Grand Magus
Triumph and Power
Nuclear Blast
2014
I remember wondering while reviewing their previous album “The Hunt”, if anyone would expect any kind of musical change on behalf of the band. I guess that flirting with the Vikings couldn’t have ended up in any other way. Grand Magus have made an opening to more classic metal paths here. Even the Viking or epic ones have to admit it!
Yeap, that came like a surprise to me. OK, they didn’t make a U-turn on their music style but once you listen to “Triumph and Power” you will comprehend the traditional (epic) metal elements from, no other than, Manowar! You didn’t see that coming huh?! Manowar of the second era but that doesn’t change things that much. For instance, the homonymous track could have been penned by Joey DeMaio. It is sooo Manowar-ish! I guess if Eric Adams was behind the mic then none could argue that this is a classic (epic) metal track. JB is a good singer but not for this kind of music. Even the cover artwork is “wannabe epic”! Com’ on! I understand the need to add some diversity on your music… but flirting with Manowar that much… is kinda scandalous!
Then again, I do fancy the final outcome. The sound is a bit raw and dry. The guys worked with producer Nico Elgstrand (Entombed, ex-Terra Firma) and engineer Staffan Karlsson (Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars) once again. It’s still weird that they decided to turn to the classic (epic) metal side and it would be cool to see if the old-time fans of the band will embrace that. Personally, I enjoyed this album more than the previous one, but that’s due to its Manowar essentials. Nonetheless, it would be kinda difficult to convince a Manowar or classic (epic) metal fan to give ‘em a try. Hence, what does the future hold for Grand Magus? Well, only time & they can tell…
Yeap, that came like a surprise to me. OK, they didn’t make a U-turn on their music style but once you listen to “Triumph and Power” you will comprehend the traditional (epic) metal elements from, no other than, Manowar! You didn’t see that coming huh?! Manowar of the second era but that doesn’t change things that much. For instance, the homonymous track could have been penned by Joey DeMaio. It is sooo Manowar-ish! I guess if Eric Adams was behind the mic then none could argue that this is a classic (epic) metal track. JB is a good singer but not for this kind of music. Even the cover artwork is “wannabe epic”! Com’ on! I understand the need to add some diversity on your music… but flirting with Manowar that much… is kinda scandalous!
Then again, I do fancy the final outcome. The sound is a bit raw and dry. The guys worked with producer Nico Elgstrand (Entombed, ex-Terra Firma) and engineer Staffan Karlsson (Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars) once again. It’s still weird that they decided to turn to the classic (epic) metal side and it would be cool to see if the old-time fans of the band will embrace that. Personally, I enjoyed this album more than the previous one, but that’s due to its Manowar essentials. Nonetheless, it would be kinda difficult to convince a Manowar or classic (epic) metal fan to give ‘em a try. Hence, what does the future hold for Grand Magus? Well, only time & they can tell…