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Týr > By the Light of the Northern Star > Reviews
Týr - By the Light of the Northern Star

Melody and Speed in Compact Songwriting - 89%

kluseba, May 27th, 2022
Written based on this version: 2009, CD, Napalm Records (Limited edition, Digipak)

The fifth studio record of Faroese progressive doom metal quartet Týr marks a slight change of pattern. While the previous outputs focused on cinematic concepts with epics going as far as clocking in at sixteen minutes, the ambitious group from Tórshavn slows things down a little bit without losing any of its intellectual appeal. It would have been difficult to push things further than on the challenging but rewarding predecessor Land, so it makes much sense to focus on shorter tunes with individual lyrical topics instead. This record's limited edition features eleven songs clocking in at forty-seven minutes. This approach makes the album easier to digest and offers a few instant hits.

One such instant classic is powerful opener ''Hold the Heathen Hammer High'' with its epic melodic lead guitar riffs, wild neoclassical guitar solos, gripping riffs, dominant bass guitar, tight drums and perfectly balanced vocals between grit and melody. The chorus is unusually fast but nevertheless extremely catchy and opens the record on a very high note.

The record turns out to be the group's catchiest effort to date with almost every single song being an excellent candidate for concerts. In some cases, this catchiness is slightly amusing as in vibrant heavy metal anthem ''By the Sword in My Hand'' where the charismatic lead vocalist chants about decimating and decapitating enemies.

The fast, melodic and uplifting ''Ride'' is another highlight but this anthem once again deals with grim lyrical topics as it talks about violence and bloodshed as men are defending their home turf under heathen banners.

Title track ''By the Light of the Northern Star'' is easily the record's most atmospheric, epic and heroic song. This tune is also rather fast with dynamic drum patterns and vibrant bass guitar sounds. The chorus is so anthemic that it sounds almost sacral. This song makes you want to shout along, raise your fist and bang your head through six intense minutes.

The album's greatest tune however comes as a huge surprise and is entitled ''Turið Torkilsdóttir''. As I was walking home through a black cold winter night around minus twenty degrees for ninety minutes last week, I was putting this song on repeat and felt like being able to brave any obstacle. The song opens and concludes with heartwarming sacral a cappela sections that unfold an uplifting atmosphere. The instruments kick in with such passion in form of thunderous rhythm section and melodically distorted guitar play that it will make the listener's heart beat faster. The track then quickens up the pace and enters power metal territory with much conviction. This song is so atmospheric, creative, focused, melodic and powerful that it grows with every single spin. This is the kind of anthem self-declared true metal warriors like Manowar have always intended to write but have never quite managed to pull off. The true metal heroes indeed hail from the Faroe Islands!

The two bonus songs are laid-back instrumental tunes that show that the band can also shine in relaxing simplicity. The guitar play is heartfelt, melodic and precise. This kind of music works very well to relax on a cold autumn or winter night around a fireplace. Especially ''The Northern Lights'' is a pleasure for fans of ambient folk music. If this is also your kind of thing, make sure to purchase this album's limited edition for sure.

At the end of the day, Týr's focus on simpler and shorter tunes on By the Light of the Northern Star pays off with an energetic and entertaining record that is more dynamic and melodic than usual. Since the song material has an immediate impact, this release would serve as wonderful introduction to the band. It might not be the band's single greatest record but it's still among it's very best outputs. Folk, heavy and power metal fans alike should purchase this release while fans of doom and progressive metal might prefer this record's four predecessors.

When progressive Vikings find power. - 80%

hells_unicorn, March 16th, 2015
Written based on this version: 2009, CD, Napalm Records

It is often mentioned that Týr is a folk metal outfit that truly stands apart from the rest, though the truth behind this statement is a bit different than one might suspect. In comparison to others of the mold of Ensiferum or Suidakra, they have tended to be a bit more detached from the black metal roots of the style, arguably even more so than the power metal oriented departure Falconer proved to be for the former members of Mitholyn that formed said band. Likewise, they don't truly embody the sort of pleasant, sing-song character of the aforementioned Swedish power/folk outfit, and generally avoid the period-instrument cliches and orchestral pomp typical to Equilibrium, Turisas or Elvenking. They've had this odd sort of dual humbleness of arrangement meshed with an attention-grabbing niche of tinkering with folk tunes to the point of them resembling a sort of epic, mildly progressive flavor that was basically unheard of in the early 2000s.

Having said all of that, there was always a sort of convoluted character to their earlier offerings that made them a bit hard to digest, particularly in the beginning on How Far To Asgaard and Eric The Red, where the songs were not merely long and asymmetrical in structure, but also largely down-tempo and almost doom-like. This was essentially abandoned with the creation of By The Light Of The Northern Star, the 5th studio outing by these Faroe islanders, in favor of something that is still quite distinct amid the folk metal craze, but also far more streamlined and easy to approach. Technically speaking, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to argue that Týr ditched most of their progressive characteristics in favor of something much closer to power metal. The songs are a bit shorter, the structures inherent in each are more methodical and focused on recurring chorus lines, and the tempo has been kicked up to a level more befitting a charging party of raiders than the slow, looming trudge of a dragon boat adrift with little wind in its sail.

Like with any folk metal offering, this album is largely reliant on a simple, easy-to-follow melody surrounded by incidental elements that, while not conflicting with the central theme in question, bring it into a very different context. In this case, the peripheral elements are a driving beat that is heavily reliant on double bass beats typical to many German power metal outfits, and a set of melodic guitar lines that are similarly geared towards a sense of consonance, but aggressive and percussive enough in character to bring an iota of thrashing into the equation. It doesn't manifest in a single homage to thrash metal in a folk medium the way Ensiferum's "Slayer Of Light" cuts heads, but more of a general feel due to a heavy amount of chugging in the riff work and a certain quality to the guitar tone. Similarly, while Heri Joensen's vocals are a bit more tuneful than a typical thrash vocalist, there is definitely an aggressive attitude to his delivery that leans a bit closer to a Hetfield sound than the higher end, cleaner voice type of a Euro power band or the nasally, high-pitched wail of a USPM vocalist.

Within a fairly stripped down arrangement of electric guitars, bass, drums and vocals, this band definitely manages to put together a rock solid, full arrangement. Gimmicks tend to be surprisingly few and far between, as songs such as "Hear The Heathen Call" and "By The Sword In My Hand" take a singular, driving approach with clearly defined chorus lines and thrilling yet reasonably tempered guitar solo sections while systematically avoiding even a passing acoustic interlude. There are some extended A cappella vocal sections to be found in the band's 2 obligatory anthems in their native Scandinavian dialect in "Tróndur í Gøtu" and the thickly harmonized, almost barbershop quartet meets a national anthem of "Turið Torkilsdóttir", but otherwise this is an album that sticks to the standard meat and potatoes of a straight up power metal band, as evidenced particularly in the case of "Into The Storm", the best song on this album and arguably one of the best ones this band has ever put forward.

Prior to the release of this album, Týr were more of a curiosity than anything else, and one that a lot of people hungry for something different naturally ate up. However, the mark of a matured sound is the ability to restrain oneself and put together something with a potentially universal appeal within the metal world, and By The Light Of The Northern Star is the first of this band's ongoing trend in that very direction. There is a definitely crossover appeal to this album that was lacking before, particularly insofar as those not really inclined towards the long-winded, epic character of Viking metal which was a bit more of a factor in earlier offerings. Though not necessarily the best thing to come out of this band, this is probably the best starting point for anyone that is more of a mainline folk metal fan and considers Sagas and Iron to be staples of the style.

Into the Storm - 93%

ponyovdoom, July 3rd, 2011

Týr is a four-piece band formed in Copenhagen originally, but the members are all from the Faroe Islands. They've been around since 1998, and have until now released six full length albums, this being their fifth. Týr has their own sound, being labeled a more progressive style of viking metal with clean vocals only and no folk instruments being used.

By the Light of the Northern Star is a pretty different album compared to the previous ones. I've been a great Týr listener for some years now, highly enjoying the atmosphere of being on a viking ship on my way to conquer a land. The band still has it, the epic clean vocals by Heri Joensen, the choir, the occasional Faroese songs, the epic melodic guitar riffs, the silent bass and decent drumming. So it does center around the vocals and guitar here.

The guitar melodes along the strong vocals serves you the ultimate viking experience here. Týr have changed a bit though, they've went to a more common style on this album, focusing more on sing-a-long songs, you could even compare it a little with power metal in their style. But it's not bad, not bad at all. All the songs are catchy with again, the great melodies, and I am having a party in my room listening to this album.

The mood of the album changes from song to song, "Hold the Heathen Hammer High", "Tróndur í Gøtu", "By the Sword in My Hand" are pretty much "let's kill some non-vikings now!" attitude, while a song like "Into the Storm" is more progressive, still in a nice tempo along with some epic solos here. "Ride" is much more folky in its melody, but that''s pretty much the only song on the album being that. "Turið Torkilsdóttir" is more sad, starting by some good old Faroese choir then followed by a progressive-guitar-solo part, which is pretty much the song before ending with the choir coming back again.

The production of the album is good, the guitar sound is clear, the drumming is decent, the bass is still not here, and then the vocals are clear and epic, as always. And the album cover, that is also epic. If you like Týrs previous releases, you should check this one out as well. If you want to try something viking-ish or are into folk/viking, you should also try this out, you will not regret it.

Holding The Heathen Hammer High Indeed - 100%

devinejames69, May 24th, 2010

From the first chords of ‘By The Light Of The Northern Star’, you know this is going to be a great album. The haunting, yet powerful intro to ‘Hold The Heathen Hammer High’ sets this album up perfectly and the chorus is a true sing-along that will make you want to raise your drinking horn and roar into the northern skies.

Taking a huge influence from traditional Scandinavian songs yet again, Tyr show they have what it takes to stand out from the rest of the Viking/folk metal bands that are around today. The a cappella intro to Faroese masterpiece ‘Turid Torkilsdóttir’ gives the listener a short break from the faster more sword wielding ‘Northern Gate’ and ‘By The Sword In My Hand’ (the latter having a chorus so epic and powerful that even the sceptics of Viking metal would find it hard not to grab a sword-like implement and wave it in the air).

The vocals of Heri Joensen are at their best throughout this album, with the use of group-style layering on some of the more epic choruses and a brutal singing voice, the vocals glide over the progressive grooves and catchy melodies of the guitars. The drums once again finish the ensemble off brilliantly.

Overall, I think this album has just about everything needed to be a masterpiece of modern metal. From the heavy start to a hard-riding finish (with the exception of the ‘epic’ of the album, ‘Turid Torkilsdóttir’) ‘By The Light Of The Northern Star’ is a must-hear for any metal or progressive fan out there.

Truly Majestic, A Beautiful Work of Art - 100%

SpyreWorks, December 18th, 2009

I have now spent about half an hour trying to write a clever way of describing how great this album is, but having failed every time, I decided the best way to convey my opinions is to just directly say it: this album is perfect. This album is absolutely flawless.

The album cover depicts a swarthy viking who has just struck down a Christian cross with his sword and stands shouting in what seems to be pain or sorrow. The art emits a feeling of lament, the powerful emotion evoked by the image of the Viking's "victory" molded into powerful sorrow by his bleak and barren environment. However, the sorrow is not the sorrow of a lonely emo child crying over his broken Fall Out Boy CD, it is the sorrow of a man who has returned from a long voyage to find his home decimated by a malignant power masquerading as salvation, of a man who has sworn revenge against this power, who will go as far as he needs to to avenge his home. Despite all of this, most people will not feel so emotionally affected by the artwork when they see it. But if they listen to the album itself, it's a totally different story. The music is ten thousand times more powerful than the artwork, and still gives off the feeling of epic sorrow and vengeance.

The lyrics are well-written, the songs are well-structured, the riffs are beautifully haunting and the drumming is skillful and played so that it enhances the entire song. But as I stated before, the main reason this album is so amazing is because of the overwhelming emotion with which it is played. Every song is majestic and (though I hate to re-use an adjective so soon) haunting, the melodic onslaught of sound led by the eerie but divine vocals of Heri Joensen, which are sung with such conviction that just hearing him wail “Heathen heart, pagan pride” makes you want to run out in the street with a battle axe and start attacking every religious establishment you come upon.

Also, in case I didn't make myself clear before, this album is perfect. That would mean that every single song is perfect and worth listening to. And worth listening to they are! The album is much like an epic ballad, beginning with some aggressive and almost nonchalant songs, then becoming more haunting towards the middle, until all the aggressiveness is gone and the album becomes a melancholy saga. If you listen to this entire album from beginning to end, and focus and listen to the music the whole time without zoning out, I can guarantee you will be moved to tears by the end.

Everyone should listen to this album. It matters not if you like viking metal, folk metal, or if you even like metal at all, “By the Light of the Northern Star” is a truly majestic and beautiful work of art that any man or woman or child would find enjoyable and moving.

Hagall járn eða Týr!

Týr - By the Light of the Northern Star - 85%

ThrashManiacAYD, October 21st, 2009

I suppose it must surely be a good sign that every sub- (and sub-sub-) genre of metal seems to be in bloom at the moment with many bands crowding the airwaves, and one of those stuffed to the brim right now is the Viking/pagan/folk metal genre. You could dispute their presence in such a genre given their progressive leanings but Týr belong there, and they sit very firmly at the top table at the seat designated 'Most Distinguishable Band', for when you are listening to these sons of the Faroe Islands, you know you're listening to Týr.

Having existed since 1998 Týr's name has only begun to spread internationally since the middle of this decade, from which point on they have become very productive, with "By The Light Of The Northern Star" following "Land" by just 12 months. It is this productivity in the studio and on stage combined with a sound that is technical yet melodic and extremely catchy that reads Týr as a name to be reckoned with. I read recently that mainman Heri Joensen isn't completely satisfied with "Land", which is interesting to me as I still view that as their most diverse album to date, but one can certainly view the change between that record in this one. "By The Light..." is undoubtedly the band's catchiest and most concise record thus far - the average speed has been picked up, gone are the longer more progressive songs evidenced on "Land" and in it's place is an increase, yes an increase, in the band's trademark catchy singalong vocals. It is these that make the album such a glorious listen. Like most Týr fans my favourite songs were those that formed the bulk of the live set and you'll be pleased to hear that this new is virtually full of such songs. One could argue this would get a little tiring but the spirit in which lead track "Hold The Heathen Hammer High", "Northern Gate", "Ride" and the title track (among others) roll through is so infectious and crucially, unique, each time that any pretenses of repetitiveness are forgotten and the temptation not to sing along will overcome you.

Musically Týr still mix the staccato riffing structure that has always formed their base at a slightly quicker pace than before but the highlight with this band will forever remain the vocal lines and choruses, frequently underpinned by a shadowing lead guitar that gives these sections extra oomph. Heri Joensen's vocals have cleaned up slightly and ring with genuine passion about his subject matters of Norse mythology and Faroese lore, sounding exciting even when sung in any manner of Scandinavian language such is the feeling generated on this album, as well as on stage having recently seen them there with the far inferior Alestorm. Whatever styles you profess to liking, if you're still reading this far down make sure you check out "By The Light Of The Northern Star" - this is a band at the top of their game.

Originally written for Rockfreaks.net

A tribute to the ways of old - 89%

Razakel, August 23rd, 2009

It’s interesting to see how much Tyr have grown up ever since I got into them around the release of Eric The Red. Back then, they were just a young band with a crazy dream, but now they are one of the leaders of folk metal, a genre that has exploded throughout Scandinavia. So what separates Tyr from all of these other bands? Well, although Tyr are often labelled as ‘folk metal’, I have a hard time comparing them to other folk metal bands, because they truly have a sound of their own. Tyr’s music is deeply rooted in traditional Scandinavian themes and melodies, with a strong progressive execution as well as many power metal tendencies. On Tyr’s latest album, By The Light Of The Northern Star, however, these progressive elements have been toned down to offer more short and straight forward crowd pleasing songs.

With this release, Tyr have done away with their lengthy songs from their past albums, and concentrated on catchy, concise tunes. The best example of the albums overall sound is probably the opening track, Hold the Heathen Hammer High. It’s quite a fast paced song with catchy riffs, an extremely memorable chorus, and lyrics about how cool it is to be a Viking. The best songs on the album follow this formula ; one of my favourites definitely being Northern Gate, with features some excellent chanting vocals. I’m also thankful that Tyr have, once again, heavily relied on traditional music within their song writing. This really comes together on Ride, a song which showcases a beautiful Irish melody partway through, which Tyr have masterfully interpreted as their own. The melodies are courtesy of Joensen and Skibenaes’ excellent guitar work, which really shines on certain songs such as Into the Storm and Hear the Heathen Call. Vocal arrangements are also, as always, a major highlight of the album. The choirs, especially, on Tróndur Í Gøtu and Turio Torkilsdottir are some of the strongest in the bands history.

One of my favourite aspects of Tyr’s music, is the fact that they use multiple languages in their lyrics. It’s beautiful to listen to Heri Joensen shift from Faroese to English in the same song, and that’s exactly what made songs such as The Edge and Wings of Time so magical. This is why it’s too bad that only two songs on this album showcase languages other than English. This doesn’t really affect the music, per se, but it’s just something that I was personally disappointed about.

Because Tyr chose a more straight forward path with this album, the overall length is about fifteen minutes shorter than all previous albums. This isn’t a bad thing, in my opinion, but I think that one long, epic song wouldn’t have hurt. Despite that, this is a solid Tyr album and is very consistent throughout. Even though it’s not quite as fresh and original as Eric the Red or Ragnarok, it’s evident that there is plenty of life left in this, still quite young, band. I would recommend this album to fans of folk, progressive, or Viking metal.

Pagan pride! - 82%

Lord_Lexy, May 30th, 2009

“Heathen heart, pagan pride”. The first words sung in “Hold the Heathen Hammer High”, the opener for Tyr’s latest album. No other words could better describe the songs on this gem. The only word that could be added to the list above would be the word “power”, as most songs will come blasting out of your speakers.

For this album the Faroese got a lot of inspiration from ancient/traditional Scandinavian songs. Three songs (plus the two instrumentals on the digipack edition) are not based on traditional Faroese / Norwegian / Swedish / Finnish / Irish songs. Pagan indeed… The best example of one of these songs, in my humble opinion, is “Turid Torkilsdóttir”. The song begins with an a capella in Faroese, after which it continues with the same melody but now both sung and played by the metal instruments. At the end of the songs we once again get the a capella part. While you listen to it, you feel the pride of these Vikings for their ancient and rich ancestry.

Although Tyr isn’t a band that is very easy to ‘get in to’, their music is truly outstanding. The vocals are clean but very powerful and (as long as the lyrics are in English) invite you to sing along. The opener, “Hold the Heathen Hammer High” is a great example of this. From the first time you hear the chorus, you raise your fist and sing/shout about pagan heritage. The music itself is rather technical and progressive, which makes it for the listener (or at least, made it for me) difficult to enjoy the music from the first time. But, somehow, Tyr succeeds in creating the vivid Viking atmosphere in your living room. And that without the use of any folk instruments.

The entire album offers a fine mix of mostly mid paced to up tempo songs, of which a few in the strange but melodic language of the Faroer islands. It is one of those albums you can listen to or just let it play to get some background sound. A very decent release and worth the 16€ I paid.