THE VIKINGS ARE COMING
Týr are embarking on their next adventure with their own record label and a brand-new album. In December, the Faroese musicians return to Switzerland with their melodic progressive folk metal anthems. Even on their tenth studio album, Týr remain open to new influences while staying true to their unmistakable Viking prog sound. Pack your drinking horns and get ready to sing along at the top of your lungs to old and new anthems alike.
Support Acts: Twilight Force, Dragonland, Vanaheim
After their appearance at the revived Paganfest at Z7 in January 2025, Týr wrote on their social media channels: “Pratteln! We’ve played your wonderful venue, Z7, so many times, but this was definitely the best time we’ve ever had there.” Die Buehrers.com were on site at Paganfest and summed up Týr’s performance as follows: “The majestic melodies and the powerful vocals of Heri Joensen completely captivated the audience. Particularly impressive was the way the band synchronised their multi-layered vocal harmonies with thunderous guitar arrangements. Songs such as ‘Blood Of Heroes’ ignited an enthusiasm that swept along both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The atmosphere during the show was electrifying and had the entire venue boiling over.” In December 2026, the band aims to top even that. Týr return to Z7 as the headliner of a premium folk metal package. With their unique blend of heavy metal and Faroese ballads, a melodic and harmonious take on folk/viking metal enriched with progressive influences, Týr have carved out a unique niche within the metal universe since their debut in 2002. One of the band’s defining features is their constant use of clean vocals and the complete absence of growls. On the Faroe Islands, this style has meanwhile become known as kvæðamálmur (ballad metal). Their themes are rooted in Norse mythology, with lyrics sung mostly in Faroese or English. Over the years, the band has taken their anthems all around the globe: they toured North America with Children Of Bodom and even set sail in true Viking fashion aboard the 70,000 Tons Of Metal Cruise. This year sees the release of the band’s tenth album – the first on their own record label. Earlier this year, Týr announced that they wanted to take complete control of their musical future so that the rights to their songs would remain 100% in the band’s hands forever. Their video podcast offers fascinating insights into the making of the new album. It’s well worth checking out.
Twilight Force: Fifteen years ago, six musicians in the central Swedish city of Falun set themselves a clear goal. Inspired by bands such as Stratovarius and Rhapsody, they wanted to make the heart of power metal beat stronger again while adding a more modern touch. Twilight Force wasted no time and, with their debut album “Tales Of Ancient Prophecies” (2014), transported fans into a magical world full of myths, adventures and heroic tales. Twelve years, three albums and a few line-up changes later, 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Twilight Force: “Brave knights, rejoice and celebrate. A new dawn is upon us. Twilight Force are proud and delighted to announce that a new and mighty alliance has been forged. Together with the steadfast label Napalm Records, we shall face new challenges and embark on a journey towards a bright and exciting future,” the band announced via their official channels. With the single “Magic Of A New Dawn”, the symphonic power metallers celebrate their newly signed record deal. Once again, this first taste of the upcoming album transports listeners into a fantastic world of mystical adventures, accompanied by the unmistakable Twilight Force sound. Keyboard player Blackwald says about the track: “Life is like a magical book, full of secrets, wonders, wisdom and unforeseen events. Trials and hardships sometimes appear when you least expect them. But whenever sorrow and adversity cross your path, remember that there is always hope and magic. Follow your destiny with persistence, steadfastness and courage. The prophecies will lead you to glory, and the power of the Ancient Force will always be with you!” Twilight Force have once again left no stone unturned in crafting one of the most overwhelming anthems power metal has ever heard.
Dragonland: For more than two decades, Dragonland have been one of the established names in the Swedish power metal scene. Formed in Gothenburg in 1999, the band attracted attention with their debut album “The Battle Of The Ivory Plains” (2001) and went on to establish themselves as an insider tip for fans of epic melodic and symphonic power metal with the follow-up albums “Holy War” (2002) and “Starfall” (2004). Combining catchy choruses, virtuoso guitar work and lavish keyboard arrangements, Dragonland create an atmospheric soundscape shaped by fantasy stories and mythical tales. Their concept album “Under The Grey Banner” (2011), based on an original fantasy saga created by the band themselves, is widely regarded by fans as a milestone in the group’s history. After a lengthy recording hiatus, Dragonland made an impressive return in 2022 with “The Power Of The Nightstar”, once again demonstrating their flair for grand melodies and cinematic arrangements. Rarely seen on tour, the band has long enjoyed cult status within the European power metal scene – making it all the more exciting that they can now be experienced live again, adding another highlight to this very special concert evening.
Vanaheim: The Dutch-Belgian-German band Vanaheim aim to bring back the golden age of folk metal and restore the genre to former glory. Their debut album “Een Verloren Verhaal” landed like a meteor in the scene in 2022 and was named “Album Of The Year” by several music journalists. The resulting hype took the band onto the stages of major European festivals such as Graspop Metal Meeting, Wacken Open Air, Wave Gotik Treffen and Milagre Metaleiro. They toured with genre veterans such as Manntra, Heidevolk and Ensiferum, and also appeared as support for Alestorm and Equilibrium. Vanaheim have worked hard to earn their place in the heart of the scene and are now ready to take the next big step. Following their success, the band signed with Fireflash Records, joined forces with MasterMoldMusic as their management team and found a trusted booking partner in RTN Touring. On 4 September 2026, Vanaheim will release their eagerly awaited second album, entitled “Roede voor de Borst”. It tells tragic, emotional and gripping stories of regret, despair, hope and redemption. With its compelling blend of symphonic heaviness, elegant folk-inspired melodies and earthy death metal riffs, “Roede voor de Borst” is not only the next step in Vanaheim’s career, but also takes epic folk metal to an entirely new level.
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