Grand Magus – Sword Songs (Nuclear Blast)
Genre: Heavy Metal
Right now there are few more ‘metal’ bands on the planet than Grand Magus. In thrall to the classic bands of the early 80s, their riff-heavy magical mystery ride is ripe for inclusion on the next episode of Game Of Thrones or Vikings.
Sword Songs maintains a rich vein of form that started with the first of their three Nuclear Blast albums – The Hunt – released in 2012 – and continued with the classic Triumph And Power two years ago.
Grand Magus exist in a deep Scandinavian groove where violent imagery and acute storytelling complement the heaviest or trad metal. Standout tracks on the booming Sword Songs include the fabulously over-the-top Forged In Iron – Crowned In Steel and set closer Every Day There’s A Battle To Fight.
Some of the lyrics might make grown men cringe but those men who boast long beards and dream of mortal combat will lap up every minute of this riotous release. It’s not meant to be serious – we hope – but it’s seriously metal at a time when the genre is in danger of losing its way.
Grand Magus are going nowhere. In fact Sword Songs could soundtrack their greatest victory yet.
RUSHONROCK RATED: 8/10 Mag-nificent