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Grand Magus - Hammer Of The North [Limited Edition, CD+DVD] (2010)
EAC | FLAC, IMG+CUE, LOG | 355 Mb | Covers | 30 Mb
DVD | MPEG2 Video; PAL 720x576 (16:9 ? 4:3) | AC3, 48 kHz, 2/0 ch, 192 Kbps | 1,28 Gb
Heavy Metal, NWOBHM, Stoner Rock | 2010 | Sweden | Label: Roadrunner Records | Catalog: RR 7788-5 |

“For the past decade, Sweden’s Grand Magus have been defending the true sounds of heavy metal and are continuing their triumphant charge with this year’s slab of steel, Hammer of the North. After pillaging the metal world with Rise Above Records, their latest record is their debut for Roadrunner Records.

Just when I thought the power trio of vocalist/guitarist JB Christoffersson, bassist Fox Skinner and skinsman Seb Sippola couldn’t get any more metal, Hammer of the North opens with the Judas Priest-inspired “I, the Jury,” which is followed by the tough-as-nails title-track. If you’ve listened to any other Grand Magus album, such as 2008’s brilliant Iron Will, you’ll love Hammer of the North.

JB sounds as powerful as ever, with cuts like “Mountains Be My Throne,” “Northern Star,” and “Savage Tales” displaying a dynamic range not found in many heavy metal singers since the late, great Ronnie James Dio (albeit delivered by a much deeper voice).

The rhythm section of Fox and Seb are as tight as hell and the warmth of their old-school, analog production really rounds out the sound. Grand Magus is a band that really understands how to utilize the three-piece set up, as the songs are built upon truly heavy riffs and tasteful, in-the-pocket playing. The guitarwork also serves the songs, as opposed to being a “lead” instrument that’s solely trying to overshadow the tunes. So whenever there is a guitar solo, it really shines and complements the melodic edge of the vocal lines.

If you’re looking for an album packed with flash and pretentious artistic statements, you’d best look elsewhere. This is heavy metal in its purest form. Grand Magus aren’t out to prove anything to anyone—they’re here to play heavy metal the way they, and all of us, love it. By Henry Yuan”


1 I, The Jury 4:14
2 Hammer of the North 5:13
3 Black Sails 5:07
4 Mountains Be My Throne 3:45
5 Northern Star 4:19
6 The Lord of Lies 6:13
7 At Midnight They'll Get Wise 3:44
8 Bond of Blood 4:43
9 Savage Tales 4:42
10 Ravens Guide Our Way 5:52

DVD (MPEG2 Video; PAL 720x576 (16:9 ? 4:3); 25,000 fps; VBR, AC3, 48 kHz, 2/0 ch, 192 Kbps ):
1 Hammer Of The North (Video)
2 At Midnight They'll Get Wise (Video)
3 Behind The Scenes
4 Track By Track
5 Private Talk