Search - Tyr :: Eric the Red

New Norse Gods?

D. West | Pittsburgh, PA. | 04/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First I must say that Tyr's "Eric the Red" and Opeth's "Morningrise" are imo, the absolute 2 best Metal albums ever created. In this genre of Viking Metal, the only other band that tops Tyr is Enslaved. On this, their second album Tyr demonstrate brilliant songwriting and instrumental skill. They are making this genre incredible. There are so many metal bands out there, and I've listened to hundreds. But, Tyr are way ahead of every one of them. These kinds of albums come along maybe once every 10 yrs. Their latest "Ragnarok is also a great slab of Metal. You must check this band out, Pronto!!!!!!!!!!"

The All-Father Smiles Upon This Album!

Andrew C. Wright | California, USA | 02/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first discovered TÝR upon watching the music video for 'Regin Smiður' (track 2) and I was instantly hooked. TÝR is possibly the finest in Viking/folk metal out there, as they not only deliver excellent musicianship and beautiful melodies with crushing metal riffs, but they aren't below mixing jazz and classical elements into their music (examples: 'Eric the Red', intro to 'Rainbow Warrior').



TÝR is a refreshing change from the tradition of European bands who sing exclusively in English - some of the songs are Færoese, with one in Danish. Keeping in mind their heritage, TÝR has updated some old folk songs ('Ramund Hin Unge', 'The Wild Rover', 'Stýrisvølurin') and given them a progressive metal makeover, so to speak. If Dream Theater wore chainmail and drank mead, they would probably turn into TÝR. 'Eric the Red' has a good measure of time signature changes, odd meters, and instrumental technicality, but nothing that detracts from its base in Viking lore. It's definitely a hard-hitting metal album, so prepare to be rocked!



'Eric the Red' is definitely a change from 'How Far to Asgaard' in that the songs on 'EtR' have a much faster pace, and the overall sound quality is greatly improved. There's no single outstanding track, as each one has parts that really stand out. This album is a must-buy for anyone who loves metal, Scandinavian lore, or just an album with a sense of adventure."

Solid folk metal

T. Lemos | New England | 02/01/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I generally have mixed feelings about folk metal. On the one hand, I appreciate the melancholic and dark folk-tinged metal stylings of Primordial, Drudkh, or even Agalloch. I also like the more energetic folky metal of old Amorphis. But the boppy polka metal of Finntroll and others leaves me cold. Tyr, however, while being closer to Finntroll than Primordial, are not only listenable but enjoyable. First of all, it's fun that half their lyrics are in Faeroese. Second, I like that their song structures are a bit more complex than your standard folk metal band. And third, I like the sung vocald and solid musicianship. Sure, the CD gets a little same-y after a while, but it does contain some great songs (the first track especially is addictive) and is a worthwhile purchase for anybody into this subgenre of metal."