Video Review: Tyr - Hold the Heathen Hammer High

I have to give Tyr a lot of credit: despite what was no doubt a small budget and a bit of self-conscious acting, when they decide to make a video, they pretty much go all out. Never mind that the video is full of more rock god poses than a mid-80s Motley Crue video, that their drummer looks like he could be a replacement from any one of a 1,000 generic death metal bands, or that their bassist is using an instrument done up in a sparkly finish: these guys know how to make a fun video. Here they bring you such visual delights as four guys in armor with swords and axes, rocking out on board a Viking longship, and - no doubt for the benefit of anyone looking to piss off conservative friends or family - hacking down and burning a cross, all to the delightful soundtrack that is "Hold the Heathen Hammer High." Watch it: as over the top as it is, this video is a great part of why it's great to love metal.