The Faroe Islands’ finest are back for another bout of giant slaying and Aesir bothering. Týr, the armour-clad arch-exponents of Scando-Nordic-Faroese-Folk Saga Metal, had already taken it upon themselves to explore such critical Viking subjects as Eric the Red, longships, battles - ranging from the insignificant bunfight at Kringen to Ragnarok itself - and of course their primary concern; the many uses of hammers. Now they turn their attention to “The Lay of Thrym”, a tale of Thor and Loki which reputedly inspired the “Red Riding Hood” legend. This may prove a prescient choice considering the hype surrounding the imminent blockbuster.
Following on from the less accessible “Land” (on which we “Hailed” the hammer) Týr settled into a catchier Nordic groove for 2009’s “By The Light Of The Northern Star”, (on which we held “The Heathen Hammer High” (and never threw it away)). “The Lay of Thrym” continues in the catchier vein while remaining very Týr-ish. The serried ranks of guitars go up, up, up, down, down, down and occasionally kind of sideways in that confusing trademark folk arrangement styl-ee. Chief skald Heri Joensen’s lyrics rhyme as consistently as ever, and we have the customary and welcome brace of Norse (presumably Faroese?) folk numbers. Despite a vaguely humpa-ish feel on “The Lay if Thrym” itself, Týr’s use of traditional arrangements ensure that they remain the most authentic and original-sounding of the Viking Metal bands.
Inevitably, attention on “The Lay of Thrym” will focus on the second track “Shadow of the Swastika”, in which Joensen invites “morons” who hold him responsible for events which occurred 40 years before his birth in another country, to “kiss his Scandinavian ass”. What a gigantic Nazi - right? Týr’s rejection of this most tedious of fallacies will be welcome to the other usual targets; Viking Metal acts, the likes of Sabaton who tackle wartime subject matter and perhaps the odd London vampire band. The fact that it actually feels a bit daring is a sad indictment of modern times. On a lighter note the ass-kiss chorus is catchy enough to lodge itself in the cranium with all the tenacity of a candiru in a urethra, so if you are prone to singing aloud in public places - BEWARE.
The rest of the album kicks along nicely enough. Opening track “Flames of the Free” gets on with the serious business of throwing those pesky jotuns on the pyre. It’s for the good of the nation. Of course! What else? Not because ‘nation’ sort of rhymes with jotun!
The third song “Take Your Tyrant” comes on like a cleverer Hammerfall and is by far the standout track. Boasting an irresistible chorus, “Take Your Tyrant” is better than anything on “By The Light Of The Northern Star”. Anyone seeing Týr in the near future will want a flaming brand for this one. It is destined to become a staple of the live set.
“Evening Star” is more reflective, featuring Týr’s trademark four part harmonies, which are sadly not as prominent or adventurous as on earlier efforts such as “Synklar’s Visa”. “Hall of Freedom”, again forays away from Norse mythology to deal with more contemporary issues, this time the frequency with which freedom is earned through warfare. “Fields of the Fallen” is heavier fare deploying those harmonies to good effect.
Of the two Faroese numbers “Konning Hans” features some strong guitar work from Terji Skibenćs, while “Ellindur Bóndi Jađri” has a strong folk chorus, again interspersed with high quality lead guitar. Of the closing tracks, “Nine Words of Lore” is standard fare for Týr while the “The Lay of Thrym” itself is a more complex atmospheric offering.
The deluxe version of “The Lay of Thrym” reportedly includes covers of second Dio-era Black Sabbath’s “I” and Rainbow’s “Stargazer”. This was not available for review, which is a pity as the former is a particularly intriguing prospect.
All in all “The Lay of Thrym” is a strong album, building on the more immediate songwriting on “By The Light Of The Northern Star”, adding new influences without compromising Týr’s signature sound. Bearded veterans will be satisfied with the continued pillaging of Faroese folkore, while those on their first voyage will enjoy the choruses on “Take Your Tyrant” and “Evening Star” and some more contemporary subject matter. “The Lay of Thrym” can only strengthen Týr’s standing on the Viking and pagan metal circuits, broadening their appeal without compromising their integrity, and providing more worthy material for Týr’s excellent live sets.
All this, and not one song about hammers.
http://www.myspace.com/tyr1
Graham Cushway
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