J-Man
Viking Metal with a Twist
Týr is definitely an interesting band, and their second outing, Eric the Red is definitely an interesting album. While at its heart and soul this is a Viking metal album, Týr isn't comfortable with being just that. They incorporate power metal, prog, and traditional folk music influences into a traditional Viking metal sound. The result is something fresh and new, albeit somewhat lacking in consistency and coherence. Still, Viking metal is one of those genres that can either be really great or really cheesy. While Týr isn't up there with the greats, they are one of the few bands in the middle.
Eric the Red is a pretty good album if you like Viking metal mixed with power metal, folk music, and some minor prog influences. I can't say that I'm a particularly big fan of all these genres, but Týr combines these styles in an often seamless and accessible way, something that I applaud the band for doing. Not many bands can create a truly unique sound without being extremely incoherent and all over the place, and although Týr could use some improvement, they are generally consistent. Compositionally, Eric the Red is lacking a bit, and that's why my excitement with this album is somewhat stifled. Although their sound is developed and professional, many of the songs are surprisingly weak. They can simply become too trivial and boring, especially by the end of the album.
Eric The Red consists of 10 tracks and has a 60:16 playing time, which is much too long for this type of music. If you have the 2006 Napalm Records re-release (like I do), you get 2 bonus tracks (which are completely unnecessary) and the album has a ridiculous 70:31 playing time. The bonus tracks aren't very good, so I don't recommend wasting your time searching for the re-release. The album is extremely frontloaded, and all of the memorable tracks are at the front. The first two songs (The Edge and Regin Smiður) are superb, 4 star material, but from there the album progressively takes a downhill dive. By the end of the album all the songs sound the same and become extremely trivial. Not all of the songs are bad, but the album is just too long for its own good. If this were 35-40 minutes, and contained songs on par with the first two songs I would be much more enthusiastic.
Týr is a tight playing, talented unit. These guys are simply a joy to listen to, and I have no complaints in terms of musicianship.
The production is fantastic. Everything sounds clear and audible, without being so polished that there is no emotion or power. The production has a "punch", is clean, and is powerful, so there's nothing more I could ask from a metal album.
Conclusion:
Eric the Red is a good album, and comes recommended to people who like folk/viking metal with progressive and power metal influences. This is a flawed album compositionally, but I rarely give an album with great production, tight musicians, and an original sound less than 3 stars, and I won't make an exception here.