Album Review: Grand Magus – Sunraven (Nuclear Blast)

Over the course of 25 years, the Swedish trio that is Grand Magus have flown the flag of heavy metal in its purest, most triumphant form. Now, on October 18th, 2024, and via Nuclear Blast, they return with glad tidings of heroism and valour in the form of their new album ‘Sunraven’.

The giants of metal, groovy and riffy epic metal, are back and with a substantial listen that showcases a cornucopia of heavy rock and metal sounds. As only Grand Magus can, kicking things off with plenty of power. Skybound has a thickness that hits just right, a chorus that is both strong and catchy, and a guitar solo that gets the head banging. As far as Grand Magus anthems go, this one is a great example of what this band is so renowned for.

It is that expectation and demand that drives Grand Magus even if it’s them putting the pressure on themselves to reach the heady heights of the past. Inevitably there will be some faltering, even if when they’re not at their best they still offer up plenty of glorious riff-driven groove with an epic vibe. That’s what we get from The Wheel of Pain, a track lacking a hook, but with a class main riff.

Class riffs are what this band does though and across the breadth of the album, us listeners are treated to a bevy of class riffs. Amongst other classy things like bass lines, drum beats, and vocals that are as smooth as butter. It’s this process and dedication that makes Grand Magus a special band and tracks like the title track, Hour of the Wolf, and To Heorot go hard.

Then there are tracks like Winter Storms that finds Grand Magus in a more reserved mood, digging into more melody-laced depths, and peppering in a lowkey, but notable level of moodiness. Alas, this is also a good example of where repetitive old-school rock thinking dominates in unsatisfying fashion.

Do you know what is really satisfying though? A track like The Black Lake. A track that might be the epitome of Grand Magus and their lovable groovy sound. Sexy? Why the hell not! It certainly makes you want to move your body in seductive fashion even if it has got a more fantastical feel. That’s Grand Magus for you though, you can vibe with them anyway you want. Especially because later in the album a track like Grendel comes along with its chuggy and vibrant intensity, delivering one of the album’s strongest solos of all.

How do you cap off a tight and focused effort? With the thickest of riffs via The End Belongs to You. It’s more Grand Magus greatness, what more do you want?

Grand Magus – Sunraven Track Listing:

1. Skybound
2. The Wheel of Pain
3. Sunraven
4. Winter Storms
5. The Black Lake
6. Hour of the Wolf
7. Grendel
8. To Heorot
9. The End Belongs to You

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