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 Voyager
Thyrfing Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Takes it's pain and sacrifice
To reach where I am destined
Takes an old man's life
With blood I soak my idols
With Pride I set my sails
I scan the furthest horizon
Mountains and caves of ice
Yet a new land to find
The voyager to be
In the search for an own empire
Onward towards the dark sea
Set sail along with the serpent
Anchor where none has been
Face whatever our fears might be
I fight the storms, the rain, the thunder
I am my own navigator
Exhaust, hunger thirst and blood
Dragons bringing me forth
Who could foresee
That the sea was so dark
Down here in my grave
Ends a young mans life
True men die in battle
To feast 'til the last of days
But down here in my grave
My roaring won't be heard
The song "The Voyager" by Thyrfing is an epic tale of a voyage across the ocean in search of a new land to call home. The first few lines are a reflection of the challenges and sacrifices required to embark on such a journey. The voyager is fully aware of the perilous nature of their mission and acknowledges the bloodshed and effort required to make it a success. The second verse talks about the constant scan of the horizon, always on the lookout for promising land. The voyage is long and arduous, and the sailor must face many challenges, including treacherous seas, bleak weather, and hunger. The last few lines of the song are a bit of a twist; the voyager reflects on the fact that even if they were to die, they would leave a legacy and be remembered as true men who died gallantly in battle.
Line by Line Meaning
To be blessed by an ocean
Being gratefully embraced by deep waters signifies pain and struggle as a key determinant.
Takes it's pain and sacrifice
The hardship and endurance demanded by a large body of water must be surrendered.
To reach where I am destined
Arriving at one's predestined position requires great commitment and sacrifice.
Takes an old man's life
Living old, after fulfilling duties gives way to fulfilment of one's divine designs.
With blood I soak my idols
Achieving success necessitates full immersion and sacrifice on behalf of one's idols.
With Pride I set my sails
Taking great pride in one's work and abilities is essential to achieving their goals.
I scan the furthest horizon
Concentrating attention and efforts on far-off destinations holds the most promise for victory.
For the shores I am aimed to find
Aiming high and being determined has a greater likelihood of leading to success.
Mountains and caves of ice
Overcoming challenging and inclement conditions is necessary in order to go on a journey.
Yet a new land to find
In pursuit of betterment, one must continue to seek out new frontiers.
The voyager to be
Striving for something that is worthwhile in order to attain fulfillment is a must.
In the search for an own empire
A carefully constructed realm that reflects one's ambitions should be pursued.
Onward towards the dark sea
The voyage begins in earnest after setting out to sea, which is a difficult journey towards the unknown.
Set sail along with the serpent
Navigating the ocean to reach one's goal requires strength and endurance.
Anchor where none has been
Exploring new territory requires persistence and courage like never before.
Face whatever our fears might be
Confronting issues which cause fear or dread, is essential to continue moving forward.
I fight the storms, the rain, the thunder
A great deal of bravery and endurance is demanded while grappling with the many challenges that are encountered along the way.
I am my own navigator
Individuals must have the qualities and direction necessary to succeed.
Exhaust, hunger thirst and blood
The journey is fraught with severe challenges such as exhaustion and injury, yet one must find a way to persevere.
Dragons bringing me forth.
The challenges that one faces on a voyage compel them to seek inner motivation to continue on.
Who could foresee
Sometimes, no expectations or predictions are possible.
That the sea was so dark
It can be difficult to anticipate how complicated and troublesome navigational waters can be.
Down here in my grave
The journey may come to an end sooner than anticipated, and may result in death.
Ends a young mans life
The end is inevitable, even for those who are young and vibrant.
True men die in battle
Dying in battle is a true reflection of the valour and bravery of the warrior.
To feast 'til the last of days
Living one's life to the fullest and committing to their goals, while they are able, brings true fulfillment.
But down here in my grave
When buried, it is clear that one's accomplishments are behind them.
My roaring won't be heard
Regardless of how much effort and courage an individual puts forth in life, their voice will be silenced when laid to rest.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HENRIK SVEGSJOE, JOAKIM KRISTENSSON, KIMMY SJOELUND, PATRIK LINDGREN, PETER LOEF, THOMAS VAEAENAENEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NeuralNetProcessor
The beginning of the second verse is pure savagery. Fuck, I'd kill to have seen these guys live.
Willem Dafuck?
Ridiculously good vocals.
Samara A
👍👍👍
ROO TREINLAVERY
🤘🏻.
Ahmed Miller
😮