Search - Thyrfing :: Farsotstider

Yes.

Andrew | Michigan, USA | 01/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sweden's kings of viking metal have returned to the battle-worm throne with Farsotstider, proudly and boldly, to storm the masses with ancient fury and might. Absent are anthems gloating mead and women amidst golden halls; present are hymns of darkness and death. It seems the Thyrfing guys have listened to a bit of recent Primordial and Moonsorrow, and thankfully so! ... as it's now justified to include their name amongst such valorous ranks, rather than thrown in the endless pit of passionless bands running about playing folkish metal music about Odin and his friends.



Beginning with Far At Helvete, the listener is immediately bound to darkness. Bleak and desolate, angry and visceral; this is new territory for the band, and its execution is far better than I could ever have imagined. A few numbers, namely Elddagjamning and Tiden Laker Intet, have a beautiful climatic quality, rarely present in metal music, that is a sheer delight to hear - think of The Gathering Wilderness done by Swedes. Although a few numbers such as Jag Spar Fordarv and Baldersbalet serve as somewhat lighter songs, as if the sky broods gray instead of black, I hesitate to call any songs even remotely comparable to anything from their first three albums. As if Urkraft was the construction and Vansinnesvisor the voyage, certainly the destination stands bold with Farsotstider.



If you're familiar with Thyrfing's history, and feel their later efforts surpass the quality of their early releases, you are in desperate need to hear this milestone within the band's career. If you're unfamiliar, and enjoy the beauty of raw and organic metal music, I suggest starting here, as regret is certainly unfathomable. Farsotstider shall plague your heart and bleed it black."

Darker album

E. Ruiz | Philadelphia | 02/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great dynamic's and much darker then before ala first 2 albums but more obscure"