Nuclear Blast Records
Out Now
Grand Magus return with Sunraven, an album that firmly plants its roots in the fertile soil of classic heavy metal, hard rock, and blues influences. What blooms from this soil is a beautifully cohesive blend of all those genres.
Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the Swedish trio has formulated a collection of nine tracks that pay homage to the timeless themes of heroism and fantasy, drawing inspiration from the legendary epic Beowulf. Sunraven is not merely an album; it’s a journey back to the glory days of metal, where raw power and emotion collide with lyrical storytelling.
The opening track, Skybound, sets the tone with a thunderous blend of classic metal riffs and pounding percussion that evokes the spirit of early heavy metal. JB’s vocals are a standout feature; his voice carries a gravitas that is increasingly rare in modern metal, blending high notes with an urgency that draws the listener into the fray. Lyrically, this track transports the listener to Valhalla, the ultimate resting place of Beowulf.
Hour of the Wolf follows, showcasing Grand Magus at their finest. This track is a masterclass in melodic songwriting. It boasts a chorus that bursts with energy and grabs your attention, with a lively tempo and catchy hooks that make it impossible to experience just once. The combination of driving rhythms and soaring melodies captures the essence of heavy metal, affirming Grand Magus’s position as torchbearers of the genre.
The album’s title track, Sunraven, epitomises the blend of epic doom metal and hard rock that defines this release. The song weaves intricate guitar riffs that feel nostalgic and fresh; if there’s one track on this album that’s sure to get stuck in your head, it’s this one. The emotional weight of the music is heightened by Christoffersson’s vocal delivery, which captures a sense of longing and intensity that resonates deeply. Here, the guitar solos don’t just fill space; they narrate their own story.
Tracks like The Black Lake reinforce the album’s thematic cohesion, presenting a lush soundscape where bluesy undertones merge seamlessly with epic metal. The craftsmanship in the guitar work is evident; each note is deliberate, evoking powerful imagery and emotions. This song stands out for its ability to conjure a vivid narrative, with Christoffersson’s voice guiding the listener through a world steeped in myth and legend.
Winter Storms injects a bit of 80’s hard rock DNA into the mix as the album progresses, showcasing the band’s versatility while remaining true to their core sound. The rhythm is infectious, begging for headbanging and air guitar, proving that Grand Magus knows how to keep their audience engaged. The final track, The End Belongs to You, is a fitting conclusion to this epic journey. It encapsulates the essence of what makes Sunraven remarkable: powerful melodies and dynamic instrumentation, with a title that leaves it up to the listener to draw their own conclusions on the journey they’ve just gone through alongside the band.
Grand Magus has skillfully blended influences from their past with a modern sensibility, creating an album that feels timeless and relevant. Sunraven not only satisfies the cravings of long-time fans but also stands as an invitation for newcomers to experience the raw, unfiltered joy of pure metal. They’ve once again proven that they are masters of their craft, delivering an album that is as exhilarating as it is memorable.
