Myrkur: Folkesange

If you go online and look up Amalie Bruun or Myrkur, you are just as likely to find just as much criticism as you are praise. The reasons for the divided emotions are complex and not easily summarized, but it’s fair to say that not everyone knows quite how to think about Bruun’s musical project, especially since she has frequently released music that defied the conventions of black metal in ways that raised more ire than horns. Even though some of this criticism has often been quite harsh, Bruun has never backed away from her general musicial ambitions.

On this album, Myrkur turns away from the black metal structures she has challenged in favor of focusing on the scaled back pagan folk she remembers from her childhood. If that sounds like an ego-project to you, think again. This is not a vanity project or an exercise in nostalgia. Yes, it’s introspective and personal, but it is also fresh and exciting in ways that should resonate with most listeners. Fans who like Bruun’s beautiful and clear voice will find plenty to enjoy here, while others will love the subtle and entrancing power of traditional instruments. I liked both and thought they were perfectly balanced from start to finish. If you listen to this album, there’s a good chance that you will also be carried away by its overall breadth and beauty.

Bruun has long been a vulnerable performer, but this album takes that quality to a whole new level. The music simply bucks convention. Some listeners will probably compare it to the new age music of the late 90s, especially the kind that also played with folk music, its sound, style, and instrumentation. But this is not that; this is something new. Yes, it’s familiar and yes, it’s soothing, but it’s more than just music that wafts in and out of consciousness. It’s a moment of calm in the midst of an international crisis and it’s a strong set of songs listeners can enjoy in many different settings. Fans of Heilung will want to know that Christopher Juul contributed his talents to the album even though the music is quite a bit different than Heilung’s music.

Even if you’ve resisted Myrkur in the past, this is an album worth your time. It’s calming, beautiful, and introspective. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Ella
2. Fager som en Ros
3. Leaves of Yggdrasil
4. Ramund
5. Tor I Helheim
6. Svea
7. Harpens Kraft
8. Gammelkäring
9. House Carpenter
10. Reiar
11. Gudernes Vilje
12. Vinter

Added: April 15th 2020
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1235
Language: english

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