NEW GRAND MAGUS RIFFS SOUND LIKE THE “HAMMER OF THE NORTH”

The announcement that Swedish trad metallers Grand Magus had signed with Roadrunner Records was a tad surprising given that label’s recent inclination towards either a) already developed acts with a legacy (Korn, Ratt), or b) more mainstream hard rock and metal acts. But hey, who’s complaining? If the success of every Nickelback and Theory of a Deadman means the label can take a chance on bands like Grand Magus and Baptized in Blood — and gives those bands the opportunity to record with a decent budget without forcing them to make artistic sacrifices — then hey, I’m for it.

We’ll find out how Grand Magus fair in the mainstream metal world when they release their Roadrunner debut Hammer of the North on June 23rd, but all indications from hearing the title track of the album are that they’re going to be just fine. I love the giant-sized bass tone and the thickness it lends the mammoth riffs, and vocalist Janne “JB” Christoffersson voice complements them perfectly to give the song a powerfully dark yet somehow epic feel. Dare I say JB reminds me a bit of Dio when he hits his upper register? Watch the new video for “Hammer of the North” below.

Listen to the older Grand magus song “Like the Oar Strikes the Water” here.

-VN