Thyrfing

Thyrfing is a Swedish viking metal band from Stockholm, formed in 1995. It takes its name from Tyrfing, the royal sword of Norse mythology, and its lyrics and concept are built around northern mythology and the Viking Age.

Formation and early sound

The band begins as a side project for Patrik Lindgren and Jocke Kristensson, alongside Peter Löf on keyboard and Kimmy Sjölund on bass. Lindgren and Kristensson also focus on their other band, Pantheon, while the early Thyrfing material uses slow, heavy drums, guitars and medieval synth melodies. Its first two demo tapes receive a strong response in the underground scene.

Recordings and releases

Thyrfing signs to the Dutch label Hammerheart Records in 1997. Its debut album is recorded at Sunlight Studio in Stockholm and appears in 1998. The second album is recorded at Abyss Studios and moves toward a more symphonic style while staying close to the earlier material. Later releases include Urkraft, recorded again with Tommy Tägtgren, and Vansinnesvisor, recorded at Dug-Out Studio with producer Daniel Bergstrand. Vansinnesvisor features more experimental vocals, focused songs, keyed fiddle and home-made percussion, and mostly Swedish lyrics, and the band regards it as a significant step forward.

Live work and touring

For live performances, Henke Svegsjö of Winds joins on guitar and later becomes a full member. Thyrfing tours with Primordial and Shadowbreed in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and later plays support shows for Freedom Call and Dismember in Stockholm. It also performs at Generation Armageddon Festivals, tours Europe for 12 days, and appears on the main stages at 2000 Decibel in Sweden and Wacken Open Air in Germany. The band’s first US show is at Heathen Crusade metalfest in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where it appears with Moonsorrow and Primordial.

Line-up changes

In 2007, Thomas Väänänen and Henrik Svegsjö leave the band because of a lack of motivation. Jens Rydén, former vocalist of Naglfar, takes over vocals, and the group continues with one guitarist. The current listed members are Thomas Väänänen, Henrik Svegsjö, Jens Rydén, Joakim Kristensson, Patrik Lindgren, Peter Löf and Kimmy Sjölund.

Style

Thyrfing is associated with black metal, folk metal, metal, pagan metal and viking metal. Its early material is described as primitive, while later recordings add greater variety and more experimental elements.