Thyrfing was formed in 1995 by Patrik Lindgren (guitar), Jocke Kristensson (drums), Peter Löf (keyboard) and Kimmy Sjölund (bass guitar). From the beginning, the band was meant to be a side project, as Patrik and Jocke put their main focus into their other band, Pantheon (not to be confused with the American National Socialist black metal band of the same name). Northern mythology and the Viking age was an interest of all the members, so the lyrics and the concept was focused upon this subject. The music was rather primitive and built upon slow pounding drums, heavy guitars and medieval synth-melodies. After two demo tapes that gained a lot of positive response in the underground scene, Thyrfing signed to the Dutch record label Hammerheart Records in 1997.
In Stockholm's Sunlight Studio in , their debut album was recorded, showing a much more varied songwriting. The album was then released in March 1998. For their second album, this time recorded in the Abyss Studios, their music took on a more symphonic approach, still keeping with the roots from the older material. For future live performances, Henke Svegsjö from Winds was recruited on guitar. He was regarded as a good choice, and nowadays he is considered a full-member of the band. Once again with Tommy Tägtgren, Urkraft was recorded and released in August 2000. During that same year, the band also held two mini-tours with Primordial and Shadowbreed throughout The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
In the autumn of 2001, the band entered Dug-Out Studio with well-known producer Daniel Bergstrand to record the most diverse and mature Thyrfing-album to date, Vansinnesvisor (English: Songs of Madness). The album was released in July the following year, masterly-packaged by Niklas Sundin, and was considered a big step forward for the band. With more experimental vocals, distinct and focused songs, odd instruments such as keyed fiddle and home-made percussion, and with a majority of Swedish lyrics, the band won new fans and rooted their position within the genre.
To support the album, Thyrfing played two support gigs during the winter (for Freedom Call and Dismember) in Stockholm, and did a small headliner tour in Benelux with Cruachan and Shadowbreed.
2003 followed with further live-promotion, such as the Generation Armageddon Festivals (including Ancient Rites, Septic Flesh, Primordial, Blood Red Throne and Skyfire), a 12-day European tour throughout Europe, and performances on the main festival stages of 2000 Decibel in Sweden and Wacken Open Air in Germany.
Thyrfing entered EMI studios on April 18, 2005 to record their new album, Farsotstider ("Times of Plague"), which was released on November 21, 2005.
The band played their first US show in January 2006 alongside Moonsorrow and Primordial at the Heathen Crusade metalfest in Columbia Heights, Minnesota.
On March 13, 2007, the band posted a message on the official Thyrfing-site declaring that Thomas Väänänen (vocals) and Henrik Svegsjö (guitars) had decided to leave the band due to lack of motivation. Instead of Thomas, founder and ex-vocalist of Naglfar, Jens Rydén, is currently handling the vocals. The band also decided to continue with one guitarist.
The Slumber of Yesteryears
Thyrfing Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It lies slumbering at the bottom of a deep, dark lake
Hidden in the woods of my time
There was no path to follow, but I found my way
I had been lost for long
Forlorn in the woods I knew so well
I didn't quite know what I was looking for
I couldn't see a way to this place
But from where I stand now I can see it all.
I can see how bright the stars shine at night.
I can see how the sun wakes life from it's slumber
And I see how the snow cradles it back to sleep again.
I see my way back home but
I never want to leave this place.
The lyrics to Thyrfing's song "The Slumber of Yesteryears" are open to interpretation, but a possible interpretation is that the song is about rediscovering a lost connection to one's past and the natural world. The first verse suggests that the past is not truly gone, but only obscured and forgotten. The image of a slumbering lake speaks to the idea that memories and histories can remain hidden until the right moment brings them to the surface.
The second verse describes the singer's journey to rediscover their connection to the past and the natural world. The line "There was no path to follow, but I found my way" suggests that this journey was a personal and individual one. The references to being lost and forlorn in the woods suggest a sense of disconnection or alienation from one's surroundings. However, the singer ultimately finds what they were looking for, though it is left ambiguous whether they actively sought it out or if it found them.
The final lines of the song express a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world, suggesting that the singer has rediscovered a sense of connection and belonging. The line "I see my way back home but I never want to leave this place" suggests that the singer has found a sense of rootedness and peace that they do not want to leave behind.
Overall, "The Slumber of Yesteryears" can be read as a meditation on the importance of rediscovering our connections to our past and the natural world, and the sense of belonging and harmony that can result from doing so.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterday never died it just went into hiding
The past never truly disappears; it only becomes obscured or forgotten.
It lies slumbering at the bottom of a deep, dark lake
The memory of the past is buried and out of reach, like an object submerged underwater.
Hidden in the woods of my time
These memories exist within the depths of the individual's personal history and experiences.
There was no path to follow, but I found my way
The individual had to pave their own way and chart their own course.
I had been lost for long
The individual had been searching for a long period of time, unsure of where to go or what to do.
Forlorn in the woods I knew so well
Despite familiarity with their surroundings, the individual still felt lonely and without direction.
I didn't quite know what I was looking for
The individual was uncertain of their goal or destination.
But still I found it or did it find me?
Despite ambiguity, the individual ultimately arrived where they needed to be-whether it was due to fate or resilience.
I couldn't see a way to this place
The individual had no clear vision or guidance to reach their destination.
But from where I stand now I can see it all.
In hindsight, the individual gains a better perspective and understanding of their journey and experiences.
I can see how bright the stars shine at night.
The individual recognizes and appreciates the beauty and magic of the world around them.
I can see how the sun wakes life from it's slumber
The individual understands the cyclical nature of life, including its rhythms and cycles of birth, death, and renewal.
And I see how the snow cradles it back to sleep again.
The individual is attuned to the natural patterns of the world, including winter and the hibernation of life.
I see my way back home but
The individual knows the way back to their origin or starting point, but is hesitant to leave the magic and wonder of their current destination.
I never want to leave this place.
The individual has found a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment in their current situation or location, and is reluctant to leave.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HENRIK SVEGSJOE, JOAKIM KRISTENSSON, KIMMY SJOELUND, PATRIK LINDGREN, PETER LOEF, THOMAS VAEAENAENEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Josh McElfresh
Now I just want to dance around with a wooden mug filled with mead! Great song
TotalCondemnation
The melody at 2:19 is a godamn killer! \m/
IraLovesYou
one of my fav songs ever!
Nicolás Pizarro
So good. Brings back memories.
wiilinker41
I found this song, liked and immediatly download their entire discrography =') Thyrfing Heerscht!
cameron cole
In reality, downloading music that demands no price is like having bands, especially Thyrfing's, pit-pocketed by the music-downloading hands. I understand this too well, for I too am in a viking metal band. HAIL TO THE MODERN VIKINGS! =-)
Denise Elauria
EPIC. Hail Thyrfing!!!
Flagellator1974
100% genius
Manimalon 515
This song kicks ASS! my favorite from Urkraft!
CVLTSHIT
Its epic!