Swords, helmets and shields can be heard in the distance once more, as Danish warriors VANIR return with their new album, “Wyrd”. The record revolves around the timeless theme of fate - spun from war, from the choices of humankind, and from the consequences that have shaped our world. As a mirror of our own time, where decisions carry the weight of future destinies, “Wyrd” invites the listener into stories of downfall and triumph, of lives lost and victories won.
The visual core of the album is brought to life by artist David Troest, whose dramatic cover depicts the Winged Hussar, one of history’s most fearsome war machines. The scene is the legendary Battle of Vienna in 1683, where the Polish cavalry forced the Ottoman Empire to retreat, halting its expansion into Europe. This clash of civilizations forms the backdrop for the song “Never Surrender”, told through the eyes of those who defended Vienna from invasion.
But “Wyrd” is more than just a historical album. It is a musical journey into humanity’s struggle with power, destiny, and the eternal conflicts over survival and dominion. Vanir combine melodic death metal with epic storytelling, reminding us of that history always repeats itself, and that the choices we make today hold the seeds of tomorrow’s battles.
As one of Denmark’s most prominent melodic death metal bands, Vanir has forged its own take on epic for over a decade now, with history-themed melodic death metal, merging crushing riffs with tales of fate, battle, and myth. With “Wyrd”, the collective once again sharpen their steel and march onto the battlefields of history.
1. Against The Storm
2. Never Surrender
3. Braavalla
4. Boudica
5. Da Lammet Brød det 6. Segl
6. Helgrinidir
7. Mod & Ære
8. De Forbandede År
9. Nine