Amalie Bruun’s ‘Spine’: A Myrkur Odyssey from Motherhood to Musical Evolution

Amalie Bruun, the creative force behind Myrkur, has consistently demonstrated a profound ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes. From the haunting realms of black metal to the ethereal strains of Scandinavian folk, Bruun’s journey is emblematic of music’s transformative power and the boundless potential of artistic exploration.

Emerging from the rich tapestry of Scandinavian music, Myrkur, led by Bruun, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of ethereal melodies and haunting sonic landscapes. The moniker “Myrkur,” derived from an Icelandic term meaning “darkness,” aptly encapsulates the project’s essence.

In 2014, Bruun formed Myrkur and subsequently signed to Relapse Records. On September 16th of the same year, she made her debut with a self-titled EP. Notably, Bruun was the driving force behind this EP, providing vocals, playing all guitars and bass, and even producing the album. The drums, however, were performed by her friend Rex Myrnur. This initial offering was a testament to Bruun’s musical prowess and set the stage for Myrkur’s future endeavors.

The reception to Myrkur’s unique blend of genres was, predictably, polarized. Traditionalists within the black metal community often viewed the project with skepticism, citing its divergence from the genre’s orthodox sound and ethos. However, many lauded Bruun’s audacity to challenge conventions and her ability to craft a sound that, while rooted in tradition, was refreshingly novel.

Beyond the confines of the black metal community, Myrkur garnered attention from a broader audience, drawing listeners from diverse musical backgrounds. This widespread appeal can be attributed to the band’s multifaceted sound, which, while anchored in black metal, transcends genre boundaries.

The subsequent year, 2015, saw the release of Myrkur’s debut full-length album, ‘M’. Produced by Kristoffer “Garm” Rygg of Ulver, ‘M’ was released on August 21st through Relapse Records. This album, while rooted in the black and gothic metal sound, showcased a rich tapestry of influences. It melded elements from various genres, including second wave black metal, atmospheric post-metal, gothic, darkwave, Scandinavian folk, and classical music.

Following the release of ‘M’, Bruun embarked on tours across the United States and Europe. However, upon her return to Denmark, she found herself tormented by nightmares and episodes of sleep paralysis. This period, which Bruun described as “one of the worst times of her life,” led her to document her dreams, using them as a wellspring of inspiration for her music.

Many compositions emerged from sessions on a small string instrument in a forest near her home, which served as both an escape and muse. The online abuse and death threats she received during this time further exacerbated her mental state. In July 2017, she released ‘Shadows of Silence’ as part of the Decibel Flexidisc series, a significant track as it was the first Myrkur song written and sung in English.

2017 marked a significant year for Myrkur. A video surfaced capturing Bruun’s ethereal rendition of the traditional Nordic folk song, ‘Gammelkäring.’ Set against the serene backdrop of a lakeshore in northern Denmark, her voice, accompanied by the ancient nyckelharpa, resonated deeply with a global audience. This overwhelming reception was a testament to Bruun’s deep-seated connection to her heritage, a connection nurtured during her formative years where folk melodies and Norse tales were integral to her upbringing.

The same year, Myrkur released ‘Mareridt’, its second studio album. Inspired by Bruun’s personal experiences and nightmares, the album showcased a noticeable shift in musical style. The recording process began with two weeks dedicated to capturing the strings and folk instruments in Copenhagen. Following this, the team flew back to Avast! Recording Co. in Seattle to record the rest of the instrumentation.

With an impressive repertoire of fifty songs, producer Randall Dunn assisted Bruun in curating the tracks, resulting in eleven songs for the standard version of the album and fifteen for the deluxe version. Dunn’s involvement was pivotal in shaping the album’s direction, focusing on Bruun’s voice and the multifaceted folk aspect she envisioned. The album utilized a plethora of instruments, from violins and organs to the nyckelharpa and mandola. Many of these instruments were played by Bruun herself. Additionally, Aaron Weaver of Wolves in the Throne Room was enlisted for the recording sessions, contributing to the majority of the drum tracks on ‘Mareridt’.

Upon its release, ‘Mareridt’ was met with widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 80, indicating “generally favorable reviews”. AllMusic’s Thom Jurek gave the album 4.5/5 stars, describing it as “a work of atavistic mystery, unflinching honesty, and balance.” He particularly highlighted the song ‘Ulvinde’, comparing it to Loreena McKennitt and Dead Can Dance. NPR Music likewise praised Bruun’s vocal performance in the track. Decibel noted the album’s unique blend of genres, while Metal Hammer lauded it as potentially “the finest metal album of 2017.”

In 2020, Myrkur unveiled its third studio album, ‘Folkesange’. This album marked a significant departure from the band’s previous black metal albums, venturing into the realm of folk music. ‘Folkesange’ comprises renditions of traditional Scandinavian music performed with period instruments, as well as original acoustic compositions. The first single from the album, ‘Ella’, was released on January 14th, 2020, setting the tone for the album’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.

Bruun’s reverence for her heritage permeates not just her music but also her personal ethos. The cover of ‘Folkesange’ is adorned with a painting by the renowned Norwegian artist Hans Dahl, a cherished heirloom bequeathed by her grandmother. This depiction of a young maiden in a bucolic setting resonated with Bruun’s cherished memories and her intrinsic connection to her lineage. Both her grandmothers played pivotal roles in nurturing her artistic vision, with one illuminating her path with tales of Icelandic sagas and the other fervently championing her musical pursuits.

However, Bruun’s journey with Myrkur has been anything but linear. From the visceral black metal influences of her debut album ‘M’ to the eclectic tapestry of sounds in ‘Mareridt,’ and culminating in the folk-centric ‘Folkesange,’ each album mirrors her personal and artistic metamorphosis. This evolution is deeply intertwined with her personal narrative. The birth of her son, Otto, and her ensuing journey into motherhood have indelibly imprinted upon her recent compositions. Songs like ‘Gudernes Vilje’ (‘The Will Of The Gods’) serve as poignant reflections, addressing her experience with miscarriage and the emotional odyssey that followed.

Bruun’s personal experiences deeply influenced the album. The feelings of disconnection and isolation, exacerbated by the challenges of new motherhood and the global pandemic, found an outlet in her music. The album became a therapeutic process, a means for Bruun to reconnect with humanity and the world around her. Her revelations about feeling “disconnected and isolated from the human race” and her desire to “feel a connection with the earth and humans” are poignantly reflected in the album’s tracks.

Furthermore, Bruun’s musical trajectory took another intriguing turn with the announcement of a new album, ‘Spine,’ set to debut on October 20th. The lead single, ‘Like Humans,’ showcases a departure from her previous styles, blending the dream-pop influences of bands like Cocteau Twins with the atmospheric essence of Slowdive. Yet, the underlying metallic resonance reminds listeners of Myrkur’s foundational roots. This album, recorded at Sigur Rós’ Sundlaugin Studio in Iceland with producer Randall Dunn, reflects Bruun’s personal experiences, especially the profound changes and emotions she underwent during the early years of motherhood.

The recording process for ‘Spine’ took place at Sigur Rós’ Sundlaugin studio in Iceland, with producer Randall Dunn at the helm. This collaboration was not new; Bruun and Dunn had previously worked together, their synergy evident in the final product. The album’s expansive sound, marked by a blend of lush textures and a sense of apprehension, is a testament to their combined artistic vision.

The title ‘Spine’ is emblematic of the album’s themes. It signifies growth, strength, resilience, and the core of our being. It represents the backbone that supports us, allowing us to evolve and rebuild. In essence, ‘Spine’ is an album that encapsulates the human experience, balancing moments of euphoria with the depths of despair.

While Bruun’s journey with Myrkur has been a tapestry of continuous evolution, her recent foray into motherhood has added a new dimension to her life and artistry. The release of ‘Folkesange’ is a significant chapter in this journey, but Bruun is savoring her new role as a mother, cherishing every moment before delving back into the demanding world of touring. As she poignantly articulates, “Right now, I truly am just a mother, ensconced in that nurturing cocoon.”

As Myrkur prepares to release ‘Spine’ via Relapse Records, available in various formats including CD, Vinyl, and digital platforms, the anticipation is palpable. The album promises to be another milestone in Myrkur’s illustrious journey, a testament to Amalie Bruun’s unparalleled artistry and her enduring commitment to musical exploration.

In summation, Amalie Bruun’s odyssey as Myrkur epitomizes the transformative alchemy of music and personal experiences. Her ability to meld diverse musical genres with deeply introspective reflections renders her a unique luminary in the contemporary musical firmament. As she continues to evolve, both as an artist and an individual, the world waits with bated breath for the next chapter of Myrkur’s enchanting tale.