GRAND MASSIVE’s 2009 debut EP was self-titled. Their second album was entitled “2”; their third, “III”; their fourth, “4”; their fifth, “Houses of the Unholy” . . . presumably named after LED ZEPPELIN’s fifth album, “Houses of the Holy.” Yep, clever there. If you are less familiar with this Heavy Metal quintet out of Munich, Germany than you are with the 70’s Hard Rock foursome our of England, then let’s do a quick catch up. GRAND MASSIVE formed in 2008.They have been fairly steady in their output, producing three EPs, two LPs, two splits, and even one live album over their 15-year tenure. On May 23 they released “Houses of the Unholy,” a five-track EP, via MDD Records.

GRAND MASSIVE practices Doom-laden Metal replete with clean vocals and a strong Stoner backbone. With “Houses of the Unholy” the band has noted that “the aim was to bring some old companions on board right from the start. For example, original drummer Holger Stich was on drums for the recordings and Randy M. Salo, an old companion of the band, was on bass. Above all, none other than the legendary Bay Area guitarist Doug Pearcy (BLIND ILLUSION, ex-HEATHEN, ex-ANVIL BITCH) recorded almost all the solos!” Other guest musicians include celloist Mila Winker and backing vocals by Raff Schporg*e. Altogether, this makes for a lot of fun—like a metal reunion. In addition, the band even tosses in a METALLICA cover, “Jump in the Fire.”

I have a lot of older metalheads friends who are put off by harsh vocals. GRAND MASSIVE is a cure for that ill as are adjacent bands like SPIRIT ADRIFT, KHEMMIS, and PALLBEARER. You get the down-tuned heavy of Doom, the jagged riffs of Thrash, and decidedly non-demonic vocals. Not saying that this style of Metal is an old dude’s game, but it does seem to be attuned to those with a less excessive taste.  

As far as standout tracks, I’ll start by saying “Jump In The Fire” is a fine cover. It’s hard to fuck that one up. “Those From The Shadows” is also very strong. Some nice chainsaw riffs going on there. “The Last Mountain” is a massive stomper as well. Solid Modern Doom, this one. Love it. And we’ll call that my favorite three. The other two are pretty damn good as well.

To sum up, “House of the Unholy” is a sturdy bridge between studio LPs. Clever title, bizarre and striking cover, first-rate tracks throughout, and a convincing cover to round it all out.