Even as we find ourselves in a time where innovative new acts can feel like the hot new flavors, there’s nothing that can compare to an old bastion of excellence that has yet to topple and refuses to show signs of wear. There are plenty of veteran acts throughout the realms of metal that are still bringing glory to the table even after decades of the scene changing before their eyes, but many remain steadfast nonetheless. A prime example of that, Grand Magus has yet to allow the years to wane their edge.

Years in the game is more than enough to allow cracks to appear and for different circumstances to come into play that will cause your quality to dip in some respect or another, but there are always acts that seem to be untouchable by the ravages of time with it only seeming to enhance their craft into such an imposing bastion of the style that one cannot help but bow before such prowess. For all that’s to be taken away from “Sunraven”, that is the least of those truths. An impassioned display of heavy metal that pulls more than a little from the likes of epic doom to really make for a layered and invigorating experience that many seek to emulate, “Sunraven” is nothing short of an undeniable victory for Grand Magus. Even with this being their tenth full-length album, Grand Magus still appears at the top of their game after a reign that stretches back twenty-five years with many acts having risen and fallen spectacularly in that time. A spectacular display of tenacity and talent in a scene that can oftentimes feel like it’s lacking in both regard, it’s through raw perseverance and a honed sense of craftsmanship that brings this work together in an intoxicating fashion of riffs, chants, and badassery of an ilk that heavy metal was all but made for. Even if Grand Magus isn’t strictly adhering to what it means to be a heavy metal in a stylistic sense, the heated passion and fervor is all the same.

When we’re met with a band like this, it demands to be given the respect and admiration that it deserves for all that it manages to bring to the table.  Grand Magus has maintained that status for decades now with their craft only adding credence to the particular potency that they wield in several instances, yet it is here with “Sunraven” that we’re given something that stands out from much of the rest. While still in immensely venerated company, this is an album that’s sure to be a defining moment for Grand Magus when all is said and done.

LISTEN to “Sunraven” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Grand Magus on Facebook here.