:: Grand Magus - Hammer Of The North

Grand Magus

For reasons completely beyond me, Grand Magus has remained somewhat largely unrecognised in the metal underground, despite the fact that the Swedish outfit’s four releases to date (2001’s ‘Grand Magus’, 2003’s ‘Monument’, 2005’s ‘Wolf’s Return’ and 2008’s ‘Iron Will’) have all been highly acclaimed by all who have stumbled across the band. But all that looks set to change, with the trio making the move from the small, but hugely influential Rise Above Records to the highly influential, and infinitely much larger Roadrunner Records, who have duly released the band’s fifth full-length album ‘Hammer Of The North’.

Despite the band’s lack of exposure in the mainstream, those familiar with the Stockholm act will no doubt agree that Grand Magus’ last release was by far their strongest effort to date, and that ‘Hammer Of The North’ certainly has a lot to live up to. But for most, ‘Hammer Of The North’ will mark their first foray into Grand Magus’ brand of old school metal. And it’s in that respect that the album really does win on most fronts. The opening track ‘I, The Jury’ is an absolute classic, and probably one of the best tracks on the album: representing everything Grand Magus stands for musically.

Highlights on the album include the slower and anthem-like title track ‘Hammer Of The North’, the mid-paced groove of ‘Black Sails’, the epic feel of ‘The Lord Of Lies’, the speedier ‘At Midnight They’ll Get Wise’ and the majestic closer ‘Ravens Guide Our Way’. Those familiar with Grand Magus’ past work may find ‘Hammer Of The North’ a little lacking in following up the stellar ‘Iron Will’ effort from a couple of years ago. But for those who have yet to discover Grand Magus, ‘Hammer Of The North’ is a great album, and one that every old school metal-head should actively seek out without fear of disappointment.