Grand Magus

Grand Magus
Grand Magus at Headbangers Open Air 2014
Background information
Also known as	Smack [1996–99]
Origin	, Sweden
Genres	Heavy metal, doom metal, stoner metal
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Rise Above, Roadrunner, Nuclear Blast
Associated acts	Spiritual Beggars, Abramis Brama, Bajen Death Cult, Fortune, Four Sticks, Southfork, Plankton
Website	grandmagus.com

Grand Magus are a three-piece heavy metal band hailing from , Sweden. Drawing influence from bands such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Rainbow, Uriah Heep, Nazareth and Manowar, Grand Magus' sound consists of an amalgamation of blues, hard rock, heavy metal and doom.

The band originally formed in 1996 by former Cardinal Fang vocalist Janne "JB" Christoffersson, bassist Mats "Fox" Skinner and first drummer Iggy under the name 'Smack'. Early 1998 saw Iggy depart the fold and replacement Fredrik "Trisse" Liefvendahl join as a response to an advert for the vacant drummer position. A change in musical direction dictated the fabled name change to the more apt Grand Magus. A demo was recorded and on its merit received a positive response. This spearheaded an appearance on the Waterdragon Records compilation, Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (2000) and a split 7" LP with fellow countrymen Spiritual Beggars (who JB would later join on vocals 2002-2010) on Southern Lord Records.

Debut album Grand Magus hit on November 5, 2001, via Rise Above Records (who would release the band's first four albums). This album continues to contribute to the band's cult status with doom and heavy metal fans today. Two more albums would follow: Monument, November 25, 2003, and Wolf's Return, June 14, 2005. These would show a progression to a more heavy metal sound but still retain the charm of their groove and stoner roots. Early 2006 saw Magus embark on a European tour supporting Cathedral, along with Electric Wizard, accentuating the band's ability to deliver the goods live.

In 2006, Trisse left the band with Sebastian "Seb" Sippola being recruited on drums. The band released their fourth album, Iron Will, on June 9, 2008, which garnered critical acclaim from the rock and music press by achieving first place in . This would stand as the last album to be released under Rise Above Records.