Thyrfing
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- This page refers to the Thyrfing metal band. For the mythological sword see Tyrfing
Thyrfing is a Viking Metal band from Sweden. The band is named for a royal sword of Norse mythology.
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History
Thyrfing was formed in 1995 by Patrik Lindgren (guitar), Jocke Kristensson (drums), Peter Löf (keyboard) and Kimmy Sjölund (bass guitar). From the beginning the band was meant to be a side project as Patrik & Jocke put their main force into their other band Pantheon. Northern mythology and the Viking age was an interest of all the members, so the lyrics and the concept was focused upon this subject. The music was rather primitive and built upon slow pounding drums, heavy guitars and medieval synth-melodies. After two demo tapes that gained a lot of good response in the underground, Thyrfing signed to the Dutch record label Hammerheart Records in 1997. In Stockholm's Sunlight Studio in Stockholm, their debut album was recorded, showing a much more varied songwriting. It was released in March of 1998. For their second album, this time recorded in the Abyss Studios, their music took a more symphonic touch, still keeping the roots from the older material. For future live performances Henke Svegsjö from Ancient Winds was recruited on guitar. He seemed to be a good choice and nowadays he is a full-member of the band. Once again with Tommy Tägtgren, "Urkraft" was put on tape and released in August. The year also held two mini-tours with Primordial and Shadowbreed through The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
In the autumn of 2001, the band entered Dug-Out Studio with well-known producer Daniel Bergstrand to record the most diverse and mature Thyrfing-album to date: "Vansinnesvisor" (English: Songs of Madness). The album was released in July the following year, masterly packaged by Niklas Sundin, and was a big step forward for the band. With more experimental vocals, distinct and focused songs, with odd instruments such as keyed fiddle and home-made percussion and with a majority of Swedish lyrics, the band won new ground and rooted their position within the genre.
To support the album, Thyrfing played during the winter two support gigs (for Freedom Call and Dismember) in Stockholm, and did a small headliner tour in Benelux with Cruachan and Shadowbreed.
The year of 2003 followed with further live-promotion such as the Generation Armageddon Festivals (including Ancient Rites, Septic Flesh, Primordial, Blood Red Throne & Skyfire), a 12-day European tour throughout Europe and performances on the main festival-stages of 2000 Decibel in Sweden and Wacken Open Air in Germany.
Thyrfing will be entering EMI studios on April 18, 2005, to record an as of yet untitled album.
Band Members
- Thomas Väänänen - Vocals
- Patrik Lindgren - Guitar
- Henrik Svegsjö - Guitar
- Kimmy Sjölund - Bass
- Peter Löf - Synthesizer
- Joakim Kristensson - Drums
Discography
Albums
- Thyrfing (Self-titled) CD 1998
- Valdr Galga CD 1999
- Urkraft CD 2000
- Vansinnesvisor CD 2002
EPs
- Hednaland CD 1999
- Solen Svartnar 7" EP 1999
Demos
- Hednaland Demo 1996
- Solen Svartnar 7" Demo 1995
External links
- Allmusic entry (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDSUB020407011244331416&sql=Btiazqjkiojda)
- Thyrfing Homepage (http://www.thyrfing.com)