Erika War Interview with Heri Joensen

Heri Joensen is the lead singer and driving force behind the internationally successful metal band Tyr. Tyr, from the Faroe Islands, is named after the Norse God of war and justice. As well as being the lead singer, Joensen plays guitar and writes 90% of Tyr’s music. Terji Skibenæs is the lead guitarist and Gunnar Thomsen is the bassist.  In April of this year, drummer Kári Streymoy reluctantly left the band due to a bad back injury sustained in 2008; constant touring had taken it’s toll out on him. George Kollias filled in for Kári on the seventh album, Valkyrja, set to be released this September on Metal Blade Records. As of today, Tyr has not officially chosen a drummer to replace Kári on their upcoming tour this fall with Finntroll, but have done one show with Amon Ellingsgaard filling in. Amon is the drummer for Heri’s side band, Heljarega, and the nephew of Kári. Tyr’s seventh album, Valkyrja is set to be released this September. I sat down to have a Skype chat with the incomparable Heri, whom I also have the extreme pleasure to call my friend.