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TYR
"Land" (Napalm Records; 2008)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Tyr are Viking metal but, more specifically,
they sing in Norwegian. They are based on the Faroe Islands which are located
right in the middle of Denmark. They share the seas with Norway, Iceland, and
Scotland. But enough with the geography lesson. I didn't know what to expect
when I cued up this disc. Of the ten songs listed, only three are in English and
very good English at that.
All of the songs are about sailing on the ocean, or living on land, or sailing
from land to another land. Since I had to translate most of the lyrics I really
started to focus on the music. It's metal, no doubt, but with an undertow of
Viking flavor. Since Tyr are considered "folk metal" they might not get a second
glance by some but I really enjoyed their music. They can be considered "viking
metal" depending on who is asking but who cares if you can't understand the
lyrics? The music tells a better story than I could juice out of the lyrics
anyway.
There are plenty of crunchy riffs and tasty solos via Terji Skibenęs. He's got
the metal edge and, although it leans toward a Nordic tone, it's still good
stuff. After a while the songs might seem to start the same but they each have a
different sound as they develop, especially when you can't understand the
lyrics. The vocals are clean and Heri can speak five languages so they guy is
well read. Tyr have a couple of tracks that are lengthy and they dip their
musical ladle into progressive waters a few times. Overall, it's a well-traveled
sound via this trio from the Germanic isle of Faroe.
Tyr: Heri Joensen - lead vocals, guitar; Gunnar H. Thomsen - bass; Terji
Skibenęs - guitar; Kįri Streymoy - drums.
For more information check out their website at this link -
http://www.tyr.fo/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2014 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
12 Aug 2024 14:33:59 -0400.
