By: Anders

Posted: Jan 11, 2006

Once again, and finally one may say, are the Swedish Viking metal warriors in Thyrfing ready with a new album. I got totally caught up in the world of the band, with their last album "Vansinnesvisor", after having been intrigued by their earlier releases. To be honest I have been looking forward to this album for quite a while, and to come with the conclusion as the first, "Farsotstider" doesn't let me down the slightest, yet again a good slap of varied and atmospherically Viking metal.

Huge and captivating atmospheres are built on the base of good old heavy metal deeds, good crunchy and catchy guitar riffs, good melodies and leads, heavy and thundering when needed and more laid back and calm, so it suits those atmospheres as well. The drumming ranges from straight ahead double kick drumming bashing in skulls, to back-ground percussion, again is the instrument suited and varied well for all situations. The bass is heavy and audible, it can always be heard rumbling just behind the guitars, really nice and it keeps the heaviness intact, when the guitar calms down. The keyboards that are present on this album are nicely laid down, always complimenting the existing atmosphere, or adding one of its own. It is not overused, but nicely added when needed, and it works great, both when used beneath the music or as one of the lead instruments. As the icing of the songs, we have the vocals, they are well-executed as well, a good harsh scream, a lot of emotion going on and that hits the listener the right place, and helps in keeping one spellbound throughout the album, and the pronunciation of the Swedish lyrics are great and again something that adds to the atmosphere. The many folk-music elements used, do a lot for the at times bombastic, and at other times, more melancholic atmosphere, Thyrfing is really good at changing the atmosphere around, and make it all into small "plays".

We are getting 8 tracks of well-composed Viking metal with the roots heavily bound in heavy metal. The atmosphere Thyrfing ends up making is incredible and very listenable, and enchanting, when the album stops spinning, one need to start it over again and again, the music and tales are very addictive. This is so far the best album the band has made, both musically and composition-wise, the band has fully matured now and are ready to conquer and I am pretty sure they will with this album and with Regain Records to back them up. You better get around to check this album out very soon!

Rating: 9/10

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