As with the review of Exmortus last week, another great band who plays something really kind of different. Grand Magus plays what would traditionally be done by a power, viking, or melodic metal band, not something accompanying a fuzzy guitar doing what could be honestly called stoner riffs. But it fits very well, and with some awesome trad metal touches, is a very catchy and enjoyable record.
This record opens with a soft intro of a storm, pounding hooves running from one side to the other, then an acoustic playing solemnly with a held note by several voices. And then it all explodes as the electrics kick in with a gallop and driving beat from the strings and skins. Overall you feel like a knight charging into battle for a sacred quest, or even to simply do battle for the sheer joy of adrenaline and danger. The album contains no real surprises, either lyrically or musically. Its just a supremely enjoyable record, with some solid playing, fun memorable lyrics, and killer fuzzy tones. When the guitars harmonize, you get the feeling that seeing these guys live will simply leave you buzzing with rock juices holding you aloft on wings made of riff. And you will remember the lyrics for days; On Hooves of Gold (#1) and Fight (#3) are especially vexing for catchiness quotient.
Like I said a bit above, no real surprises, but the album is crafted from several influences that are fitted together seamlessly. A great example is the title track, Triumph and Power, which starts out little heavier, with held power cords, and a very low, slow, sung first couple lines, with a beautiful deep vocal from Janne “JB” Christoffersson (I believe, vocals are split between him and Fox Skinner (bass)) Its kind of if Monster Magnet had a whole album written by MANOWAR, and released it on a bet. You have the really clean vocals, well produced, perfectly mixed to never overpower nor be overpowered, with a fuzzy rock guitar with some heavy balls made of overdrive, and solid rock drumming from Ludwig “Ludde” Witt. The drums especially feel authentic to the album, which doesn’t make sense, until you try and think of trying to make them more complex, or just add something else. It’s that basic formula that sums up and bolsters the sum of the parts perfectly and lays down the groove oh so nicely. One of the most solid rock heavy bands you’ll hear this year, I’ll wager.
Overall, this is a solid album that won’t leave you disappointed, and might just surprise you with how much it’ll come into rotation. Play it with some Skull Fist and/or Exmortus for best results!
*Note: When a bands official bio, on THEIR website claims they are Heavy Metal Reborn!, I would choose to heed such words as truth….*
