Despite there being no new studio recordings since 2013’s acclaimed De ödeslösa, Sweden’s Thyrfing have remained active on the tour circuit with appearances at the likes of Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze and Sweden Rock Festival, amongst many other shows. The lure of creating new music always remained however, and starting back in 2015, plans were made for what would become Vanagandr, the band’s eighth release. The plans will finally come to fruition when the album is released on August 27!

Leaning heavily on the band’s ever-present connection with Norse Mythology, Vanagandr (an alternate name for the wolf creature known by the more familiar Fenrir) is a celebration of the tales and stories of Scandinavia – the track Undergångens länkar is a conceptual piece focusing on Vanagandr/Fenrir and a track that carries the spirit and hallmarks that make Thyrfing so unique.

Döp dem i eld is both the opening song on the album and the first video, one of two produced for the band by Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, Europe, Arch Enemy). A powerful, heavy, and aggressive track packed with groove and melody. Elsewhere Träldomsord is regarded as possibly the band’s most intense song to date, whereas Jordafärd closes the album in epic fashion – a mournful and moody longing for the end to come. The perfect way to end the album!

The album was co-recorded and co-produced by Jakob Herrmann (In Flames, Machine Head, Evergrey) at Top Floor Studios, Gothenburg, with the renowned Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, U.D.O., Katatonia) looking after the mix and mastering, all of which ensures that Vanagandr sounds massive! The art concept was executed perfectly by Niklas Sundin of Cabin Fever Media (ex-Dark Tranquillity) who reconnects with the band once again (he also did the Vansinnesvisor album back in 2002.)

Vanagandr is the first release via the band’s new record label, Despotz Records, Who recently also acquired the rights to the band’s first four albums Thyrfing (1998), Valdr Galga (1999), Urkraft (2000) and Vansinnesvisor (2002) and have announced that exclusive physical re-issues are in the making.