[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4LlIx63fNM[/youtube]
Metal Insider contributor Anthony Maisano is listening to a different metal album that was released on that day every day this year. 11 years ago today, progressive folk metal innovators Týr released their second full length album, Eric the Red.
First, I must point out that Týr was inspired by the Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath album cover of the same name when creating their logo. The tracks on the album are all pretty long with a GREAT feeling and energy to them, and some well thought out, intricate parts. All of the vocals, keyboards, and other interesting instruments throughout the album are all done for the sole purpose of letting the listener feel the folk and Norse themes throughout the album. It’s a great mood album. It’s an album that is both extremely fun to listen to, but at the same time as a lot of great musicianship to it. As long as you don’t find the lyrical themes cheesy, there’s something for everyone on the album. “Dreams” is an AMAZINGLY powerful song. I could listen to this one over and over. “The Wild Rover” is also the band’s take on a classic Irish song, and it’s damn fun.
I’m not a particular fan of the singer on the album. While I DO think he does a great job at fitting the mood of the album, I really don’t think he’s very special as a singer beyond fitting in well. I try to picture his voice in another setting, and I really don’t think it’d be that special. Not that I think the vocals are bad, just that I feel they could have been more powerful than they are. There are also some tracks with non-English vocals, and while that does not bother me, some people that love lyrics might not be able to connect with those songs.
Favorite Tracks: “Dreams,” “Alive,” “The Wild Rover,” “Rainbow Warrior.”
This was just a really fun, really enjoyable album. Once again, as I say for all albums that are folk or Norse or pirate themed, or anything like that, if you find the lyrical content silly, or need something with a deeper connection, you might find this album to be lacking a lot for that reason, but beyond that, there’s a lot of good stuff. This was an album that I only got into more as I got deeper in to it. I strongly suggest giving this album a listen. It is without doubt, extremely fun.
