Grand Magus - Iron Will
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Some records are so metal that one has no choice but to genuflect before them. Iron Will (Rise Above, 2008) is one such record. Janne Christoffersson is the vocalist for Spiritual Beggars, the retro rock project of Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott. In Grand Magus, Christoffersson sings and slings a mean axe himself. In fact, he's got some of the best riffs in the biz. Lumbering doom, Viking pageantry, traditional metal - the guy can do it all. Iron Will could have come out 20 years ago, and it would still hold up today. This kind of metal doesn't go out of style, especially with songs this strong. Try not to bang your head to "Iron Will" - it's impossible. When Christoffersson booms, LIKE THE OAR STRIKES THE WATER, damned if I don't want to head for the nearest longboat pronto. One can practically smell the leather tanning. Beowulf metal doesn't get much better than this.
Like the Oar Strikes the WaterIron Will
Buy:
Rise Above (CD)
Rise Above (vinyl)
Labels: clee, doom metal, heavy metal, sweden
5 Comments:
This album is tremendous fun. Right up there with The Gates of Slumber and Sahg, as far as incredibly satisfying, old-school metal circa 2008 goes. Isn't it great hearing melodic metal vocals done this well? Such a rarity these days.
For sure, Adrien. I love that not only can I understand what Christoffersson is singing, his lyrics actually mean something. A top tenner, probably, for me.
Amazing record. Not sure if it tops Wolf's Return, but we shall see. This band knows what it wants to do with its HM.
I prefer "Monument" for riffs, but "Iron Will" may definitely grow on me more. my immediate reaction is that its a little too polished.
Great band though. Their catalogue of releases certifies that they are one of those rare bands that has vision, talent, and integrity.
yeah I still think Monument is great. Wolf's return kind of bummed me out, but I gave this new one another chance and I'm glad I did. it's really killer. maybe their best. as far as I know they've never toured the states, I hope this record changes that...but Im not holding my breath this shit doesnt go over as well here as it does in europe.
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