History

Profession of the Christian Faith or Decapitation: This was the choice given by Sigmundur to his Faroese Viking compatriot Tr�ndur � G�tu. And so it was that in 999 A.D., the Christianization of the small "Faeroe Islands" began, casting a veil of oblivion over the ancient Scandinavian gods and only leaving the relics of forgotten heathenry buried deep within the Christian ritual. Or so it was believed...

Exactly 999 years later, a small group fondly remembering the archaic gods and rites came together to form the Faroese Viking metal band, Týr. The one-armed God of War - the bravest of all - became the eponym of the Nordic quartet. Yet Týr mastermind Heri Joensen is no war monger in disguise and points out that Týr (also known as the God of Justice) is also revered for first seeking the avenues of diplomacy�an attribute that does not take away from this god of war's drive.

A distinctive trademark that sets Týr apart from most other bands of the Viking metal genre is the authenticity of their music: "Traditional music dating back to the Vikings, that is not preserved anywhere else in the world, not even in Iceland, is passed on in an oral tradition here and it is still alive and well. That is what we build our music on and draw great inspiration from," explains the forming member Heri Joensen (guitars / vocals).

Almost every song is based on Faroese or Norwegian lore, and is riveted in the garb of the folk metal genre. Its approach unmistakably creates very true Viking metal.

Following the release of a demo (2000), the '�lavur Riddararos' single (2002 via Tutl Records), 'How Far to Asgard' (2002 via Tutl Records), six years of innumerable gigs, and several domestic television appearances, Týr's second full-length 'Eric the Red' (2003 via Tutl Records) became the Islands' best-selling album, coming to the attention of Napalm Records, the label that finally made the album available worldwide in 2006.

Immediately, the unique approach of Týr's music, melting traditional Nordic songs and dances with Celtic influences, doom, heavy, and progressive metal found fans around the globe. 'Hail to the Hammer', from the debut album, became the hymn to the new generation of folk, pagan, and Viking metal fans.

In late 2006, Týr refined their trademark sound with 'Ragnarok' (via Napalm Records). Technically brilliant and 100 percent authentic, 'Ragnarok' was nothing less than a masterpiece within the true Viking metal genre. The Faroese band embarked on a European tour with Die Apokalyptischen Reiter and a few months later with Amon Amarth. Though musically different, Týr gained legions of new fans, impressed by the four men on stage, who were able to turn every show into a demonstration of musical prowess.

Festival appearances throughout Europe and continued touring followed until Týr enjoyed their biggest live triumph ever at the very over-crowded Wet Stage in Wacken.

'Land' was released in 2008 via Napalm Recrods and proved to be yet another milestone in the band's career. Traditional Faroese lyrics marked tracks such as 'G�tu R�ma', 'F�pan Fagra', 'Lokka T�ttur', and 'Gandkv��i Tr�ndar', which is a poem by J.H.O. Djurhuus about the Faroese chieftain Tr�ndur, who fought against the dying of the old beliefs and for the independence of the Faeroes. A video clip was produced to the fan favorite 'Sinklars V�sa'. 'Land' received overwhelming positive feedback and a new audience was able to experience the power of Týr for the first time.

Following the release of 'Land', Týr embarked on numerous tours through Europe. One of the highlights was without a doubt the Aaskereia Festival tour with label mates Alestorm and Hollenthon. Thanks to their efforts, the band reached many new fans with their memorable concerts. The year 2008 ended with a little sensation, as Týr was nominated as "Band of the Year" by the Faroese National TV and radio. However, the band had no time to rest on its laurels and embarked on yet another tour through North America in the spring of 2009. The split album 'Black Sails over Europe' with Heidevolk and Alestorm was published by Napalm Records.

Despite their busy touring schedule, Týr worked on new songs recorded in early 2009. The band chose to produce the album on native soil. Jacob Hansen mixed the new material and finishing touches were provided by the mastering experts at Finnvox. 'By the Light of the Northern Star' (out in May 2009 via Napalm Records) met with great feedback from fans and critics alike. The new anthem 'Hold the Heathen Hammer high' was regarded as the legitimate successor to 'Hail to the Hammer'. After the release of the album, the band played numerous concerts and festivals, as well as taking part in the 70.000 Tons of Metal cruise, while still finding the time to work on new material for their upcoming release.

2011 album 'The Lay of Thrym' follows the path of the band's previous releases by uniting classic heavy metal riffs with impressive drumming, traditional melodies, and powerful choruses. The result is a number of epic anthems, such as 'Take Your T�Rant' and 'Hall of Freedom', both of which will most certainly earn a permanent spot on Týr's future setlists. Frontman Heri Joensen continues to give Týr a unique and unmistakable edge with magnificent vocals and superb guitar work. Jacob Hansen was again responsible for recording, mixing, and mastering the album, complementing this fascinating Faeroese sound universe with finishing touches that allow every last detail to shine.

During the first half of 2013, Týr have been working on their seventh full length album. In May 2013 the drummer K�ri Streymoy left to band, as a result of a back injury he had in 2008. Týr have gone through many changes in their lineup, but the bass guitar player Gunnar Thomsen is the second active forming member in the band. Long-serving guitarist (from 2001) Terji Skiben�s is the third active member in the band.

(source: Týr, May 2013, the last chapter added by AM)