• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

I was not familiar with this Viking Metal band until someone sent me this promo CD. I was expecting something dark and somewhat brutal but that's not what's on here. If Enslaved can be considered "Viking Metal at war", then Thyrfing is pretty much "Viking Metal on party". This album is quite "happy"-sounding and contains some folk influences in the music, reminding me of music found in some medieval movies, but surrounded by metal music. Don't expect real heavy guitars or thundering drums here however, overall the album is a little on the relaxed side. I'm not familiar with the band's earlier work but I hear it was heavier, more aggressive stuff. The epic feeling is present for the whole hour of music. The vocals alternate between clean and light growls, nothing Death Metal-like. The drums are usually not too aggressive, staying a bit in the background and leaving the place to the guitars and keyboards. The album ends with a good cover of "Over The Hills And Far Away" which doesn't really fit in with the album (hehe that's why it's called a bonus track I guess.)

Overall not a bad album but nothing to get too excited about either. If you're into epic stuff and like folk elements and keyboards added to "light" metal music, you may want to give this a try. If you like the more brutal stuff, you'll have to look elsewhere, as I found this album more relaxing than energetic. Not something I'd play very often but it's good for an occasional listen.