Grand Magus
Title: Sword Songs
Label:Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 13th May 2016
Riff masters Grand Magus return with their Eighth Album and as you would expect from these Swedish aficionados its full to the brim of Classic Sounding Metal.
"Swords Songs" features Combat, Derring-do, with Swords Clashing and Bloodshed aplenty.
The Album gets under way with the Doom infused groove "Freja’s Choice" full of huge riffs and tremendous vocals from JB combined with a foreboding Rhythm section of Fox on Bass and Ludwig on Drums.
“Varangian” was the first song to be released from the Album and its chanting style will see you pounding your shield and punching the air as the defenders of steel shake and rock the battle ground.
As to be expected this opus is jam packed with fist punching, Mead supping anthems no more so than on "Forged in Iron” You could be on that long ship ready to disembark, unsheathe your sword in readiness to attack the foe this is a real highlight , a legendary tale.
“Born for Battle” is destined to have the Metal gathering continuing to sup their drinks in copious amounts saluting these Swedish Metal Master’s. “Master of The Land” sees Ludwig pummelling his Drum kit within an inch of its life as JBs Vocals and guitar mix in with Foxes Bass pounding into the earth’s core.
“Last One to Fall” has some stupendous chugging guitars this Doom laden track will please fans of Grand Magus earlier releases, its deep booming delivery inspires and marches on.
“Frost and Fire” heats the halls of Valhalla and melts the frost as the band delivers its glorious Metal. “Hugr” is an instrumental that is delightful ,and soothing with beautiful Acoustics.
Final song “Every Days a Battle To Fight” builds slowly and then becomes a full force of Powerful divine Metal that sees a superb Solo and rounds off an excellent Album.
Also Check out the Album artwork it is very impressive and will make an awesome tattoo. I feel this whole Album will be welcomed by Traditional Metal Heads and anyone who loves a theme of heroism encapsulated in passionate battle songs.
Review: Seb Di Gatto Score :9/10
Tracklisting:
1.Freja's Choice
2. Varangian
3. Forged In Iron - Crowned In Steel
4. Born For Battle (Black Dog Of Brocéliande)
5. Master Of The Land
6. Last One To Fall
7. Frost And Fire
8. Hugr
9. Everyday There's A Battle To Fight
Band Lineup:
JB Vocals, Guitar Fox Bass Ludwig Drums