December 28th, 2013 - The Final Sleep Over Of Thrym

Good evening!  The Meista here pairing Týr's "The Lay Of Thrym" with a Sleep Over Coffee Imperial India Pale Ale (IIPA) from To Øl out of Denmark in collaboration with Mikkeller!

Released in 2011, "The Lay Of Thrym" is the 6th full-length, studio album by Faroese Viking/folk/power metal band Týr.  Along with other Viking themes and motifs, thematically, the album pays homage to one of the best known poems from the Poetic Edda, called "Þrymskviða" ("The Lay of Thrym").  In Norse mythology, Þrymr (Thrym, meaning "uproar") was king of Jötunheimr and stole Thor's hammer Mjölnir.  The album cover portrays Thor defeating Thrym and retrieving Mjölnir.  Týr pays tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio as well, covering two songs: "I" from Black Sabbath's "Dehumanizer" and "Stargazer" from Rainbow's "Rising."  As with other albums by the band, frontman Heri Joensen provides the majority of lyrics and music.  Týr also performs a traditional Danish/Faeroese folk song, "Konning Hans" on the album.  Musically, "The Lay Of Thrym" is a driving monster of a power metal album!  With an almost otherworldly sound, Týr down tunes their instruments, making major keys sound more like minor keys.  At times aggressive and at other times beautifully fluid, "The Lay Of Thrym" is a masterfully crafted and delivered metal album!  Sadly, this would be the final album with long-time drummer Kári Streymoy, who would be replaced by the very capable and talented Amon Djurhuus.
Sharp and biting like Joensen's guitar work or a Viking blade, Sleep Over Coffee IIPA is a big, bitter, beastly brew!  It pours a murky copper with a 2-3 finger, frothy, off-white head with excellent sustain and lacing.  The nose is a strong blend of bitter hops and more subtle coffee notes.  Being an Imperial IPA, the flavor is huge and the ABV is nothing to shake a stick at either.  Coming in at 10.5% ABV along with very bitter hop notes, this is a very strong, very sharp beer.  Like Týr's driving guitars, bass, and drums, the Sleep Over Coffee IIPA is something that makes you take notice!  You need to sit down and pay attention to both!  Check out all the great brews from To Øl at http://to-ol.dk/home/! 

Skál!!!