Týr

Týr is a Viking Metal band from the Faroe Islands. Its music can be described as a blend of viking, folk and significant progressive structures. The band incorporate many folk elements and melodies in their songs, spiced up by the musical inclusion of the island’s native folk structure. Their songs include many rhythm changes and complex time signatures. I have chosen to review Týr because I have a great interest in music. Týr has been one of my first experiences in this genre (Viking metal). I also have a great interest in Norse Mythology and Scandinavian history and culture. I shall discuss both the band and historical aspects surrounding Týr.

Týr is the god of one on one combat (the duel), victory and heroic glory in Norse mythology, portrayed as a one-handed man. In the late Icelandic Eddas, he is portrayed, alternately, as the son of Odin (Prose Edda) or of Hymir (Poetic Edda), while the origins of his name and his possible relationship to Tuisto suggest he was once considered the father of the gods and head of the pantheon. Tuesday is in fact "Tyr's Day." This is because the Anglo-Saxons at that time pronounced Tyr's name as "Tiw" thus giving his name to the 2nd day of the week.

Viking metal is a term referred to metal bands with dramatic emphasis on Norse mythology, Norse paganism, and the Viking Age. It is closely related with terms of pagan metal and epic black metal. Viking metal bands are usually sort of black metal and/or folk metal sound, characterised by galloping pace, keyboard-rich anthemic sound and bleakness.

The project began in January 1998. Heri Joensen met his old bandmate, Kári Streymoy, at a party in Copenhagen, Denmark. Joensen suggested to Streymoy that they should meet up and jam. Streymoy initially declined, but later took him up on his offer. They were soon joined by another former bandmate, bassplayer Gunnar H. Thomsen, making the duo a trio. Singer Pól Arni Holm and guitarist Jón Joensen (Heri Joensen’s brother) were part of the band while they recorded How Far to Asgaard but left soon after its release.

Terji Skibenæs joined after Jón Joensen had left the band. Allan Streymoy (Kári Streymoy’s brother) took over singing duties for a brief time during which they released the single “Ólavur Riddararós”. After Allan left Heri Joensen took over the vocals. It was this line up which recorded Eric the Red. Skibenæs left the band for a while after the release of Eric the Red. The band played as a trio for some time.

I enjoy listening to Týr, their music is genuine and original. They have a created a sound that is truly distinctive, they fill their music with emotion, which is hard to achieve. I believe music is completely subjective; one forms their own opinions regarding such material. Týr brings out strong feelings that other groups or genres are unable to. I believe the islands native folk structure is what gives this band true depth and a sense of purpose.  They aren’t pretending to be something they are not, they are sticking to their ‘roots’, I have a great deal of respect for that.  In fact they are even reinforcing their traditions and paying tribute to the past.

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.