 Download "Hold the Heathen Hammer High" MP3
"Profession of the Christian Faith or Decapitation." This was the choice given by Sigmundur to his Faroese Viking compatriot Tróndur í Gřtu. And so it was that in 999 A.D., the Christianization of the small “Faeroe Islands” began, casting a veil of oblivion over the ancient Scandinavian gods and only leaving the relics of forgotten heathenry buried deep within the Christian ritual. Or so it was believed...
Exactly 999 years later, a small group fondly remembering the archaic gods and rites came together to form the Faroese Viking Metal band, TÝR. The one-armed God of War —the bravest of all— became the eponym of the Nordic quartet. Yet TYR mastermind Heri Joensen is no war monger in disguise and points out that Týr (also known as the God of Justice) is also revered for first seeking the avenues of diplomacy—an attribute that does not take away from this god of war’s drive.
A distinctive trademark that sets TYR apart from most other bands of the “Viking Metal” genre is the authenticity of their music: “Traditional music dating back to the Vikings, that is not preserved anywhere else in the world, not even in Iceland, is passed on in an oral tradition here and it is still alive and well. That is what we build our music on and draw great inspiration from” explains Joensen.
Almost every song is based on Faroese or Norwegian lore, and is riveted in the garb of the Folk Metal genre. Its approach unmistakably creates very true Viking Metal.
Following the release of a demo, the “Ólavur Riddararos” single, “How Far to Asgard”, six years of innumerable gigs, and several domestic television appearances, TYR’s second full-length “Eric the Red” became the Islands’ best-selling album, coming to the attention of Napalm Records, the label that finally made the album available worldwide in 2006.
Immediately, the unique approach of TYR´s music, melting traditional Nordic songs and dances with Celtic influences, Doom, Heavy and progressive Metal found fans around the globe. “Hail to The Hammer” became the hymn to the new generation of Folk, Pagan and Viking Metal fans.
In late 2006, TÝR refined their trademark sound with “Ragnarok”. Technically brilliant and 100 percent authentic, Ragnarok was nothing less than a masterpiece within the true Viking Metal genre. The Faroese band embarked on a European tour with Die Apokalyptischen Reiter and a few months later with AMON AMARTH. Though musically different, TYR gained legions of new fans, impressed by the four men on stage, who were able to turn every show into a demonstration of musical prowess.
Festival appearances throughout Europe and continued touring followed until TÝR enjoyed their biggest live triumph ever at the very over-crowded Wet Stage in Wacken.
“Land” was released in 2008 and proved to be yet another milestone in the band’s career. Traditional Faroese lyrics marked tracks such as “Gátu Ríma”, “Fípan Fagra” and “Lokka Táttur”, and “Gandkvćđi Tróndar”, which is a poem by J.H.O. Djurhuus about the Faroese chieftain Tróndur, who fought against the dying of the old beliefs and for the independence of the Faroes. A video clip was produced to the fan favorite “Sinklars Vísa”. “Land” received overwhelming positive feedback and a new audience was able to experience the power of TYR for the first time.
Following the release of “Land”, TYR embarked on numerous tours through Europe. One of the highlights was without a doubt the Aaskereia Festival tour with labelmates Alestorm and Hollenthon. Thanks to their efforts, the band reached many new fans with their memorable concerts. The year 2008 ended with a little sensation, as TYR was nominated as “Band of the Year” by the Faroese National TV and radio. However, the band had no time to rest on their laurels and embarked on yet another tour through North America in the spring of 2009.
Despite their busy touring schedule, TYR worked on new songs that were recorded in early 2009. The band chose to produce the album on native soil. Jacob Hansen mixed the new material and finishing touches were provided by the mastering experts at Finnvox.
The TYR Vikings have completed their latest work under the glow of the North Star. On "By the Light of the Northern Star" the Faroese band delivers catchy yet technically brilliant tracks, and once again demonstrates how to impressively unite the contemporary present with the mythological past. Traditional homeland melodies, Viking choruses, and classic heavy metal songs, such as "Hold the Heathen Hammer High" or even the title track, offer fans new and powerful hymns. Responsible for the brilliance of this "Northern Star" is once again frontman and mastermind Heri Joensen, who provides an undisputed goose bump factor with his clean and majestic vocals. "By the Light of the Northern Star" offers Viking Metal that only TYR can forge. Follow the North Star to Asgard!
”By the Light of the Northern Star” will be available as regular jewel case edition and a limited edition deluxe digipack including two bonustracks.
TÝR is:
Heri Joensen – Vocals, Guitars
Terji Skibenćs – Guitars
Gunnar H. Thomsen – Bass
Kári Streymoy – Drums
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