THE GRANDMASTER – Black Sun

The debut offering by The Grandmaster titled Skywards (2021) was a very entertaining and solid slab of epic heavy metal, and I recall thinking that this was one of those Frontiers Records projects that I would like to see continue and record a follow-up, which is exactly what has come to pass here.

Named Black Sun and featuring a different vocalist this time around in the shape of Peer Johansson (Fate, Ureas, and Pentakill) alongside original members Jens Ludwig (Edguy) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge of Forever), this great combination of musically gifted souls has cooked up a melodically strong and well-arranged record that contains several noteworthy songs and some stirring moments that ought to thrill all lovers of classic heavy metal and power metal. The majestic ‘While the Sun Goes Down’ is a case in point and a great example of how to churn out a driven, big-sounding tune with an abundance of delicious vocal melodies, irresistible hooks, and a memorable chorus. Along the way, there are numerous exciting instances of dramatic vigor and dynamics, and ‘I’m Alive’, ‘Soul Sacrifice’, ‘What We Can Bear’, and ‘Something More’ represent the best of what the output has to offer. Black Sun is rather impressive and delivers on the promise of the debut offering.