Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Týr - Hel (2019)
There's no arguing with the fact that Tyr is the most, and probably only, notable Faroese metal band. They're literally the only thing some people in the world, including myself, know about the Faroe Islands. I actually have heard of Tyr around 10 years before my new reviews, but their earlier albums from the 2000s had more of a doom-ish folk/prog-metal sound that was too dark for my bright melodic teen self at the time. However, Heri Joensen and co. would discard most of their earlier doom with fast power metal in the harmonic guitars. Of course, there;s still some of the folk/progressive part of their identity. All of that makes one of the best albums I've heard in folk/power metal!
Hel is ambitious as... well, Hel. 13 tracks cover 70 glorious minutes. Most of them are each 4 to 6 minutes long, with two 7-minute epics to bookend the album. Some persistent listening may be needed for a full rewarding experience. And just the word Hel (only one hockey stick) and artwork are enough for a great dark first impression, alongside the song titles that are as power metal as the actual tracks.
The 7-minute opener "Gates of Hel" would be quite a surprise for any longtime fan of the band, particularly in the first one or two minutes. The riffing sounds so crushing and deathly, complete with harsh vocals performed by Heri Joensen himself! Some might think, "What is this, Amon Amarth?!?" Anyway, that part is as fantastic as the rest of this song. I would love to hear more heavy growl-infused tracks like that from the band. Starting the second third of "All Heroes Fall" is some perfect soloing talent. The shredding that occurs in conjunction with the supporting riff-wrath is perhaps the best here. Next up, "Ragnars Kvaeoi" is the first of two Faroese-sung songs. It's quite great hearing those kinds of lyrics fit in with the atmosphere and folk-fueled instrumentation. Metal fury can sound so soothing in "Garmr", named after one of the hounds of Hel.
The lyrics are at their highest peak in the beautiful "Sunset Shore", especially in the chorus. We then have the melodic "Downhill Drunk", and nothing ever goes downhill there. If you're up for some really powerful riffing, that's what opens "Empire of the North", and they especially hit hard in the verses. That, along with the big layered production, help make that track another epic highlight. "Far from the Worries of the World" is another example of melodic strength. Same with "King of Time".
Some more of the greatest soloing occurs in "Fire and Flame". Then "Against the Gods" levels up the massive riffs and rhythms. We get more of the firey soloing in "Songs of War" from temporary lead guitarist Atilla Voros. "Alvur Kongur" closes it all as another 7-minute progressive epic, from the clean intro to another metal extravaganza.
However, Hel needs more praise in the metal community. If I only get to listen to half of this album, it would still sound complete. This may just surpass DragonForce's Extreme Power Metal the best power metal album of 2019 for me. Some might take some time to get used to this album, while others, such as myself, would love it instantly. Still, you may want to pay close attention for the best of this dark voyage to Hel. Once the clean guitars at the beginning get you hooked, you're all set. With any luck, Tyr might just be one of my newfound favorite bands of folk/power metal. Will I dive into more of this band's catalog? HEL YEAH!
Favorites: "Gates of Hel", "All Heroes Fall", "Sunset Shore", "Empire of the North", "Fire and Flame", "Against the Gods", "Alvur Kongur"