Vanagandr by Thyrfing
Despite there being no new studio recordings since 2013’s acclaimed ‘De ödeslösa’, Sweden’s Thyrfing have remained active on the tour circuit with appearances at the likes of Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze and Sweden Rock Festival, amongst many other shows. The lure of creating new music always remained however, and starting back in 2015, plans were made for what would become ‘Vanagandr’, the band’s eighth release.
Leaning heavily on the band’s ever-present connection with Norse Mythology, ‘Vanagandr’ (an alternate name for the wolf creature known by the more familiar Fenrir) is a celebration of the tales and stories of Scandinavia – the track ‘Undergångens länkar’ is a conceptual piece focusing on Vanagandr/Fenrir and a track that carries the spirit and hallmarks that make Thyrfing so unique.
‘Döp dem i eld’ is both the opening song on the album and the first video, one of two produced for the band by Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, Europe, Arch Enemy). A powerful, heavy, and aggressive track packed with groove and melody. Elsewhere ‘Träldomsord’ is regarded as possibly the band’s most intense song to date, whereas ‘Jordafärd’ closes the album in epic fashion – a mournful and moody longing for the end to come. The perfect way to end the album!
Co-recorded and co-produced by Jakob Herrmann (In Flames, Machine Head, Evergrey) in Top Floor Studios, Gothenburg, with the renowned Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, U.D.O., Katatonia) looking after the mix and mastering, all of which ensures at ‘Vanagandr’ sounds massive! The art concept was executed perfectly by Niklas Sundin of Cabin Fever Media (ex-Dark Tranquillity) who reconnects with the band once again (he also did the ”Vansinnesvisor” album back in 2002.)
‘Vanagandr’ is the first release via the band’s new record label, Despotz Records. Who recently also signed over the rights to the band's first four albums Thyrfing (1998), Valdr Galga (1999), Urkraft (2000), Vansinnesvisor (2002) and have announced exclusive physical re-issues are in the making.
Tracklist
| 1. | Döp dem i eld | 5:47 |
| 2. | Undergångens länkar | 6:44 |
| 3. | Rötter | 6:17 |
| 4. | Fredlös | 5:29 |
| 5. | Järnhand | 6:21 |
| 6. | Håg och minne | 6:00 |
| 7. | Träldomsord | 5:58 |
| 8. | Jordafärd | 6:58 |
Credits
License
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THYRFING emerged from the ever-growing underground scene in Sweden back in 1995. After seven full-length albums and numerous live performances all over the world, the band have gained a strong following over the years and an exquisite standing within the metal scene. The band is now about to start the production of their next album, scheduled to be released through Despotz Records in spring 2021.