Ahead of their show supporting Sabaton at The Ritz in Manchester, we caught up with Týr’s frontman Heri for a quick chat.
Thanks for the interview – can you introduce yourself and tell me a bit about the band?
My name is Heri. I play guitar and sing in the band Týr from the Faroe Islands, and we play heavy metal.
You’re currently getting to the end of the UK tour with Korpiklaani and Sabaton – how’s it all gone?
It’s all been going quite well. Sabaton draw a large crowd and I think that we’ve played for a lot of people who have never heard our band before, which is a very good thing. Maybe some of them like us, and that’s good for us!
What’s been the best show so far?
The best show…well, that’s hard to say. In fact, it’s impossible! They’ve all been good.
You also played two shows without Sabaton in Bristol and London. What were those shows like in comparison?
Well there wasn’t as many people there of course, but we did get to play a longer set which is of course good for us. Also there was more people wearing Týr and Korpiklaani shirts at those shows, which I liked!
On a more general level, what do you like best about touring the UK?
Probably the amount of people everywhere. It’s a very densely populated country – well, at least the English part of it. It surprises me every time how many people there are. There’s always an incredible amount of people turning up!
Is there anything you dislike?
Well, it’s a bit like the US when it comes to backstages and catering for the musicians. It leaves a lot to be desired compared to places like France and Germany where they treat you like royalty every time. It’s not quite so luxurious over here, for example, not even close.
If you could play anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Many places! Australia…China…Japan…anywhere in Asia. Africa would be pretty fun too – our manager is from South Africa so he should be able to get a gig there at some time for us.
And further to that question, if you could play on your dream lineup what would it be?
Judas Priest, for definite. And then…I don’t know. Maybe Metallica and Iron Maiden, if Bruce and James behave! (laughs) Perhaps we could play at a big four show, and be the closer!
If you could choose an animal to represent the band, what would you choose?
A dragon.
That would be pretty badass. Why a dragon?
Because of the folklore.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I would like the ability to make more time. Or the ability to freeze time, with only myself moving, and I would do all the things that I’d never have time to do otherwise!
If you could replace the soundtrack in a movie with your music, what would you choose?
Can I choose a series? In which case, Vikings.
And finally what are your plans for 2015?
We’re going to make a new album and tour more!
How’s the writing been going so far?
I think it sounds very good.
What’s it like musically? Have you continued on from where Valkyria left off or are you doing something different?
It’s hard to say – it’s difficult to keep a bearing of that when you’re writing it. It’s easier to say after you’ve recorded it and listened to it! So I don’t know the answer to that right now! (laughs)
