Thyrfing

Formed in 1995, the Swedish black metal outfit Thyrfing brought together guitarist Patrik Lindgren, bassist Kimmy Sjölund, keyboardist Peter Löf and drummer Jocke Kristensson. Drawing profound inspiration from Norse mythology, the ensemble quickly produced an initial demo titled Solen Svartnar before adding vocalist Thomas Väänänen ahead of its second recording, Hednaland. The Dutch label Hammerheart soon signed the band, resulting in the self-titled debut LP appearing in early 1998. After finishing the 1999 follow-up Valdr Galga, Henke Svegsjö entered the lineup on second guitar. Urkraft surfaced the next year and became the first official U.S. release to reach stores simultaneously with its Swedish counterpart. Although a separate American band named Thyrfing issued a death metal single in 2002, the undaunted Swedes answered with the crushing Vansinnesvisor that autumn.