Myrkur is a Danish black metal band led by singer Amalie Bruun. The project, which started as a solo endeavor, is known for its second-wave black metal sound. The name “Myrkur” is derived from an Icelandic word that means “darkness.” The music of Myrkur is influenced by traditional Scandinavian folk as well as the black metal genre. Over time, the project has evolved to embrace more folk music elements, particularly in the album Folkesange, which was released in 2020 through Relapse Records.
Initially, Bruun’s identity was kept a secret, but it has since been revealed. Throughout her career, Myrkur has released three full-length studio albums, a live album, and one EP, all of which have received significant critical acclaim.
Bruun formed Myrkur and signed with Relapse Records in 2014. She released her self-titled EP in September of the same year, on which she provided vocals, played all guitars and bass, and produced the album. Drums were performed by her friend Rex Myrnur. In 2015, Myrkur announced the release of her debut full-length album, M, which was produced by Kristoffer Rygg of Ulver and featured musicians from bands such as Mayhem, Nidingr, and Dodheimsgard.
In 2016, Myrkur released a live album called Mausoleum, recorded at the Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum in Oslo, Norway. The album featured acoustic and choral reinterpretations of her previously released material with the assistance of the Norwegian Girls Choir and Håvard Jørgensen, former guitarist in Ulver. Myrkur’s second full-length album, Mareridt, was released in 2017 and went on to win the non-fan-voted “Album of the Year” award at Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards in 2018. See more on their website.
