ALBUM REVIEW: Hel – Týr

Back after their long break between albums, Faroe Islanders TÝR return with their eighth offering, Hel. Once more delving into Norse mythology, the concept of this album is unsurprisingly the realm of the dead, and the goddess of the realm whose name is also Hel. Can TÝR conjure the same mystical energy and high-octane performance that we know and love?

Gates Of Hel tip toes into the world before taking great stomping steps into a more progressive movement. Chugging and thunderous, it’s a catchy offering displaying a groove and old school magic that keep TÝR at the benchmark of their craft. Blistering guitar work dominates the latter half of the track, leaving you aching for more. All Heroes Fall gives you just what you’re looking for, more deliciously technical work, great singing from start to finish. It’s undeniably some of the most complex and exciting work of the year so far, and with TÝR’s impeccable reputation before them, it’s not surprising. One of only two songs to be sung in Faroese, Ragnars Kvaeoib encompasses some of the more epic traits of their sound, with fits perfectly with the traditional backing of the story TÝR are telling. Bright and engaging, the moments of emotional depth and darkness are levelled nicely.

Garmr pulls into a galloping run that offset’s the imagery of Norse mythology’s foreboding hell-hound. Screaming licks and progressive steps down into more sinister melodies create a great sense of fun and imagination. Conversely, Sunset Shore has a passive, serene beginning, and a pained and tormented shanty feel to the sway and lull of the lyrics. As usual, TÝR have crafted a world of weight and merit in their telling of these old stories. Downhill Drunk is much more focused on a grounded beat and a swift vocal delivery. It’s perhaps not the most memorable, though nonetheless still worth a listen. With an album so full of mad musicality, this is potentially the least stimulating, keeping things more intense but less expressive in terms of originality.

Empire Of The North delivers a much memorable tune with a battering breakdown, and some of best drumming on the record. Riffs come in a million miles an hour, raging balls of fun, and the overall experiences feels completely authentic to who TÝR are. Far From The Worries Of The World continues in the same vein, a central story galloping along at great pace, injecting solid composition that is both mind boggling and easy to chant along to. King Of Time begins prettily enough, before launching into another booming classic metal anthem. TÝR are truly pulling all the stops in terms of delivery here – this entire album is a delight for those who gorge themselves on astounding rhythm and technical, old school riffing.

Fire And Flame kicks things off into a more groove laden beginning, slowly turning up the temperature into a brooding, expansive track. There’s a hint more of the darker side of TÝR, but the emphasis on hugely enjoyable guitar playing and bellowing vocals is at the forefront of the song. Against The Gods is potentially the most memorable and instantly catchy track on the record. An ear worm that takes it’s time to build into a blisteringly fast ballad, soaring vocals paired to the none stop drumming work perfectly. Songs Of War opens with one of the most interesting riffs of the album, with so much movement it’s staggeringly good. The rest of the track follow suit, and gears everything up to a majestic crescendo before the final movement of the record.

Alvur Kongur shifts the tone to a much warmer feel, overlapping guitars sing to themselves, as the rise of the bass and the drums thickens everything. The final track, and the only other to be sung in Faroese, the sway of the whole track between the fast and intense, and the equally impressive but much stiller interludes are fantastic, and a real gem in an album crammed with great ideas and storytelling.

Wonderfully melodic, energetic and heaps of fun, Hel is well worth visiting for fans of intricate musicianship and Nordic folklore. Never taking themselves too seriously, the theatrics and scope of TÝR’s eight album is balanced by the spirited character and pure love of music that is poured into this record.

Rating: 7/10

Hel is out now via Metal Blade Records.

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