Photo/Image: GRAND MAGUS on Facebook
June 5, 2012 is set to be a big date for Swedish heavy metallers, GRAND MAGUS. The band’s latest album, ‘The Hunt’ will be released in the U.S. on Nuclear Blast records. And re-issues of ‘Iron Will’ and ‘Wolf’s Return’ will also be released via Metal Blade/Rise Above. With a new drummer in tow – Ludwig “Ludde” Witt (SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, FIREBIRD, SHINING), following Seb Sippola’s recent leave, the band is also gearing up for a string of summer festival tour dates across Europe.
OUT JUNE 5 (U.S.) on Nuclear Blast Records
‘The Hunt’ was produced by Nico Elgstrand (ENTOMBED), who managed to put more of an authentic 70′s mark on the record. The guitars roar in classic GM fashion, with more of that gnarly JUDAS PRIEST reminiscent riffomania. New drummer Ludwig adds a new groove to the rhythm section. And JB’s vocals sound as Ian Gillan like, as ever. The CD’s cover artwork was again created by Arik Roper (CATHEDRAL, HIGH ON FIRE, SLEEP), who also handled the art on the ‘Iron Will’ LP.
“Arik Roper is a super-talented artist and we’ve had the pleasure of working with him before when he did the cover art for our album ‘Iron Will’. This time around with the overall feel and lyrical themes of our new album ‘The Hunt’, Arik was the perfect choice once again. We basicallly just gave him the title and he created one of the most haunting and suggestive images ever seen. He totally nailed what the album is all about. To say we are pleased is a gigantic understatement! This piece of art will stand the test of time and become classic.” – Janne “J.B.” Christoffersson
GRAND MAGUS – ‘Iron Will’ Re-issue out June 5, 2012
From MetalReview.com:
Iron Will is ass-whoopin’. The three Swede’s that make up Grand Magus have slowly morphed the slow doom sound initially laid down on their 2001 debut to incorporate much more of a traditional heavy metal element mixed with a newfound desire to hit the gas with some fiery hard rock. 2005′s Wolf’s Return took the initial steps, but Iron Will soars to new levels. There’s still a teensy hint of doom here and there, but for the most-part this record was basically born to gallop alongside a pack of rippers kicking their way through the door into their favorite bar.
Grand Magus has an innate ability to craft simple, heavy songs that are triumphant and infectious, and this album is certainly testament to that. Staunch fans may still hold Monument slightly higher, but Iron Will is as strong as the title would suggest, and this band just keeps getting better with age. And by hell, that’s an album cover even Franzetta himself would enjoy. It’s certainly one that would’ve had me blindly reaching for my wallet back in the 80′s.
GRAND MAGUS – ‘Wolf’s Return’ Re-issue out June 5, 2012
‘Wolf’s Return’ is also getting a re-issue on June 5. And if you’re familiar with the band, you know that the wolf has often been a symbolic centerpiece of their imagery and lyrical subject matter. And this album was no different – as J.B. weaves enigmatic tales of personal vengeance combined with many references to ancient Scandinavian mythology. One listen to the lead-off track “Kingslayer” and you know this band wastes no time bringing the riffs.
‘Wolf’s Return’ was the band’s third album on Rise Above Records – and many folks have opined that this is where the band crossed-over from their doom rock roots, and grew into more of a heavier/metal sound. Many fans opine that this is GM’s best album from their catalog, while many others opine it was on ‘Iron Will’ when the band was at its best. At any rate, both of these albums sit atop many fans’ most favorite lists (which is likely why they’re getting the re-issue attention that they deserve).
June 5, 2012 – Don’t miss out on this one, folks. Along with the new album, it’s also your day to catch-up with two essential GRAND MAGUS albums – if not with two essential classic heavy metal albums.
As J.B. would say himself – these albums are meant to be played LOUD so F**KING CRANK IT UP!!!!!! Heavy metal is the LAW! All the latest news and updates on the GRAND MAGUS home page HERE. You can also find the GRAND MAGUS Store and more info on Amazon HERE.
