Rating: 7/10
Release: 12 April 2024
Label: Metal Blade Records

After releasing a live album and doing some extensive live work and holding the banner of Folk Metal high during the lockdowns, refusing to play the Spotify imaginary singles game, and generally being shining example of what it means to be Metal one would think that Týr’s newest album would also be representative of the respect they have gained and maintained throughout the years. However, their newest album Battle Ballads is moreso a high point in crowd pleasing power Metal with occasional overtures into symphonic metal and a much more watered down “Melodic Metal” approach (if such a vague umbrella term can ever be applied to something musically its this). It should be noted these Faroese metallers have never aimed to please the more extreme strains of Metal listeners, however this album takes their more happy and bouncy sensibilities to their furthest extreme so far. There are no real biting moments on the album but the music is catchy and well written, the technique, as always, is laudable, and the production is polished and for listeners with more sophisticated sound systems there is a great soundscape hiding below the surface.

Honestly, in the context of their live album, performing with orchestras in their home country, and other assorted live stunts make sense in the context of the unusual elements featured on this album. Týr’s music continues to evolve and make music that is more accessible to people coming into Metal from outside, and hopefully the band’s mindset off the stage will help bring in new initiates into Metal, perhaps even bringing in younger folks who don’t see the appeal in other Metal subgenres, but in terms of this album as something made by Týr, while sophisticated and well written, the heart and soul of their past releases is absent, and while this reviewer never thought their melancholic Hel would be missed, even that provides its own dark and sinister element to what is otherwise also a more toned down and relaxed album.

Listen to Battle Ballads if you find more extreme Metal music off-putting or are new to the music or if you are one of those Wind Rose or Sabaton fans that thinks their very newest albums are a high point for them. While this album will definitely be given a re-listen the older Týr albums will always be impressive shadows cast by this humble campfire within their seasoned discography. But the fire is warm for those who wish to stay a while and listen.

Tracklist

1. Hammered 03:24
2. Unwandered Ways 03:04
3. Dragons Never Die 03:01
4. Row 03:50
5. Torkils døtur 05:44
6. Vælkomnir føroyingar 04:15
7. Hangman 05:17
8. Axes 03:32
9. Battle Ballad 03:51
10. Causa Latronum Normannorum 05:38