I honestly don't understand why metalstormers are giving this album such a low rating (low for a Tyr album, that is). This is the epitome of progressive, the epitome of epic and the title track 'Land' (16 minutes of intensity) is amongst the greatest progressive songs of all time! The title track is the highlight for me, Sinklars Visa is an instant classic, and i really enjoy the re-make of Hail to the Hammer. MUCH better than the old version of the song. I admit, that this album is an acquired taste even for a seasoned progressive metal fan such as as myself. It took me severl listens to fully appreciate some of the songs that don't jump out at you straight away.

Written by HeathenHeart on 03.07.2013 at 11:33

I honestly don't understand why metalstormers are giving this album such a low rating (low for a Tyr album, that is). This is the epitome of progressive, the epitome of epic and the title track 'Land' (16 minutes of intensity) is amongst the greatest progressive songs of all time! The title track is the highlight for me, Sinklars Visa is an instant classic, and i really enjoy the re-make of Hail to the Hammer. MUCH better than the old version of the song. I admit, that this album is an acquired taste even for a seasoned progressive metal fan such as as myself. It took me severl listens to fully appreciate some of the songs that don't jump out at you straight away.

I just started listening and I totally get the ratings. I think you hit all the best points of this album, but beyond that it is really underwhelming. On the other hand, sometimes MS ratings don't line up with how we see things. There are a couple bands ratings on here I don't understand. It really does give you an "average" sense of things and coming in out of nothing I hit that average. But if you're someone following along over time or really into prog metal it may hit you different.

Sinklars Visa is one of their best songs though.

Sinklars Visa is a cover taken from the Traditional Kvaedi dance book. The song explains the Faroes as a land of 18 Islands full of Viking history and ancients legends

Great album. Tyr gives me, a non viking, a very good idea of what being a viking would be like.