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GRAND MAGUS ‘Wolf's Return’ Rise Above (2005)
It was almost a year ago that I interviewed JB, the frontman of the Swedish Metal outfit Grand Magus, following the release of his band's second studio effort "Monument". What really amazed me back then, apart from the brilliant songs that the band had prepared for that specific release, was the fact that JB had already set his mind on the musical direction that he wanted to approach with his following album. He then told me that he had no intention on repeating himself, and warned me to expect it to be a heavier and faster album - what he referred to as a more "Metal" release.
When I finally did manage to get my hands on "Wolf's Return", I find out that the tall vocalist is indeed a man of his word. In this new thirty eight minute effort, Grand Magus' music sounds much heavier and their compositions are more straight forward than ever before. I understand that many of the people who have been converted to this band based on the unique strength and character of their previous effort might feel a bit uncertain as to whether "Wolf's Return" is going to be an album that will appeal to their tastes, but I honestly cannot see how this could ever be the case.
The decision to once again work with Oneman behind the sound console helped the three Swedes retain that same heavy and distinguished sound that made quite a few of us fall for them in the first place. With that success in hand, getting hooked on the majority of the compositions of "Wolf's Return" proved to be a far easier task than anyone would expect. The structure and character of songs such as "Kingslayer" and "Wolf's Return" will bring the band closer to fans of classic metal outfits such as Iron Maiden and Manowar, while compositions like "Nine", "Ashes" and "Light Hater" will prove to their already established fan base why they have no reason to lose faith in this great band. As highlights of this album I would mention the smartly arranged intros ("Blodorn", "Jarnbord" & "Hamnd"), which have not only managed to create an epic atmosphere, but they also bring together nicely the "old" and the "new" style of the band, as well as the amazing "Blood Oath" which is indeed one of the best songs that this trio has managed to deliver so far.
Well, the new Grand Magus CD is a fact, but before you start annoying your neighbours with JB's massive guitar riffs and passionate vocals, try to avoid making any comparisons with "Monument" and keep one thing in mind: Grand Magus is a band which is not willing to cheat on you by re-creating already established music formulae. That, together with their passion for good quality music, should be enough to make "Wolf's Return" your next purchase.
****½
Review by John Stefanis
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