Týr

"Eric The Red"

 I can't helt being mighty proud when listening to the latest release from, the highly acclaimed viking band Týr from the Faroe Islands way up in the North  Atlantic.

"Eric the Red" is the fourth release in the musical saga about the once so mighty norsemen who ruled both heaven, earth and sea!

The style on this album is a mix of viking and more traditional elements of metal, as heard in band such as Dream Theater and Manowar. But the personal touch in the music is there as well, so listening to Týr is probably going to be a whole new experience for you, if you haven't listened to them before.

The mainpart of the lyrics are about the life of the ancient people in Scandinavia, their everyday life and also in a religious context. Who haven't heard of Thor andOdin! The ancient beliefs better known as "Asa Tro" are kept alive by a small but dedicated flock of people, but thats a different story.

Back to the album which has a somewhat major surprise. Right in the middle of all the lyrics about ancient times in Scandinavia, Týr decided to put a genuine Irish folksong. "The Wild Rover" which has been recorded by such prominent names as The Dubliners, Cruiskeen, John Faulkner and Luke Kelly. Despite the very diffent atmosphere on the song, it seems to fit in well. And besides that its a great song, that would fit in on most folkrock orientated albums.

Týr is one brick in the great wall of bands, that have emerged from nothing and into fame and fortune - partially at lease since, it's not a great moneymaker to play viking rock/folk metal. But the tradition is growing all over the place, and articles about vikingbands take up more and more space in both printet and electronic press.

One of the reasons you should buy the releases of Týr, is that they do have interesing and thrilling lyrics in their songs, that radiate great pride in their ancestry. And the music are masterpieces that reverberate of ancient battles fought, and contemporary elements of metal music.