Much as I enjoyed it, I was frustrated by how polite Grand Magus’ last album Triumph and Power was. Their brand of strutting, Manowar-ish, mid-tempo trad metal was charming, hooky and personable but it was too nice. I wanted them to get more bloodthirsty. I’m pleased to report that their latest album Sword Songs is a definite improvement. The drumming is forceful, the riffs are more earth-shaking and the guitar solos are bolder. But the sense of urbanity remains: mainly due to the persistent mid-tempos and JB’s vocal delivery. He’s got a soulful voice full of grit and character but I really want to hear him bust his lungs for the cause. It’s more a frustration than a criticism. If they gave it up more this band would be godly. And I want that for them. Sword Songs is a decisive manoeuvre but it’s not the stuff of legend. You don’t get into Valhalla without cracking a few skulls.
HEAVY METAL OVERLOAD 
Did these guys get their name from Star Trek? Grand Nagus Zek?
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Considering they’re Swedish, I think they missed a trick not calling themselves Grand Magnus.
P.S. Bonus tracks! My copy has a pretty good cover of Stormbringer on it.
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Good call!
Oooh bonus tracks. Even better when they’re good!
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Yeah! And the other one ‘In for the Kill’ is better than anything on the album.
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Not Sabbath’s In For the Kill?
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Sadly no. I was hoping it would be! Good song though.
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I might need to stop being frightened of some of these metal bands!
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There’s absolutely nothing to be frightened of here! You’ve got scarier stuff than this.
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The Born Again album cover doesn’t count 😉
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Pure terror.
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“I wanted them to get more bloodthirsty.”
Haha man, you said that about Slayer too…
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Haha that does not surprise me. I’d take this over the Slayer though… by a long way!
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I was just making that up to be funny! Did you actually say that about Slayer? Man, what a shot in the dark!!
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I don’t know! I was just taking your word for it. I probably just said it was shite.
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Haha, but not within earshot of Kerry King, surely…
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Probably not. But just cause I’m nice.
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Indeed, you are very nice for a Heavy Metal Overlord!
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“Benevolent” sums me up.
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Beneviolent.
Fixed it.
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You will be rewarded.
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YAY!
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Also, that “luck roll” caption on the shite photie gets my vote for Caption Of The Month! And it’s only the 2nd!
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Ah… to be at the losing end of a luck roll. We’ve all been there!
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And that damn eagle is just waiting there for it. Worse than a vulture! Always fucking off with your sword!
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I don’t know what they even do with them.
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Likely building the world’s most uncomfortable nest.
The piece de resistance for their colection with be the Iron Throne…
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I can’t decide if this is an album for me or not. I’m sure it rocks and is awesome, but then your Valhalla line made me wonder if it was worth it. Hmm…
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It’s good but I just want to hear them push some air you know?
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I do know! Shame, that. Hey, maybe the band will read this and heed your demands!
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I hope so! More bands should listen to me. And you too!
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Oh we do listen to you! You know all! 🙂
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I mean they should listen to you. Not that you should listen to me!
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Oh hahahaha!!! That was awesome.
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You fail your charisma roll. Your well-meant comment is misinterpreted! Everyone hates you now.
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AND that damn eagle took your sword. Again.
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Game over!
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Every. Damn. Time.
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I like this. They’re a very good band. I have The Hunt here, which I like a fair bit, but I don’t actually own anything else by them despite meaning to pick something up. Guess this is the ideal ‘album number two’ for me.
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Either this or Iron Will. But via Manowar or Virgin Steele. They’re both a magnitude better than these guys!
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I have that most recent Manowar CD. There’s loads of stuff on that I like. Haven’t heard Virgin Steele …
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These last Manowar was solid but I must recommend their early stuff. The best albums ever. I’ve done a couple of posts about VS so check out the tracks. Their 90s stuff is peerless.
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Duly noted. I saw one of their splendid looking albums at a record fair a while back, but I wasn’t too happy about the price and condition. I’ll continue to keep my eyes peeled!
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Their early stuff is pretty pricey on vinyl now. The Manovinyl I’ve got is all reissues. I never see VS vinyl ever!
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Manovinyl. I like that. A friend of mine picked up a slice o Manovinyl a few months back at the Record Fayre. Marvellous front cover.
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Great review, I haven’t heard of Grand Magus before today. Listening to this on Spotify right now and loving it, so thanks!
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Good stuff! Glad I didn’t put you off with my wee complaints about it.
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Totally valid! I do get the sense that there is way more potential in those great vocals.
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Definitely! Lots of potential there.
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I like my people polite and my metal impolite too!
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A man of taste!
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I always file them under ‘workmanlike, Swedish, robed’
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And, judging from the band photos in the sleeve, they’ve only got one sword between the three of them. Pathetic!
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I remember this one time I misfiled them under ‘workmanlike, Norwegian, robed’, crazy times man. Crazy times!
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It’s that damned eagle again. They really oughta get that bird.
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