OUTBURN ONLINE
April 22, 2021
The Viking age has always been an important central theme in the evolution of modern metal. This thematic relationship between ancient Vikings and metal music was solidified in the ‘70s. It was around this time that artists like Led Zeppelin and Heavy Load – the first Swedish heavy metal band – tackled Viking-related themes in their songs while establishing the stylistic roots of heavy, power, and Viking metal. While these bands remain influential among metal artists today, no other prolific band in the ‘70s was more overtly inspired by the Viking age than Thor.
The band’s main attraction was their frontman, former Mr. Universe, Mr. USA, and Mr. Canada, Jon Mikl Thor. The band’s discography itself contained only allusions to Vikings. However, Thor’s heavily-muscled frame, long blonde hair, and stage antics that included breaking concrete bricks and bending steel, set the stage for glam rock and Viking metal theatrics. Throughout the ‘80s, acts like Thor, Yngwie Malmsteem, and Led Zeppelin pulled metal more and more towards Viking-inspired stories and themes.