THYRFING: Vanagandr Full-Length From Swedish Viking Metal Veterans Out Now And Streaming Via Despotz Records

August 27, 2021 Infrared Magazine Music News, News, Press Releases Comments Off

Photo by Jens Rydén

Swedish Viking/pagan metal veterans THYRFING today release their long-anticipated new full-length, Vanagandr, via Despotz Records.

Despite there being no new studio recordings since 2013’s acclaimed De Ödeslösa, THYRFING has 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 and festivas. The lure of creating new music always remained and in 2015, plans were made for what would become Vanagandr, the band’s eighth studio release.

Leaning heavily on the band’s ever-present connection with Norse Mythology, Vanagandr — an alternate name for the wolf creature known as 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!

Vanagandr was co-recorded and co-produced by Jakob Herrmann (In Flames, Machine Head, Evergrey) at Top Floor Studios, in Gothenburg, Sweden with renowned producer/engineer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, U.D.O., Katatonia) looking after the mix and mastering. The art concept for Vanagandr was executed by former Dark Tranquillity guitarist Niklas Sundin of Cabin Fever Media who reconnects with the band once again (he did the Vansinnesvisor album back in 2002).

The record serves as the band’s first release through 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), and Vansinnesvisor (2002). Exclusive physical reissues are in the making.

Stream **THYRFING’s Vanagandr at THIS LOCATION.**

View THYRFING’s previously released videos for Järnhand HERE, “Jordafärd” HERE, and “Döp dem i eld” HERE.

Vanagandr available on CD, LP, and digital formats. For physical orders go to THIS LOCATION. For digital orders go HERE.

THYRFING emerged from the ever-growing underground scene in Sweden back in 1995. After seven full-length albums and numerous live performances worldwide, the band stands among the most revered of the Viking/pagan metal genre and 2021 will prove that THYRFING are so much more with a truly outstanding and self-contained musical offering.

Monikered in honor of the sword “Tyrfing” in Norse mythology, a cursed blade that appears in several tales and myths, mythology has played a profound role in the scenery and imagery of THYRFING’s music and lyrics, something which is still intact in 2021.

“Döp dem i eld” (Baptize Them With Fire) is the first single and video from their upcoming album, Vanagandr. The track is as punishing as it is groovy, with just the right amounts of folk influences.” — Metal Injection

“If Insomnium leaned a little bit away from doom metal and little bit towards black metal and folk metal, the results would probably sound an awful like ‘Jordafärd.’ The second single from THYRFING’s first album in eight years, Vanagandr, is heavy, epic, emotional, cinematic, and evocative.” — Metal Sucks

“…a visceral thriller… The chiming and rippling guitars are anchored by spine-shaking rhythms, and the persistently scorching vocals give the music a fuel of primal savagery.” — No Clean Singing on “Järnhand”

“Epic and powerful; pagan and Viking…” – Blessed Altar

“…darker than before, while also a lot more mature, but their folk and Viking roots are very noticeable and not at all drowned out in the blackened metal sound. Another fantastic release…” – Metal Exposure

“All their classic elements are present, but wrapped around a more elegant and introspective package, making this release fresh and exciting while familiar as well.” – Infernal Masquerade

“…a potent offering and a strong next step for the Vikings in THYRFING… embracing the plodding crush of Vanagandr is a must for any pagan metal devotees.” – Two Guys Metal Reviews