Elyna Khan
I’m not gonna lie, I had never listened to Tungsten before, beyond knowing the name. However, in my experience, Tungsten is one of those bands whose name pops up in random conversations, and you immediately associate it with a specific genre. In my case, Stoner. I don’t know why, but anything that “smells like gasoline” to my ears makes me think of Stoner. By the way, if you’re curious, “smelling music” relates to a phenomenon called synesthesia.
What I did know, however, was that Tungsten features the beloved former Hammerfall drummer, Anders Johansson. Those familiar beats were the first thing that caught my attention when I heard the opening notes of The Grand Inferno. Anders founded this band alongside his sons, Niklas (guitars, backing vocals) and Karl (bass, keyboards, screams), who were later joined by vocalist Mike Andersson.
My first impression is that this is a very drum-driven album. However, its diverse sounds and textures, ranging from Symphonic Power Metal to Doom Metal in certain sections, make it a refreshing epic adventure. The inclusion of electronic and industrial synthesizers further highlights the technical prowess of the Johansson mind, worthy heirs to Anders. Mike Andersson’s voice also pleasantly surprised me. Together, these elements create an innovative and daring album that challenges purist ears but will delight those who appreciate sonic experimentation.
I highly recommend giving these a listen. “The Grand Inferno” is great. The lyrics struck a chord with me, exploring the experience of being a ghost, forever unnoticed, fading into the shadows, until finally blossoming in a kind of explosion, daring to be yourself. This vision mirrors my own journey. The fact that you’re reading these lines is a testament to my personal Grand Inferno, where I met myself, shed the mask, and dared to be my true self. Now, you can know who Elyna is through these words. Next, “Blood of the Kings” is a groove-filled, beat-driven track with epic neoclassical riffs. “Anger” features a cinematic intro, an andante tempo, thunderous riffs, and a powerful melodic and rhythmic foundation. The alternating clean and raw vocals in the verses are captivating. The chorus is catchy, flowing like a hymn, and the song builds to an ascending key change toward the end.
Production-wise, The Grand Inferno is on point. The sound quality is modern and balanced, reinforcing the impact of the already impeccable instrumentation and creating a unique, cohesive sonic experience. This careful attention to detail enhances the emotional power of the lyrics and lets listeners fully engage with all 11 tracks.
All in all, The Grand Inferno is a daring work that both captivates and challenges its audience. Tungsten‘s ability to fuse diverse sonic landscapes and textures while maintaining an emotional depth makes this album a must-listen for fans of innovation, technical mastery, and groove. It’s also a great entry point to discover Tungsten and see how these guys craft complex and enchanting soundscapes. Oh, and by the way, they don’t smell like gasoline—they smell like glory and greatness!
Read the long version here!
Label: Reigning Phoenix Records
Release date: 8 November 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/tungstenband
Country: Sweden
Score: It sounds like an intense 3.5/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 