The fifth album of the Swedes entitled Hammer Of The North more than just lives up to its name. Hammer Of The North is a manifest! And I think it will become the most successful in the history of GRAND MAGUS. The band’s label runs a huge promotion campaign for weeks and they do right! Hammer Of The North is a masterpiece! It’s one of the heaviest, stoner-touched, doomy and Sabbath-influenced Heavy Metal blend (there is also some early Trouble, Dio and St. Vitus to sense out) I got to hear for ages. This record kills! With every tune. No matter if you take the neckbreaking title-tack, the heavy Black Sails, the rocking At Midnight They'll Get Wise or the sneaking up and then asskicking The Lord Of Lies, just to name a few.
Guitar and bass are brutally low-tuned and so downright powerful, driving and riff-orientated that no neck will be left untroubled. Sure, the album lives from the fact that there is always a rhythm guitar when JB is playing his solos. Maybe the gents should extend the crew live on stage? ;) Also his singing sounds much more powerful and clear as experienced live so far.
However, Hammer Of The North brings tears of joy to your eyes. Full rating and a must-have!