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Grand Magus: The hunt
21/08/12 || cadenz
Grand Magus have been one of the most hyped bands in the traditional metal genre since they strayed away from their doom/stoner metal path to playing more straightforward heavy metal on their fourth album “Iron Will” (2008), and deservedly so. Their recipe for success? Simple yet effective songs filled with catchy hooks, coupled with a raw and honest delivery by the band including JB Christoffersson’s mighty pipe. No, not the bong adversary. Vocal cords. “Hammer of the North” (2010) built their momentum even higher, and now the Swedes are here with their fresh effort, “The Hunt”.
This 9-track rocker confirms two things: 1. yes, they deserve the hype and 2. they are getting repetitive. The catchy choruses are still here, as is the ragged execution and the bombastic arrangements. The feel of repetitiveness comes from the sensation that the Maggers seem to know of only a few ways how to vary their riffs and melodies. I frequently find myself thinking “I’ve heard this before” or “I know where this is going”. This is especially symptomatic for the verses. Many of the songs also follow the same formula as always, heightening the predictability grade.
Still, there are too many catchy choruses for this album to fail. Especially the title track and “Valhalla Rising” are bound to be sing-along favourites on tour. The most unexpected variations are found on “Son of the Last Breath”, an epic tale told in the form of a folky viking metal ballad which, in addition to the usual mid-tempo bashing, sports acoustic guitars, strings, samplings, low baritone singing by JB, death metal screams by guest Johnny Hedlund (Unleashed), polyphonic choirs etc. A bombastic track worthy of Bathory comparisons.
The production is more old-school than “Hammer of the North”, striving more for “Iron Will”‘s sound mixed with a retro late 70’s/early 80’s feel. The kicks and bass mostly rumble in the lowest of frequencies, while the guitars jaggedly and sharply fill the mid. Thankfully the snare sound is good, and the vocals are strong and clear. JB’s voice has always been authoritative and convincing, and this time’s no different.
In conclusion: even though I expected more, I have to give in; this is another quality effort by Grand Magus. It’s no “Iron Will”, with its crushing darkness and super choruses, but it’s a solid metal disc with enough upside to motivate a purchase. If you like traditional heavy metal with faint echos of a heavy doom past, check this out. Fans of Grand Magus’ chosen heavy metal path are obviously going to love this.
- Information
- Released: 2012
- Label: Nuclear Blast
- Website: www.grandmagus.com
- Band
- JB Christoffersson: vocals, guitars
- Fox Skinner: bass, backing vocals, cello
- Ludwig Witt: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. Starlit Slaughter
- 02. Sword of the Ocean
- 03. Valhalla Rising
- 04. Storm King
- 05. Silver Moon
- 06. The Hunt
- 07. Son of the Last Breath
- 08. Iron Hand
- 09. Draksådd
