Myrkur – Spine (Relapse)

Friday, 27th October 2023 By Katarina McGinn

Rating: 8.5/10

Coming off of her last album back in 2020 with Folkesange, a release that jettisoned almost all of the black metal roots of Myrkur in favor of an entirely folk-driven affair, it was with some pleasant surprise to find out that Amelie Bruun would be back with more new material after she already delivered a soundtrack for the Royal Theatre of Denmark’s Ragnarok in June. Spine is another step forward for Myrkur, neither acting as a throwback to her earlier, more blackened releases nor an evolution of Folkesange. Something that makes it an entirely compelling release that sticks to the high standards Bruun’s creativity is known for at this point.

A personal album for Bruun, about both the happiness and tribulations that come along with childbirth, it’s easy to hear both of these themes emanating from Spine. There’s icy, cold elements that merge with more ethereal, soaring components that just hit in such a way that it makes you feel as if you are floating. “Like Humans” is a fine example of this dichotomy, coming in off the brief and melancholic (and somewhat Celtic) opener “Balfaerd,” it seems to move in whispers, with Bruun’s gentle vocals graciously building up alongside the music behind her, elevating it from the shadows into a soaring yet controlled chorus. “Mothlike” follows with some poppy electronics that merge with an almost old school gothic vibe that offers a real breath of fresh air that is bound to stick with you once it ends, as one of the album’s true standout tracks. The gloomiest moment goes to that of “My Blood is Gold,” a very bleak and emotive track that really pushes Bruun’s vocals to the forefront.

Those seeking some heavier moments will find them with “Valkyriernes Sang,” which feels the most ‘black metal’ of all of the cuts. Rousing blastbeats and buzzing riffs swirl around Bruun’s vocals, which appear as some of the most beautiful and angelic on the album, given the contrast behind her. The follow-up “Blazing Sky” also utilizes some blackish elements, but they are dripping in psychedelic riffing and melodies, giving the track a completely different feel than its predecessor. Things continue to ease off the gas pedal once again as the album comes to a close, with the final song “Menneskebarn” providing a genuinely tender lullabye that leaves the listener in a beautiful state of calm and has some of the most poignant lyrics of the album.

Spine is a very easy album to discuss, because each song truly feels different from the one before it. It’s an expansive album that still focuses on a unique theme of motherhood with sincerity and honesty. Bruun continues to impress with her ability to merge different sonic landscapes together into ways that feel fresh and invigorating.