On April 4, 2024, TÝR released their ninth full-length album, “Battle Ballads.” Having been in the Viking Metal scene for 26 years, the Progressive Folk Metal band hailing from Denmark certainly knows a thing or two about battles, and while this latest album doesn’t quite match the luster of previous efforts, it is still a solid offering.

Let’s cover the basics first: “Battle Ballads” is TÝRs shortest album to date, comprising ten tracks with a full runtime of 41 minutes. There has been one lineup since their last release. Hans Hammer (ASYLLEX) has joined, replacing Terji Skibenæson on guitar. The rest of the lineup remains the same. Production-wise, the engineering is great. It’s hard to get as far as TÝR has and not have a good command over the studio. The sound quality of “Battle Ballads” is as excellent as fans have come to expect.

Altogether, “Battle Ballads” is a good but not great album. It certainly is consistent, but it lacks the emotional impact and the technical inventiveness that has marked some of their best releases. And maybe that’s what happens after 26 years and nine studio albums. The album feels like a pause in momentum that signals something heavier coming in—like the drawback of the shoreline before a tidal wave.

As far as best tracks my picks are as follows. The opener, “Hammered.” This track is as heavy and aggressive as it is melodic. The lyrics are clever, and it is supported by an epic lead solo. I also like the multiple meanings of the title, including the tie in with their new guitarist. I also enjoyed “Hangman.” The baritone choral featured in the opening is spellbinding. Very harmonic as well as symphonic, this one. Last on my list is “Axes.” Nothing too innovative about this track, just a straightforward, hard-hitting . . . like an axe. The track is supported by a fun video which follows the exploits of an axe wielding, vengeance seeker. I also loved the ominous horn in the intro, especially with the cinematic footage in the video.

By my count, “Battle Ballads” completes the TÝR’s three-album deal with Metal Blade Records. In May the band also released a compilation album covering their Napalm years. So, it feels like a serious inflection point, especially as they clear the quarter century mark. I trust the band will take a deep breath and recommit to the fray.