Choice Cuts : Grand Magus - Monument

For this week’s Choice Cut of Doom, I am handing over the reins to our esteemed writer, Richard Maw for his pick of the week.  The band, he has chosen is Grand Magus and the record, Monument.

Grand Magus Line-up on Monument was :
JB Christoffersson – Lead-Vocals and Guitar
Fox Skinner – Bass and Backing Vocals
Fredrik “Trisse”Liefvendahl  – Drums

Review:

Grand Magus- “Monument”. A piece of classic doom from 2003. From the wind swept intro to the mocking laughter of the outro this album is one of my favourite records of all time. The grooves are thick and swing well, the slow parts are very slow indeed. The riffs are majestic and JB'S voice?! Spine tingling. In keeping with the best doom albums it has few tracks (seven) and all have their own identity. The band even speed up a little for “Chooser Of The Slain (Valfader)”. This is the last record the mighty Magus did before leaving doom/stoner behind and moving in a more trad direction. Yes, “Wolf's Return” and “Iron Will” are superb metal albums, but for me this may well be their best.

True metal, true doom and so good I got one of the song titles tattooed in a themed back piece. I still listen to it regularly to this day. This album cursed and damned me forever!

Words by: Richard Maw

Album Details:

Monument
is the second full-length album by Swedish heavy metal band Grand Magus. The album was released on November 25, 2003, in Europe and in the United States.  Released by Rise Above Records
 

Monument, album track listing:

1. "Ulvaskall (Vargr)" - 5:45
2. "Summer Solstice" - 3:58
3. "Brotherhood of Sleep" - 5:40
4. "Baptised in Fire" - 8:11
5. "Chooser of the Slain (Valfader)" - 5:19
6. "Food of the Gods" - 4:21
7. "He Who Seeks... Shall Find" - 10:29 (including hidden track "Hrafn")

Japanese Bonus Track

8. "Stonecircle" - 3:21

JAPANESE EDITION

The Japanese edition of Monument features "Stonecircle" as a bonus track. "Stonecircle" is taken from the "Demo Two Thousand". The artwork is basically the same as the European/US release, but the colours are slightly different in hue.

VINYL EDITION

The vinyl version of Monument does not contain the hidden track "Hrafn" included on the CD versions. The tracklisting is otherwise the same as the CD. The packaging is a deluxe gatefold sleeve with blue vinyl. It also features some special artwork and photos from the Monument photo sessions on New Years Day in 2003.
Source: http://www.grandmagus.com/

So, what are you waiting for?!! If you haven’t heard this band or this record, go check em’ out. We’ll be back next week with yet more, Choice Cuts of Doom!!  So until then, stay metal and Doom On!!

http://www.grandmagus.com/

http://www.myspace.com/grandmagusrocks

https://www.facebook.com/grandmagusofficial