In 2018, when AMORPHIS invited MYRKUR as a special guest to their show at Helsingin Jäähalli, little did I know that this Danish solo project of the multi-instrumentalist, Amalia Bruun, would captivate me with their music. In 2020, MYRKUR took a fascinating turn in their artistic direction, presenting “Folkesange,” a stunning folk album that stood as one of the most impressive renditions of Scandinavian traditional music to date, showcasing Bruun‘s boundless versatility and a deep-rooted connection to her heritage. Now, in 2023, MYRKUR return with the impending release of their new album, “Spine,” which is slated to hit the shelves on October 20th, 2023, via Relapse Records.
I approached this release without any prior knowledge or having listened to any singles, leaving me uncertain about its direction – whether it would be a return to MYRKUR‘s black metal roots or a continuation of her work on “Folkesange.” What I discovered was that it defied these expectations, offering a unique blend of both worlds, while also adding unexpected elements at the same time. After an ambient introductory track predominantly featuring the nyckelharpa, Amalie dives into her well-known black metal ambiance in “Like Humans.” This song features ethereal vocals and subtle synth elements. “Mothlike” begins with her delicate voice accompanied by a piano soundscape, sending shivers down my spine. The track exhibits shades of the ’80s Goth scene, introducing poppy electronic elements as it progresses, resulting in an exceptionally catchy song. Towards the end, distorted riffs add a heavier edge.
The album continues with “My Blood Is Gold,” which opens with an eerie atmosphere, marked by an ominous piano and subtle strings. It emerges as perhaps the most emotional track on the record, with layered, emotive vocals. It evokes comparisons to the work of Enya‘s greatest hits but with a deeply rooted, Nordic melancholic edge. The title track introduces an Agnes Obel-esque vibe in its instrumentation at first, blending melancholy with a hint of uplift. Amalie‘s vocals gracefully complement the minimalistic piano melodies and chords, shifting between fragility and power. The song gains strength, incorporating some metal through guitars and compelling drum work.
“Valkyriernes Sang” sees Bruun revisiting her signature black metal sound with blast beats and distorted guitar riffs, a nostalgic nod for fans of her early work. Transitioning from a pop-infused song to a heavy, black metal-inspired track exemplifies the album’s remarkable ability to switch between different dynamics and juxtapose diverse sounds. Remarkably, these shifts don’t feel out of place, as MYRKUR‘s versatility is evident.
The black metal atmosphere persists in the introduction of “Blazing Sky,” but it mellows during the verses, adopting a simpler structure with almost psychedelic guitar melodies that contribute to an intriguing atmosphere. “Devil in the Detail” slows the tempo down significantly, reintroducing the winning combination of piano and ominous strings, complementing Amalie‘s vocals. The song adopts a progressive edge with compelling electronic rhythms. MYRKUR once again combines black metal and folk singing towards the end, crafting one of the album’s most intriguing compositions. It seamlessly moves between extremes, maintaining a cohesive feel throughout. The final track, “Menneskebarn,” provides a soothing conclusion to the album, featuring a simple acoustic guitar strumming pattern paired with MYRKUR‘s ethereal vocal performance. It’s a song that’s meant to linger, allowing the listener to reflect.
All-in-all, the album offers a captivating blend of genres, ranging from folk and black metal to new pop-infused elements, resulting in a collection of nine intricate yet mesmerizing songs. It may not cater to those who are resistant to exploring the expansion of the different subgenres of metal, but for those willing to embrace the richness of musical diversity, this album stands as a meticulously crafted piece, filled with dynamic shifts that deliver a powerful impact. MYRKUR has adeptly navigated a multitude of musical landscapes to create a harmonious whole in “Spine.”
Tracklist
1 – Balfaerd
2 – Like Humans
3 – Mothlike
4 – My Blood Is Gold
5 – Spine
6 – Valkyriernes Sang
7 – Blazing Sky
8 – Devil in the detail
9 – Menneskebarn
Lineup
Amalie Bruun – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, piano, organ, violin, nyckelharpa, percussion
Label
Relapse Records
