Eric the Red

Viking lore and folk metal seem to go hand in hand in today's metal scene. PRETTY WACKY eh? Well, just wacky enough to submerge your soul into the oceanic depths not seen by mortal men for many a century! From Amon Amarth, Bathory, Ensiferum, and Einherjer from the 80s and 90s to todays most incredible acts, 'víkingar stál' remains a top act in the world of music. 

The band I want to focus on today is the incomparable Týr! Formed in the late 90s (1998), Týr honed their craft, evolving through various genres to create a perfect balance in harmony. Throughout their entire discography, you can feel the change of emotion and message throughout the journey. They are amazing, and I'd recommend you just jump in and enjoy the entire catalogue. HOWEVER...

"Týr's musical mission is to break down the walls that are erected between all the kinds of metal that have arisen over the years. Power, doom, black, progressive, gothic, viking, folk, ethnic and epic metal. Walls and labels do nothing but fill people with prejudice."

— Heri Joensen

One album sticks out to me above all else, and that's 2011's 'The Lay of Thrym', which feels like the greatest blend of genres they perfected. From power, prog, and folk they reimagine traditional songs is characterized by fidelity to traditional melodies, but more complex and innovative handling of associated chord progressions and harmonies. Here is an incredible trilogy of tracks you NEED to listen to... AND honestly- in order that they appear here.

'When home is far behind and ever the long roads wind
I keep your memory in my mind, one day I'll repay in kind
For so long as I've gone and so far I've wandered
The evening star has shone thus far'

'Evening Star'

'Hall of Freedom'

'Fields of the Fallen'

From classic power ballad to traditional folk, and wrapping up with the most powerful anthem metal song.   This is just the middle belly of this incredible album, but to me, is the finest three consecutive album tracks aligned in an album. Týr has a certain magic about them, and it doesn't stop there. Each track feels like momentum continues to build until an incredible Crescendo at the end of 'Fields of the Fallen'!! 

In contrast, one of their best tracks is 2003's 'Eric the Red', and incredibly powerful release from the earlier years of their work. You get a raw crunches within a momentous build that'll rock your socks off!!

'Clearly I see the end, I pray that the embers

Will persist from my faith

Clearly I'm outnumbered, allegedly outdated

Since your arrival here

Anywhere, you don't care where you go

as long as there are faithless'

'Eric The Red'