The songs on Iron Will are generally fast and intense, not the slow, dirgy stereotypical doom metal. They are able to slow down the tempo, as “Self Deceiver” proves, but for the most part their music is mid to up tempo. In addition to doom metal, Grand Magus incorporates psychedelic and classic rock along with a melodic sensibility in the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal tradition.
Another thing that sets Grand Magus apart is their vocals. J.B. Christoffersson sings with a melodic NWOBHM or power metal style. He has a lot of range and emotion in his voice. Instead of gruff vocals used a lot in this genre, Grand Magus’s approach is more of the Dio era Black Sabbath.
Iron Will is thick and heavy with a rumbling low end, but also has a lot of groove. Downtuned riffs mix with melodic hooks and memorable choruses. Grand Magus’ lyrics are in the Viking metal tradition, with subject matter about ancient battles and mythology.
Grand Magus’s sound has evolved over the career, and with Iron Will they’ve nailed it. Their mix of heaviness and melody along with excellent musicianship and vocals make this a CD fans of doom and heavy music in general will enjoy.
(released July 8, 2008 on Rise Above Records)
