{"id":10339,"date":"2016-08-15T18:51:05","date_gmt":"2016-08-15T16:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/powerofmetal.dk\/?p=10339"},"modified":"2016-08-15T18:51:05","modified_gmt":"2016-08-15T16:51:05","slug":"myrkur-mausoleum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsite.powerofmetal.dk\/reviews\/myrkur-mausoleum","title":{"rendered":"Myrkur – Mausoleum"},"content":{"rendered":"

The name Myrkur<\/strong> has stirred up positive or negative reactions depending on who you talk to.\u00a0 The positives focus on Amalie Brunn\u2019s<\/strong> project as a different take on black metal with newfound respect in breaking through an often minimalist sub-genre.\u00a0 The negatives focus on what I just referenced, not to mention the female aspect and her model looks.\u00a0 While this can be debated for ages, if we look at the music on it\u2019s own, it survives on it\u2019s own merits beautifully.<\/p>\n

Now what she\u2019s accomplished on her debut EP and her following debut album \u201cM<\/strong>\u201d, the talented project has unveiled a new release, and one that will most likely continue to polarize either side of the Myrkur<\/strong> debate.\u00a0 Brunn<\/strong>, accompanied by the Norwegian Girls Choir<\/strong> and ex-Ulver<\/strong> guitarist H\u00e5vard J\u00f8rgensen <\/strong>on the acoustic guitar present a live interpretation of tracks mostly from the debut album.\u00a0 The performance was captured in the Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum<\/strong> in Oslo, Norway.\u00a0 Leave it to Brunn<\/strong> to think outside the box with this location.\u00a0 The fantastic idea of this setting plays to the overall dark atmosphere of the music, with the stripped-down instruments (Brunn<\/strong> also plays piano on this album) and backing choir giving new life to the songs.<\/p>\n

\u201cVoelvens Spaadom<\/strong>\u201d is an absolutely haunting way to start the release.\u00a0 \u201cJeg Er Guden I Er Tjenere<\/strong>\u201d gives off a beautiful piano\/vocal duel while \u201cSkoegen Skulle<\/strong>\u201d is angelic sounding despite Myrkur\u2019s<\/strong> usual foray into the darker aspects of metal and atmospheric music.\u00a0 The piano works especially well in developing the ambiance in this particular track.<\/p>\n

The one track that fans would probably anticipate hearing the most is \u201cOnde Boern<\/strong>\u201d.\u00a0 The single from \u201cM<\/strong>\u201d resonates in a totally different way than the studio version, with the simplistic two instrument arrangement adding new haunting depth to an already excellent song.\u00a0 Also of note is the Bathory<\/strong> cover \u201cSong To Hall Up High<\/strong>\u201d, which has become a staple of the live shows. The song is given a Myrkur<\/strong> rebranding, and it\u2019s new twist on the old classic from the black metal pioneers is most welcome.\u00a0 It shows how a cover should be done; reinvent and don\u2019t take the safe approach of mirroring the song.<\/p>\n

While most performances on this release are from the aforementioned debut album, \u201cDen Lille Piges Doed<\/strong>\u201d comes from a digital single released almost a year ago (and what a song it is!), and \u201cFrosne Vind<\/strong>\u201d is included from the debut EP.\u00a0 Both songs are represented beautifully and fit in perfectly with the rest of the performances.<\/p>\n

The almost half-hour of music on this release gives us the perfect amount of time to fully encapsulate the live Myrkur<\/strong> acoustic experience without becoming too overly involved and spaced-out.\u00a0 It\u2019s ambiance is amazing and passionate, and the emotion contained in the output is spellbinding and breathtaking to behold.\u00a0 Where most live releases can come across as lacking punch and are at times watered-down, this experience gives off an intimate vibe that pairs well with the location of the recording.<\/p>\n

So until new material is released, this will hold a special place in the Myrkur<\/strong> catalogue as the latest release.\u00a0 While new music would be excellent to hear at this point, this reinvention of sorts is a great way to rediscover Brunn\u2019s<\/strong> subtle yet fully-encompassing and passionate performance qualities, both for current fans and new listeners discovering what the hype is all about.\u00a0 So put aside the discussion as to her place in the metal world and just enjoy some great music.<\/p>\n

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Tracklist:<\/strong><\/p>\n

01. Voelvens Spaadom
\n02. Jeg Er Guden I Er Tjenere
\n03. Skoegen Skulle Doe
\n04. Byssan Lull
\n05. Den Lille Piges Doed06. Frosne Vind
\n07. Onde Boern
\n08. Song To Hall Up High
\n09. Dypt I Skoven<\/p>\n

Playing time:<\/strong> 27:23<\/p>\n

Release date:<\/strong> 19 August, 2016<\/p>\n

Label:<\/strong> Relapse Records<\/p>\n

Website:<\/strong> Myrkur Official Website<\/a><\/p>\n