Týr are recognised as one of the most important bands of any genre ever to come out of the Faroe Islands, and for more than 20 years have been telling the tales of their Viking ancestry. This live album was recorded on February 8th, 2020, at The Nordic House in Tórshavn, the Faroes live with the Symphony Orchestra of the Faroe Islands. This has allowed the symphonic nature of their music to take on new heights, especially with the strong use of brass and a great choir. In total there are eighteen songs, available in multiple formats. Having watched some of the videos which are available it looks like an incredible night, with drummer Tadeusz Rieckmann surrounded by soundproofing, Gunnar Thomsen (bass), Heri Joensen (guitars, vocals) and Terji Skibenæs (guitars, vocals) are in front while the orchestra and choir are behind. Everyone is in tight and there is little room for anyone to move, which makes for quite a compelling performance.
This certainly comes through on the audio where the band’s songs are lifted to new heights. They have always been an incredibly dramatic act, quite happy to perform sagas with little in the way of strident guitars yet can also really power it on when they wish to, taking their form of Viking metal/folk metal in new directions, and having the power of an orchestra behind them has certainly allowed them to expand the repertoire. The joining together is seamless, so it never seems as if two different styles have been brought together for one night only but rather this feels as if the band have always performed in this manner, even if those in the orchestra are in formal attire and the conductor is wearing a tie. Songs such as “Ragnars Kvæði” are really lifted with the additional vocalisations, and the brass section really provide additional force to the bottom end, while the flutes and violins add to the top.
This is an over the top, symphonic bombastic album which will delight those who are already fans of Týr, and if you have yet to investigate this band from the Faroe Islands then this is surely the place to start.
Rating: 8/10
