metal, not thrash metal, etc... just Metal. Totally enjoyable heavy riffs and a voice that screams metal. Seriously, I think Janne Christoffrsson is about as metal as metal can be with a heavy, resonant tone that lifts itself up into some awesome chorus power.
In conclusion, I just think this is the sort of metal album that's capable of fairly universal appeal. Actually, I think in the way this band presents its sound without any real cheese factor, catchy songs, and plenty of heaviness this band could actually have some mainstream appeal ala a band like Pantera if marketed right. As it stands, I'm fine with keeping them to our metalhead selves. Give them a listen and I doubt you'll regret the choice.
Highlights: I The Jury, Hammer Of The North, The Lord Of Lies, Black Sails
Rating - 4.0/5
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