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With their 2002 album "Vansinnesvisor", Swedish viking metallers Thyrfing took a step back from their intense keyboard driven sound of "Urkraft" (2000) and instead relied on a heavier, darker and more guitar oriented sound. I was not exceptionally amazed with the final result that time but with "Farsotstider" the band seems to have taken the time necessary to adapt to their new musical direction and their 5th album is no doubt one of the most impressive metal albums that have surfaced during 2005. It is extremely difficult to evolve and progress within such a limited genre but Thyrfing have managed to renew themselves with each new release, something that I appreciate greatly, being showered in music that sounds almost exactly the same each day. All lyrics have been carefully penned in their native tongue which further add to their unique personality as a band. This time Thyrfing occupied the working hours of producer Henrik Edenhed, a man who has previously worked with well-known acts like Lambretta, Kent and The Sounds, resulting in the most clear and massive sound ever in the history of the band. Despite this the raw nature and primal energy of their music has been preserved, not making the same mistake as many other extreme metal bands.
The keyboards are still present in the mix but they work more in the shadows and do not suffocate the rest of the instruments at any time. "Farsotstider" begins with three quite aggressive songs before "Höst" breaks through with its melancholic and somber atmosphere, revealing Thyrfing's Scandinavian origin very clearly. "Höst" is perhaps also the most folky track of the album. It is not a coincidence that this band has survived for ten years. They have worked hard to become who they are today and in the end it pays off. "Farsotstider" is the most impressive Thyrfing album to this day together with the majestic "Urkraft". If you are going to buy one single release this year, this should probably be it. Wonderful!
| Tracklist |
| 1. Far Åt Helvete |
| 2. Jag Spår Fördärv |
| 3. Farsotstider |
| 4. Höst |
| 5. Själavrak |
| 6. Elddagjämning |
| 7. Baldersbålet |
| 8. Tiden Läker Intet |
| 9. - |
: 48.19
| Buy other Thyrfing albums |
