Traipsing barefoot along a lush, green, Danish cliffside while gazing out onto clear waters, fog lazily rolls in across the setting sun. Day turns to night as a chill starts to settle in with whispering winds turning into howls.  Continuing to conjure majestic imagery of her homeland  while enamoring listeners with her enchanting vocals, multi-instrumental talents, and magickal compositions, Myrkur (Amalie Bruun) has created her fourth full length album, Spine.  Exploring and expanding in her sound, folk, black metal, traditional Scandinavian influence, synths, and classical instrumentation can all be found in this release.  The juxtaposition between aggressive drumming, guitars, and screamed vocals alongside choral harmonies and string instruments is a beauty unique to Myrkur.  Allowing her heart and passion to lead her in her music and drawing inspiration from her child, this album is emotional, moving, and a true work of art. 

Combining the elements and styles from previous releases while also growing her sound to create more dynamic and robust tracks, Spine elegantly teeters between the world of metal and folk while at times, incorporating the two simultaneously.  Musically aligning with the lyrics and themes of the album, Myrkur navigates the complexities of a mother and child relationship, the pandemic, and a world that seems to fester in fear and intensity.  Myrkur was once again joined by producer Randall Dunn in Sigur Rós’s Icelandic Sundlaugin studio to capture the raw emotions in Spine.  The album opens with a pure atmospheric folk track featuring an acoustic guitar, strings, and echoing vocalization harmonies that bring goosebumps before moving into the first single release “Like Humans.”  This piece perfectly combines heavier drumming and riffs with a catchy chorus and Myrkur’s crystal clear vocals ringing throughout.  Marching instrumental breaks create moments of suspense.  “Mothlike” is heard next which moves into a slightly new direction with an emphasis on synths and creating a sound almost akin to Imogen Heap before screams are heard and eventually, a tremolo picked guitar solo.

Diving deeper into this release, “Devil in the detail” adds some haunting, crawling tempos and tones building to a dreamy chorus.  Spine closes with “Menneskebarn” which sounds and feels like a lullaby for Myrkur’s child.  It is a beautifully comforting song, and a lovely way to calm down the earlier emotions felt and close in peace.  Each track on Spine is very unique and no two songs sound similar, yet, they all work together to weave a tapestry of fervor.  Some songs hold a more cinematic feel with classical string instrumentation, piano, and almost operatic vocals.  Others dive deeper into metal with blast beat drumming and distorted guitars.  Ever present are Myrkur’s passionate vocals that bring tears and chills.  Sprinkled in screams and moving between the two creates a balance that works perfectly.

Spine is an awe-inspiring addition to Myrkur’s discography that is not to be missed.  There is no holding back and the polished production offers new details to be discovered with every revisit.  The album is balanced excellently, gently tapping into various techniques while ushering listeners along.  The elaborative compositions are poetic and allow Myrkur’s array of talents to be consumed in every note.  Her passion is moving and admirable.  Each tearful listen offers a cathartic experience.  Whether that experience is on a walk in nature, a commute, or on the couch, it will be powerful.  Dive in headfirst and enjoy the journey.

— Angela

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Spine is available now on Relapse Records.  For more information on Myrkur, visit her official website.