Grand Magus

Grand Magus

Grand Magus is a heavy metal band from Stockholm, active since 1996. The group forms around vocalist Janne “JB” Christoffersson, bassist Mats “Fox” Skinner and drummer Ludwig Witt, and its sound covers doom metal, heavy metal, metal, stoner metal and traditional doom metal.

History

The band begins in 1996 under the name Smack. At that point the line-up consists of Janne “JB” Christoffersson, Mats “Fox” Skinner and drummer Iggy. In early 1998, Iggy leaves and Fredrik “Trisse” Liefvendahl joins after responding to a drummer advertisement. Around this period the group changes its name to Grand Magus and moves away from its earlier groove and stoner influences toward a more traditional heavy metal direction.

A demo recording leads to a place on the Waterdragon Records compilation Greatest Hits Vol. 1 in 2000, and to a split 7-inch release with Spiritual Beggars on Southern Lord Records. JB later sings with Spiritual Beggars between 2002 and 2010.

Albums and recordings

Grand Magus releases its self-titled debut album, Grand Magus, through Rise Above Records, followed by Monument and Wolf's Return on the same label. These early albums mark the band’s stylistic shift toward classic heavy metal.

Iron Will follows on Rise Above Records and receives favourable reviews, including top placement in Metal Hammer Germany’s Soundcheck. It is the final album the band issues through that label. In 2009, Roadrunner Records announces Hammer of the North, which is later released and reaches number 42 on the German album chart. Tracks including “Hammer of the North,” “Ravens Guide Our Way” and “I, the Jury” become regular live songs.

After drummer Sebastian “Seb” Sippola leaves in 2012, Ludwig “Ludde” Witt of Spiritual Beggars joins on drums. The band then releases The Hunt through Nuclear Blast, followed by Triumph and Power, Sword Songs and Wolf God. Sword Songs, produced by Nico Elgstrand, includes faster and more aggressive material than earlier records and a cover of Deep Purple’s “Stormbringer” on the limited-edition CD.

Line-up changes and touring

Grand Magus tours Europe with Cathedral and Electric Wizard in 2006. In 2006, Trisse leaves and is replaced by Sebastian “Seb” Sippola. Seb leaves in April 2012, and Ludwig Witt joins in his place. The band later has a European tour cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and instead focuses on recording new material.

Later activity

In 2024, Grand Magus announces a tenth studio album and releases the single “Skybound” alongside the announcement.