Týr
By the Light of the Northern Star
Release date: May/June 2009
Napalm Records

Track list:

1. Hold the Heathen Hammer High
2. Tróndur í Gøtu
3. Into the Storm
4. Northen Gate
5. Turið Torkilsdóttir
6. By the Sword in My Hand
7. Ride
8. Hear the Heathen Call
9. By the Light of the Northern Star

The Vikings of the Faroese band, Týr, have landed and they're vehemently fighting Christianity in their latest release, "By the Light of the Northern Star." Only one year after their long journey across the raging sea to discover distant shores with "Land", this most recent album continues their quest to settle new frontiers and create a history to call their own. The feisty and determined Faroese Vikings strive for survival and independence with much conflict and bloodshed. The root of it all is religion. The fight for their Heathen ways against those who are trying to force them into Christianity against their will and beliefs permeates this album in every track. Such songs that best demonstrate this challenge are: "Hold the Heathen Hammer High", "By the Sword in My Hand", and "Hear the Heathen Call." In actuality, this entire album seems to focus on the struggle to be independent and free, and last but not least, to keep Paganism and the Heathen way alive. Yes, I know this is not supposed to be a concept album, neither was "Land", however, I can't help but think there's a continuing saga with these two latest releases.

This album is atypically short for Týr, but it still leaves you with a lasting feeling you don't necessarily get from other bands, nor do you easily forget it. It begins with "Hold the Heathen Hammer High", setting the mood. The track starts out slow and determined, then quickly charges into a faster tempo of pure conviction and aggressiveness. The faster rhythms continue throughout "By the Light of the Northern Star", which is another aspect that makes this album somewhat of a departure from previous releases (especially "Land" with it's relatively slow, yet very heavy tempos). They are proud of their Viking heritage, and you can feel it in the music and hear it in the lyrics. One of the characteristics of Týr that makes their sound so recognizable and distinctive is the clean, powerful vocals by Heri Joensen. Heri reaches new heights with his vocals (heights that may be too high to sing "live" without hurting himself). He continues to evolve, as does the band, in every way. "Tróndur í Gøtu" and "Turið Torkilsdóttir" are the two traditional based songs in the Faroese language, the rest are in English. Essentially, all of the songs on this album are based on the traditional sagas, or inspired by them. What I mean by "traditional" refers to songs sung in the languages of the Vikings. The Faroese language is exotic and always beautiful to hear sung with such unfaltering emotion, giving credence to the stories told of these historic and important Faroese figures from the Viking era of the Faroe Islands. "Into the Storm" and "Northern Gate" put you in the middle of the battle for freedom and of the valiant heroes who fight and die to protect their heritage. The harmonizing vocal introduction of "Turið Torkilsdóttir" is glorious and enchanting, free of any instrumentation until after the first verse. Then the guitars, bass, and drums kick in sending it into a powerful medley. The song ends as it began, instruments dropping off before the last verse is sung. The song is tied together with a big guitar solo in the middle of it. The song is great but I wanted more vocal parts. I wish there was more of these "traditionals" on "By the Light of the Northern Star", but I'll take what I can get (we got a few of those on "Land"). Despite the heavy subject matter of this album, it's overall musical tone is seemingly "light" and also very melodic with it's soaring guitar riffs and choruses. Yes, it's a heavy album, but heavy in a different regard. The attitude of "heavy" has changed since "Land". Oh, and there are LOTS of guitar solos everywhere. Almost too many.

Overall, "By The Light of the Northern Star" has what Týr fans expect. High quality heroic "Viking Metal" that drags you by the hair and takes you along for the ride with a band so unique in the genre that old and new fans alike are ready to join the cause with bound and determined loyalty.

Hail to the Heathen Hammer! Where's my horse and my sword?

Note: Here you will find my review of "Land."