Tungsten – The Grand Inferno

Tungsten
The Grand Inferno
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Out: November 8^th, 2024
Playing time: 42:41

Tungsten are a Swedish Symphonic Metal band that was founded in 2016 by former Hammerfall drummer Anders Johansson. OK, you won’t find the word ‘’Symphonic‘’ in the Encyclopaedia Metallum. It refers to Heavy/Power Metal or Hard Rock. Until 2019, the band still went by the name ‘Strokkur’. On board are Anders Johansson’s brothers – Niklas and Karl. One album (‘Vantablack’, 2017) was released under the name Strokkur. Three more followed after the renaming. 

The album starts with ‘Anger’. The song begins with a powerful and slightly thrashy feel, despite the keyboard tapestry. Mike Andersson’s clear vocals are accompanied by Karl Johansson’s evil screams. The Thrash elements alternate with melodic Power Metal. A musical rollercoaster ride. ‘Blood Of The Kings’ was the first single release. Here, the family clan obviously describes itself, among other things with the lyrics ‘We are Vikings, where the spirit remains. In our family legacy, carrying the blood of the kings’. Musically, it’s straight ahead in the mid-tempo range, with a guitar solo as the crowning glory. ‘Lullaby’ starts with female a capella vocals before Anders Johansson sets the tone with his drumming. The chorus is very catchy and easy to sing along to. In the title track ‘The Grand Inferno’ we hear a piano introduction with calm vocals. Later, we leave the balladlike area and it becomes anthemic. With powerful riffs and another guitar solo. ‘Falling Apart’ has a Techno / Metalcore edge. They could have left that out. ‘Walborg’ sounds upbeat. Vantablack’ is a relic from the Strokkur era. Here, the techno/industrial sound players get out of hand. This song could have been dispensed with. On the other hand, ‘Me, Myself, My Enemy’ is much catchier, even danceable in places. Although the dance interludes are a little annoying here too. The Swedes really rock out again on ‘Chaos’. Hard guitars are underpinned by keyboard tapestries. As expected, you can hear a violin in ‘Sound Of A Violin’, which pushes itself into the foreground in places. Angel Eyes’ also starts with techno/industrial sounds. Later, the drums pound accompanied by keyboard tapestries.

Unfortunately, ‘The Grand Inferno’ is not enjoyable to listen to for the entire playing time. In my opinion, too many non-metal sound elements are used. However, when Tungsten then switch to Power Metal mode, listening is fun again.

Tungsten – Lullaby: https://youtu.be/QToaDJAtdxI?si=lznCxwCYAquufMMi

Lineup:

Mike Andersson – Vocals
Niklas “Nick” Johansson – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Karl “Kalle” Johansson – Bass, Keyboards, Screams
Anders Johansson – Drums

Track list:

• Anger
• Blood Of The Kings
• Lullaby
• The Grand Inferno
• Falling Apart
• Walborg
• Vantablack
• Me, Myself, My Enemy
• Chaos
• Sound Of A Violin
• Angel Eyes