grand magus hammer of the north

Released: 21 June 2010 Label: Roadrunner

I always considered Swedish metallers Grand Magus as serious contenders in the worldwide metal scene; each release since their self titled debut in 2001 has had a resounding, genuine quality... and done with a dignity that sometimes is lacking in the 'traditional' metal sub genre - forgoing the gorgonzola approach (ahem!), with a flair for songwriting that most of their peers would sell their studded codpieces for.

Hammer of the North , their first worldwide release for Roadrunner, is no exception. Album opener I, the Jury hits the ground at a gallop - and the listener has no choice but to be swept along for the ride. It's a bold, brave statement of intent, instantly setting the tone for the album, with a riff that would get the dead headbanging.

The album crosses a multitude of moods, from the glorious swing of Black Sails to the anthemic nature of Northern Star, the latter with its clattering double bass drum delivery and a chorus designed to raise your fist and yell to. The band's doom element is also represented here too -'The Lord of Lies delivering a wonderfully bleak dirge, before breaking into a stomp mid way through, guaranteed to have the listener windmilling like a Dutch skyline. At Midnight They'll Get Wise steps on the gas again with devilish aplomb, complete with solo from vocalist / guitarist JB that would make Mr Iommi proud.

Throughout, JB sings with a tangible conviction, and delivers an overall vibe that harks back to the likes of the late, great Ronnie James Dio, with the merest hint of blues that remind me of Coverdale during his Deep Purple tenure, all the while backed up by the uber-strong rhythm section provided by Fox (Bass) and Seb (Drums), complete with distorted bass approach that call to mind both Lemmy and Geezer Butler respectively... which all adds to the very traditional feel, but also with a modern day sensibility and intelligence that puts Grand Magus ahead of the pack. Easily one of the most essential metal releases of the year.

by Rod Boston