by Justin Gaines
– Sr. Columnist —
Sword Songs is a very appropriate title for the eighth full-length album from Swedish heavy/doom metal trio Grand Magus. The band’s evolution over the past few albums has found Grand Magus focused on shorter, catchier odes to Viking conquest and the glory of battle. Sword Songs doesn’t just capture the character of this album, but the band’s whole identity.
There are exactly zero surprises on Sword Songs. This is the logical follow-up to Hammer of the North, The Hunt and Triumph and Power. If anything, it’s a purer version of those albums. It’s shorter, catchier and cheesier (in a good way). Aside from a brief instrumental track, Sword Songs has eight riff-heavy battle anthems, all of which seem destined for huge sing-alongs at the major outdoor metal festivals. “Forged in Iron – Crowned in Steel” in particular is probably the best metal anthem of the decade. “Varangian,” “Master of the Land” and “Every Day There’s a Battle to Fight” are also sure to get the blood pumping.
At barely 35 minutes, Sword Songs is the shortest Grand Magus album, but there’s also no wasted space here. No filler and no drawn out sections, only those relentless J.B. riffs and heavy rhythms. The vocals have always been a huge part of Grand Magus’s identity, and they are just titanic on this album. J.B. serves as both narrator and Viking war chief here, bringing us all to distant shores to do battle.
Sword Songs is the perfect mix of heaviness and melody, and yet another triumph for Grand Magus. If you loved the direction of the last few Grand Magus albums, you’ll love this album as well. If you’re new to the band and enjoy heavy, melodic, anthemic Metal bands like Spiritual Beggars, Visigoth and Night Demon, Sword Songs is the perfect introduction to what may be the best discovery you’ll make all year.
Edition Notes: The limited edition version of Sword Songs comes in a digipack and includes two bonus tracks – “In For the Kill” and a cover of the Deep Purple classic “Stormbringer” that features Per Wiberg (Spiritual Beggars, ex-Opeth) on keyboards. The cover is really nicely done, but the very ‘80s metal sounding “In For the Kill” is also a great addition. You’ll definitely want to spend the few extra bucks tracking down this version.
Genre: Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal, Doom Metal
Lineup:
JB Christoffersson (v) (g)
Fox Skinner (b) (v)
Ludwig Witt (d)
Track Listing:
1. Freja’s Choice
2. Varangian
3. Forged in Iron – Crowned in Steel
4. Born for Battle (Black Dog of Broceliande)
5. Master of the Land
6. Last One to Fall
7. Frost and Fire
8. Hugr
9. Every Day There’s a Battle to Fight
Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: www.grandmagus.com
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.5/10