Týr – Battle Ballads
Reviewed by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 9
Folk/Viking metal band Týr are set to release their 9th studio album Battle Ballads on Metal Blade Records. On February 8, 2020, the band’s collaboration with the Symphony Orchestra of the Faroe Islands to record the double-disc/DVD “A Night at the Nordic House” was a dream come true for founder and frontman Heri Joensen. He was excited to fuse his two favorite music genres, folk and classical, into the band’s unique musical style. The collaboration had a profound impact on Joensen, inspiring him and significantly influencing the direction of this album.
This album has full orchestration with it and is a little less progressive then previous works which might displease some long time fans but this is the new vision of the band. So we have classical music mixed in with Týr‘s Viking, folk and power metal elements. The lead-off track ‘Hammered’ dispels any notion of ballads, assaulting the listener with a fusion of power metal and the majestic undertones of classical music.
‘Unwandered Ways’ is a vibrant, uplifting mix of vocal harmonies, traditional folk hooks, and driving guitars, featuring a solo that showcases Hans Hammer’s virtuosic shredding skills. ‘Dragons Never Die’ presents an ideal mixture of power metal with classical instrumentation full on display. ‘Row’ is very viking metal with the pounding drums to lead off the track and such a massive full sound as the song progresses and Joensen distinctive vocals on point. ‘Torkils Døtur’ slows things down, featuring the most folk metal elements, complete with folk guitars and baritone vocals, making it the closest piece to a ballad on the album.
‘Vælkomnir Føroyingar’ begins at a midtempo pace before erupting into a fast-paced power/viking metal masterpiece. It’s certainly one of my favorites on this album. The tempo persists with ‘Hangman,’ featuring choral chants, sing-along vocals, heavy riffing, and neoclassical feel. Another awesome track. These two tracks in particular showcase the album’s exceptional production and the remarkable sound quality attained throughout.
The band has ventured in a slightly different direction with this album, yet they have crafted a colossal-sounding epic that blends Viking and power metal with classical music, enhancing its grandeur.
Album available April 12th on Metal Blade Records. ORDER HERE
Band
Heri Joensen: Vocals / Guitar
Hans Hammer: Lead Guitar
Gunnar Thomsen: Bass / Vocals
Tadeusz Rieckmann: Drums
Discography
How Far to Asgaard (2002)
Eric the Red (2003)
Ragnarok (2006)
Land (2008)
By the Light of the Northern Star (2009)
The Lay of Thrym (2011)
Valkyrja (2013)
Hel (2019)
Battle Ballads (2024)