The progressive folk/Viking metal outfit formed in 1998 in Denmark around the talents of Heri Joensen, Kári Streymoy, and Gunnar H. Thomsen. Joensen's brother Jón and singer Pól Arni Holm joined the group for its 2002 debut, How Far to Asgaard, but left soon after. New guitarist Terji Skibenæs replaced Jón and Streymoy's brother Allan took over vocal duties on the single Ólavur Riddararós. After Allan's departure, Heri took over lead vocal duties and the band began work on its breakthrough song cycle, Eric the Red. Inspired heavily by Norse mythology (the group is named after a Norse god of war), Eric the Red was originally released in 2003 on the regional Tutl label, but found international success when it was reissued by European giant Napalm. The blistering Ragnarok arrived in 2006, followed by Land in 2008 and By the Light of the Northern Star in 2009, all three of which helped earn the group accolades both local and international for its complex arrangements and keen ear for traditional Scandinavian-infused melody. ~ James Christopher Monger