Týr is a folk metal band from the Faroe Islands. The band has been described as one of the islands’ two most successful metal bands. Their lyrical themes are primarily based on Viking lore, mythology, and history, and they take their name from Týr, the god of war in Norse religion. Before forming Týr, Heri Joensen and Gunnar H. Thomsen formed their first band, Cruiser, at the age of 17. Kári Streymoy also played with them for a short period.
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Týr is a folk metal band from the Faroe Islands. The band has been described as one of the islands’ two most successful metal bands. Their lyrical themes are primarily based on Viking lore, mythology, and history, and they take their name from Týr, the god of war in Norse religion. Before forming Týr, Heri Joensen and Gunnar H. Thomsen formed their first band, Cruiser, at the age of 17. Kári Streymoy also played with them for a short period. The group later changed its name to Wolfgang. Neither Cruiser nor Wolfgang released any albums, although Wolfgang remained active and recorded a number of songs that, according to Joensen, were close to being ready for release. Týr was formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1998. Joensen met his former bandmate Kári Streymoy at a party in Copenhagen and suggested they should play music together. Streymoy initially declined but later agreed. They were soon joined by bassist Gunnar H. Thomsen, forming a trio. In 2001, guitarist Terji Skibenæs joined the band. The band signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records in early 2006 while also being associated with the Faroese label Tutl. In 2012, they signed a three-album deal with Metal Blade Records. Týr’s music is influenced by Norse mythology, Faroese traditional music known as kvæði, and various forms of heavy metal. The band’s frontman, Heri Joensen, has stated that their musical aim is to reduce the separation between different metal subgenres, including power, doom, black, progressive, gothic, Viking, folk, ethnic, and epic metal, and to challenge genre-based prejudice. The band’s emphasis on Faroese identity has been discussed by scholars, with some suggesting it may be interpreted as a form of self-exoticisation due to its appeal to international audiences. Their arrangements of traditional material generally retain original melodies while incorporating more complex harmonies and chord structures. Týr has also been the subject of debate regarding the use of runic and Norse imagery, which some critics have associated with symbols appropriated by Nazi ideology. The band addressed these accusations in the song "Shadow of the Swastika" from the album "The Lay of Thrym" (2011), which critic Karl Spracklen interpreted as a critique of far-right appropriation of heathen symbols. Other scholars have argued that the band’s representation of Viking identity may contribute to framing it as an ancestral and genetic category, thereby reinforcing a distinct Nordic identity. Researchers have also noted that their themes often combine pagan and Viking imagery with modern heavy metal ideas of individualism and heroic masculinity. The band released the song "Rainbow Warrior" in reference to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and its anti-whaling campaigns in the Faroe Islands. Joensen has publicly defended traditional whaling practices in discussions with activist Paul Watson. Týr performed at the Ragnarök Festival in 2007 and 2009. They also participated in the Paganfest tour in Europe and North America in 2008, alongside bands such as Ensiferum, Eluveitie, Turisas, Moonsorrow, and Korpiklaani. In 2009, they joined the "Black Sails over Europe" tour supporting Alestorm. In 2010, they performed select dates on Amon Amarth’s North American tour alongside Holy Grail. The band also appeared on the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise events in 2011 and 2013. In 2012, they toured the United States and Canada with Korpiklaani, Metsatöll, and Moonsorrow. In 2013, they again participated in Paganfest in North America and later toured Europe with Finntroll and Skálmöld on the "Blodsvept over Europe" tour. During the recording of "How Far to Asgaard", singer Pól Arni Holm and guitarist Jón Joensen were part of the band but left shortly after the album’s release. Terji Skibenæs rejoined after Jón Joensen’s departure. Allan Streymoy briefly served as vocalist, contributing to the single "Ólavur Riddararós", after which Joensen assumed vocal duties, forming the lineup that recorded "Eric the Red". Skibenæs later left and rejoined the band multiple times. In 2004, Icelandic guitarist Ottó P. Arnarson briefly joined before Skibenæs returned. In 2008, drummer Kári Streymoy suffered a back injury that prevented him from touring for a period. Temporary drummers included Amon Djurhuus, Merlin Sutter, and Daniel Ryan, depending on the tour region. Streymoy returned later that year for festival performances. In 2013, the band announced his departure due to ongoing health issues, and George Kollias recorded drums for the album "Valkyrja". Amon Djurhuus again served as a touring drummer during this period. In 2018, guitarist Terji Skibenæs left the band after 17 years, stating that he no longer felt motivated to play music in Týr’s style. He was replaced by Attila Vörös. In 2021, Hans Hammer was announced as Vörös’ replacement. Side projects involving Týr members include Heljareyga, a project led by Heri Joensen, which released a self-titled album in 2010 with lyrics in Faroese, and Surma, a collaboration between Joensen and Czech singer Viktorie Surmová, which released the album "The Light Within" in 2020. Hans Hammer also performs solo material and is associated with the band Asyllex. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%BDr_(band) Studio albums How Far to Asgaard ("How Far to Asgard", 2002) Eric the Red (2003) Ragnarok ("Fate of the Gods", 2006) Land (2008) By the Light of the Northern Star (2009) The Lay of Thrym (2011) Valkyrja ("Valkyrie", 2013) Hel (2019) Battle Ballads (2024)
