Týr // Battle Ballads // Album Review

Having formed in 1998 and targeting the world of Pagan Folk Metal, Týr released their first album in 2002. Since the release of How Far to Asgaard the band have released eight full-length albums, this being their ninth.

The time between the last full length, which was titled Hel and now, Týr released a double disc/DVD of A Night at the Nordic House, which saw the band team up with the Symphony Orchestra of the Faroe Islands to show the true power of joining Folk and Classical music.

So, where does this ninth album take us? Folk, Classical or somewhere else? Starting with the fact that the band have a different lineup to that of Hel, however still maintaining the ever-present Gunnar H. Thomsen and Heri Joensen remain, keeping the link to the band’s roots – you might be given a clue to the direction of Battle Ballads.

Opening with a track named after the latest member Hans Hammer, ‘Hammered’, you immediately feel the power of the guitars and the double kick drum, as the Viking music begins to transport you to a time gone by. With the addition of the string sections, the Symphonic element to this metal is in wonderous form and then the vocal carries you along the waves of sound as you sing along about being ‘Hammered.’

This fast-paced opener sets the scene for what is to come as the storytelling paints the picture perfectly and riffs melt into solos, all whilst the drums are beating away in the background and the bass links it all together seamlessly.

‘Row’ is a track that I envisage will have pits of people sitting on the floor rowing too, when played live – and it would only seem fitting to rock back and forth with the chugging guitars before you move into a section of the album that is sung in the band’s native tongue.

The main theme throughout the album – music-wise is that of Power Metal, mixed with Symphonic influence, whilst carrying that strong Viking theme and the album is a lot of fun to listen to.

The 10 tracks span approximately 40 minutes and throughout you find yourself tapping along and maybe even singing with the songs and before you know it you are back as ‘Hammered’

Battle Ballads is not breaking new ground, however, it is a solid addition to anyone’s collection who likes their Folk, Symphonic or Power Metal.

Battle Ballads will be released on Friday 12^th April 2024 via Metal Blade Records.

Ed Ford