Iron Will (CD - 2008)

Perhaps more than any other popular music style, heavy metal has the most subgenres. But besides Manowar, "he-man metal" has been a subgenre explored by few others -- a style so testosterone-heavy that only the toughest and proudest of specimens are allowed entrance into the proceedings. However, circa the early 21st century, another similarly styled loud and proud outfit, Grand Magus, triumphantly arrived on the scene (undoubtedly via horseback, with swords drawn and ready for battle). As evidenced by their 2008 release, the appropriately titled Iron Will, the chaps fit the aforementioned description oh so perfectly -- given their stellar song titles such as "Like the Oar Strikes the Water" and "Silver into Steel," their galloping guitar riffs, and singer Janne "JB" Christoffersson's manly roar. Iron Will is the perfect soundtrack for the next time you're trying on your furry loincloth and/or doing your next bench-press set. All hail Viking metal! ~ Greg Prato minimize