Grand Magus
Triumph And Power


4.0
excellent

Review

by greg84 EMERITUS
February 8th, 2014 | 38 replies


Release Date: 2014 | Tracklist

Review Summary: The Swedish trio add another exquisite heavy metal record to their discography.

Since the old-school heavy metal scene is currently experiencing the revival due to numerous enthralling records from both relatively new and veteran artists, the bar is set immensely high. Audrey Horne's Youngblood and Satan's Life Sentence led the charge for traditionalism in metal in 2013. Both these albums struck a perfect balance between melodicism and might, exelling in commanding songwriting coupled with sturdy musicianship. They also understandably gave Grand Magus a run for their money. This loveable Swedish power trio have been honing their position as prime traditional metal purveyors for years. Hammer of the North (2010) was filled to the brim with fist-pumping anthems inspired primarily by Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, while its follow-up The Hunt (2012) shifted the gears towards a better sequenced presentation that was a tad more ingrained in hard rock.

As is the case with many heavy metal bands utterly devoted to their style, the alterations on the trio's seventh album are subtle. Compared with its predecessor, Triumph and Power is slightly heavier as it harkens back to the blazing glory of Hammer of the North while still retaining a penchant for infectious vocal harmonies. Frontman Janne “JB” Christoffersson is in scintillating form, delivering a vivacious vocal performance that radiates with genuine passion and vitality. The instrumentation is equally formidable as JB's galloping, instantly memorable riffs are backed with the muscular rhythm section courtesy of bassist Fox Skinner and drummer Ludwig “Ludde” Witt.

The songwriting that propels Triumph and Power is simultaneously hook-centric and ambitious, which results in the outfit's most balanced collection of songs to date. 'On Hooves Of Gold' delightfully sets the tone of the album with its mighty intro evolving into driving riffs and a sing-along chorus. The strength of 'Steel Versus Steel' lies in its simplicity and an undeniably powerful hook. Judas Priest-echoing 'Dominator' astounds with wondrously crafted harmonies, while 'Holmgång' and 'The Naked and the Dead' render the style of the trio into its leanest, most visceral incarnation. Only forlorn Viking-themed instrumentals 'Arv' and 'Ymer' needlessly tone down the unflagging energy of the remaining cuts.

Even though most metal outfits wallow in the themes of oppression and darkness these days, Grand Magus pride themselves on truly inspirational anthems. JB's heroic tales of overcoming adversities are laced with strong conviction and aplomb, proving that the uplifting qualities have its place in this genre as well. The straightforward title of the record, Triumph and Power, is spot-on as it finely embodies the trio's warrior-like attitude and ongoing pursuit for excellence. Grand Magus are in a class by themselves, consistently churning out exemplary releases that place them amid the most coveted heavy metal artists working today. The group's power is commendable and the end result is nothing short of triumphant as their new outing clearly matches up to the output of the luminaries that have inspired it.



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user ratings (95)
3.6
great
other reviews of this album
HeavyReviews (3.5)
In conclusion, grand magus delivers what the swedes have been delivering for the past twenty years, ...



Comments:Add a Comment 
greg84
Emeritus
February 8th 2014


7654 Comments

Album Rating: 4.3 | Sound Off

Here's the stream:



http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/grand-magus-exclusive-triumph-and-power-in-full/

Digging: Chat Pile - Cool World

menawati
February 8th 2014


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

fired it up in googleplay, sounds quite good so far

greg84
Emeritus
February 8th 2014


7654 Comments

Album Rating: 4.3 | Sound Off

Of course... because it's Grand Magus.

Athom
Emeritus
February 8th 2014


17244 Comments


oooooh. i need this.

menawati
February 8th 2014


16730 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

sounds dated and traditional

thats a compliment by the way

greg84
Emeritus
February 8th 2014


7654 Comments

Album Rating: 4.3 | Sound Off

Yeah, such a cool album. Probably my favorite of theirs. Dominator and Holmgang are absolutely phenomenal... and the bonus track Blackmoon is also really good.

Crysis
Emeritus
February 8th 2014


17640 Comments


album art slays

Voivod
Staff Reviewer
February 8th 2014


10937 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

^^^Indeed, it feels ideal for T-shirts too.



Great review Greg for a great album.

SgtPepper
Emeritus
February 8th 2014


4510 Comments


I'll check this out. Nice review, man.

Tyrael
February 8th 2014


21108 Comments


its good

KjSwantko
February 9th 2014


12204 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

A kinda lame albeit listenable record. Nice review though, Greg.

ScuroFantasma
Emeritus
February 9th 2014


12203 Comments


Great review, the title track is so good.

Digging: Blood Incantation - Absolute Elsewhere

greg84
Emeritus
February 9th 2014


7654 Comments

Album Rating: 4.3 | Sound Off

Thanks a ton, guys. Grand Magus deserve to be much more popular.

solitude
February 9th 2014


8 Comments


The Naked and the Dead is definitely going into my gym playlist.

south_of_heaven 11
February 9th 2014


5614 Comments


Do want.

RangerTaffles
February 10th 2014


319 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Lots of good stuff. Nice review Greg!

Voivod
Staff Reviewer
February 10th 2014


10937 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Crank up the volume Captain and you will feel it.

KjSwantko
February 10th 2014


12204 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Got to be honest- I wasn't feeling it much either. GM has always seemed like a band with a ton of potential but could never put out anything with replay value

greg84
Emeritus
February 10th 2014


7654 Comments

Album Rating: 4.3 | Sound Off

"I wish that was the solution. I think the vox bothers me more than anything else."



I think the vox are pretty much perfect for this style of music. Definitely the aspect that keeps me coming back to GM.

emester
February 10th 2014


8271 Comments


JB's vocals are one of the best things about Grand Magus



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