Týr – The Lay of Thrym

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Tŷr, probably the only band worth mentioning to come from the Faroe Islands, have always felt a bit like a b-list band within the folk metal genre. Whilst the likes of Korpiklaani and Finntroll went on to gain huge success all across Europe, Tŷr seemed to stagnate – a band that fans of the genre liked, but generally considered fairly boring by everyone else. Perhaps one of the biggest problems for Tŷr though is that despite their lyrical themes being about Norse mythology, the band aren’t particularly folk at all. Indeed, listening through the band’s latest album The Lay of Thrym, the band sound like traditional heavy metal with their own unique flavour. That flavour might be folk influenced in melody, but if it is that influence is very subtle – the band’s rhythm is most certainly classic heavy metal, and there certainly isn’t any additional instrumentation. Strengthening this is Heri Joensen’s vocal, a sharp and often harmonised delivery that sounds similar in tone to Marco Hietala, bringing comparisons to Tarot in the process. The Lay of Thrym is actually rather good, and certainly much better than expected. The band display some definite skill at their trade, and some of the material is catchy as hell – in particular the opening trio of songs Flames of The Free, Shadow of The Swastika (a notable and much appreciated move away from their traditional themes) and Take Your Tyrant. Tŷr are a band that many might have discounted, especially those that don’t like folk metal, but The Lay of Thrym might be reason for people to give Tŷr a second look.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Folk Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Týr