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"Profession of the Christian Faith or Decapitation." This was the
choice given by Sigmundur to his Faroese Viking compatriot Trondur i
Gotu. 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, TYR. 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 Tyr (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 “Olavur 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, TYR 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 TYR 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 “Gatu Rima”, “Fipan Fagra” and “Lokka Tattur”, and “Gandkv..i
Trondar”, which is a poem by J.H.O. Djurhuus about the Faroese
chieftain Trondur, 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 Visa”. “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!
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